Welcome to the Carpetguru's question and answer forum. I used to try and answer questions by email, but the volume of email has increased to the point to where I was answering many of the same questions. By using this forum, I hope to answer your questions as well as creating a sense of community. Here you can ask the guru any questions concerning carpet, carpet pad, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and hardwoods.
Also, if you have an installation question or problems I will discuss it with you here for all to see. To Reach the latest comment click on the comment link below, and then when the screen changes, click on the newest. If you are having trouble reading this blog you can leave a comment at www.facebook.com/carpetguru.CarpetClassics
Thank You,
Jim
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«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 2568 Newer› Newest»Dan,
You may have a problem with you warranty if you install over "used" pad. The rubber pad may look good, but the traffic areas are more worn than the non traffic areas. Placing new carpet over this pad could result in those same traffic areas showing up sooner than usual in the new carpet. If you plan to live in the home more than a few years, replace the pad.
Good Luck,
Jim
Carpetguru,
My wife and I have been looking for a Berber for our living room and unfortunately we do not have many options outside of Olefin products. We found a really nice piece made from Shaw’s Comfortouch Olefin. This particular product is mentioned on your carpet fiber page. Could you please tell me a little more about your experience with this material? In particular, we are concerned that Comfortouch will mat and attracted oil stains like standard Olefin. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Marc Michael
Frostburg, MD
Marc,
Comforttouch olefin has been scrubbed of the normal oils that are left on regular olefin during manfacturering. Thus, soil is less likely to stick to this fiber.
Also, it is a fine denier fiber, and thus wears better while feelng softer than regular olefin.
The two ply loop berber construction of the comfortouch series makes it a best buy.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello. I have a customer who needs her old Wool carpet reinstalled in her basement. She is telling me that Wool carpet is stretched in differently than Nylon carpet, Is this true or is she misinformed. thanks, Phil
Phil,
The construction of the carpet is more inportant than the fiber. High quality wool is often made in a woven construction rather than a tufted construction. The woven construction does require a more talented installer who owns and uses a power stretcher to install. Woven carpet often only stretches in one direction, and thus is more difficult to install.
Good luck,
Jim
thanks for the info. Your right of course about the different methods of weaving/tufting. Its been a long time since i stretched a piece of woven carpet. I thought something had changed when she told me that. I do have a stretcher,not used much any more, now i do mostly Stone, Tile or Wood. Thanks again Phil.
I would appreciate your opinion on 2 different carpets that I have picked out for my house. I have 4 boys, 2 cats and a dog. Both are Shaw carpets that look like a frieze. The 1st has a face weight of 73.10, twist 7.94, density of 2892 and PAR 3.8. The 2nd has a face weight of 48.8, twist 7.0, density 1910 and Par 4.25. I have found them at a local carpet store and at Home Depot. The first costs $68.50 to $42.75/yard. The 2nd costs $45.50 to $29.75/yard. The higher price is from the regular carpet store and the cheaper from Home Depot. The regular carpet store owner said that he could not give me the carpet at the same price as Home Depot but he would discount it. The installation at the regular carpet store is $6.50/yard and $199.00 for an entire house at Home Depot. I plan on carpeting just about my entire house so approx. 125 square yards worth. Going with Home Depot would save me alot of money but I am worried about using them after reading some of the blogs posted on this website. Please guide me if possible as this is a huge decision for me. Thank you so much for your time. Sherri
Sherri,
There must be a dealer in your area who is more competitive with HD. Also, does the dealer price and HD price both include moving furniture, pull up, disposal, etc. Furthermore, I'd make sure both HD and whatever dealer you find, figure the same amount of carpet (within 4 or 5 sq yds). Get a total price from each with a list of what their service includes.
If your dealer is still not competitive, find another dealer.
Good Luck,
Jim
I'm looking for two area rugs, made of sheepskin, square design 12.5 x 13.5 and 12.5 x 9.5, chocolate in color. Do you have a source to recommend? The size is too large for those manufacturer's I've contacted. Second best option is Shaw, My My My in Coffee Bean but my local contact does not offer custom sizes.
Jim,
The price from the dealer and from HD does not include removal of old carpet, disposal or moving furniture. We plan on doing that ourselves. Which carpet sounds more durable to you? Or do you think they sound comparable? I am leaning towards the $29.75 frieze from Home Depot. I have been unable to find any negative discussions online about HD's installation in my area. I plan on asking HD if they can provide me with a list of references that I can call to see how their install is. Do you think this sounds okay or should I forget HD altogether and check another carpet dealer? Thanks for your time.
Sherri
You still should get a "total complete" price from the dealer and from HD on the same piece of carpet if possible. Only then can you make a choice.
I'd check Angie's list for dealers in your area.
Good luck,
Jim
Debra,
I am not able to keep track of the area rug business. Thus, I cannot answer you question with any clue.
Good luck,
Jim
I found 2 carpets I love at local carpet place, but I can't find any information about them on-line. I suspect that they might be discontinued - if that is true, is that a problem?
The first is Hollytex Luxury Collection style Forbidden Love - I've found lots of Hollytex on-line but not Forbidden Love. I want to use this in my dining room and 14 step stairway - is this a good carpet for a stairway?
Second is Shaw's Great Rooms Texture - again, lots of Shaws on-line but not Great Rooms Texture. Supposed to be a "good value", but I liked it because it was so soft and I liked the colors.
Are these "good" carpets that are readily available (I live in Oregon). I wanted to read about them on-line just because I feel a little more comfortable. No other carpet store in town carries these, which is why I am suspicious.
I would suspect that many carpet dealers in Oregon, just like any other dealer in other States, have private labeled their samples. This is why you will not find the carpet online under the dealer's private label name. This is especially true of dealers who are working with franchises like Carpet One, FloorStore, Floors to Go, Abby, ColorTile etc.
If you live near Tigard, Oregon, you should visit my showroom and bring these samples with you.
checkout www.carpetguru.com/tigard.html
Good luck,
Jim
Hi CC,
I am in the market for carpeting in my bedroom. This is the first time I have ever purchased carpet on my own. I want to thank you for this website and abundance of information. I learned a lot and ready to go out and ask the right questions.
Thanks again, Pat
I just wanted to thank you for your website and blog. It really made purchasing a new carpet a lot easier!
For insurance purposes I need to know how much the cost of carpeting and padding has gone up since 1995
Linda
Linda,
Carpet prices have almost doubled since 1995. In 2005 alone there were 5 price increases, and each one was at least 5%.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Jim - I've read your section on pad, talked to others, tested in person & still UNDECIDED! Family Room is a 370 sq feet addition (with tiny crawlspace underneath). It's poorly ducted (it's COLD in the winter), but it's still the room that's used the most.
New carpet = textured frieze. Padding considered: Lee's titanium blue rubber/Carpenter's Visco bond. Both have a spillguard side. I can't really feel the difference under the small carpet sample. One of my hesitations with the rubber is it boasts "radiant heat" friendly. Since I don't have radiant floor heat, is that a negative? Other thoughts? Thanks!
I am so glad to have found your site and hope you could offer your opinion: I have narrowed down carpet selection to 1) Shaw's Couture Fresh N Fabulous, which has a face weight of 40.9 and a performance rating of 4. Our local dealer charges $41/sq. yd. installed. 2) Shaw's Home Splendor, Kathy Ireland collection, which has a face weight of 39 and a performance rating of 3.25. The price installed is $37/sq. yd. The area to be carpeted includes a staircase and landing/hallway, so it will be a high traffic area. Which of the two would you recommend? (we have young children and eventually will have a dog). I have been focusing on Shaw because of their "cradle-to-cradle" recycling. Does anyone else offer recyclable carpet to the extent that Shaw does? Thank you for your insight.
Jenny
Jenny,
The more expensive piece is worth the extra money.
Shaw is currently the only mill that is recycling nylon. PET is made from recycled pop bottles, but after it is made into carpet, it cannot be recycled again.
Good luck,
Jim
Do not use the Lee pad by Carpenter. It is not near as good as a quality slab rubber pad. Try looking for one that is at least 100 ounces per sq. yd.
If you did have radiant heat, an even better pad would be froth foam (www.carpetguru.com/froth.html)
good luck,
Jim
CAN YOU BEND FRIEZE ON CURVED STAIRS OR DO YOU HAVE TO BIND IT. WE JUST HAD SOMEONE DO OUR STAIRS AND THEY SAIS THEY HAD TO BIND IT AND THEY DID NOT USE A TACK BOARD TO PUT THEM AGAINST THE FALL OF THE STEP SO YOU SEE SPACE ON FRONT OF EACH STEP AND YOU SEE SPACE ON PLAT OF STAIRS THEMSELVES AS THE CARPET RAISES UP. I AM USED TO THE CARPET BEING TIGHT UP AGAINST THE STAIRS. CAN THIS BE DONE WITH FRIEZE. HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND THIS QUESTION.
It is difficult, but not impossible to install carpet on a curved
stairway without binding the edges. It requires a very talented installer. If you want the carpet to follow the nose and riser so that the nose shows,
then you need to make that clear with the installer. Often salepeople who have never installed carpet do not have a clue as to what can be done with a certain carpet, and thus, never discuss the finer points of installation with the cutomer. This is unfortunate.
Good luck,
Jim
Dave,
We are planning to replace the carpet in our family room and adjoining breakfast room & kitchen. These rooms have a heavy traffic path running thru both areas, plus we have two young grandsons living with us. We need a light neutral color as our paneling is dark and we have alot of trees around the house. We have looked at Smartstrand and some of the better rated Stainmaster's in a frieze with a darker color fleck to keep it from showing so much soil. Can we use either of these in the breakfast room & kitchen areas or should we look for a berber for those areas?
This will be laid on a concrete slab. Which type of pad should be use?
Dave,
The carpets you are looking at are NOT a good idea for a kitchen area. I don't suggest any carpet in a kitchen except a commercial carpet (level loop 1/10th gauge).
If you do use a level loop or very short dense plush in this area, you will want to use 120 ounce slab rubber pad.
Good Luck,
Jim
What are your thoughts on using Shaw embellishment or one to behold for a master bedroom and closet?
I am not aware of a style called Embellishment, however, One to Behold is a cable shag type carpet that will last a long time in most areas. You should be aware that this carpet will show some crushing in high traffic areas, but proper cleaning and vacuuming will keep it looking new.
Good Luck,
Jim
Thank you, Jim, for your response. One other question: the carpet dealer we are working with will charge $260 for "Stair Labor to Tuck and Wrap Around Stairs" -- we have a wrought iron railing with multiple balusters. (The quote for the carpet by square footage includes installation; this is extra.) Does this sound reasonable? (I live in the New York city area.) Thanks again!
--Jenny
Jenny,
By New York standards, $260 is extremely reasonable for a stairway like yours. You got a super deal on that part of the job for sure.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
Thanks again for all the insight. I've learned a lot (or felt I'm on the right track just by reading the posts). We have an L shaped family room with stairs that has a pool table, tv area, bar, pinball etc. Lot's of floor space (approx 790 sq ft). Our carpet choice is shaw Tuftex -Travertino Face Weight: 58.50 oz./sq.yd - durability 3.75. (Comments on quality/durability would be appreciated). It will be going over a concrete slab (no radiant heat). I've seen a number of posts tied to the rubber pads. The place I'm buying from carries products from Leggett & Pratt. The 100oz pad is named Martinique. My question - is there a material difference between the 100 oz and the 110oz (Rise) or 120 oz (Plushmate). Also - is this the "right" type of pad (slab pad) vs the waffle rubber? Thanks again for your willingness to share your knowledge & experience. WG
W,
I am not aware of the tuftex piece you mention, but I don't carry their entire line.
The 120 slab is best for keeping furniture indentations to a minimum. waffle rubber is best for mediium to heavy traffic, while slab rubber is good for heavy to extra heavy traffic.
Good Luck,
Jim
Have you seen or are you aware of a new foam cushion (US PAT 60/270,688 23.02.2001)? Company is called Phat Cushion.
I have no knowledge of this foam being used as a carpet cushion.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
Your site offers a very good service. Thanks for creating it.
Mark Sedenquist
Jim, I am an installer in Ohio and I want to print some of the info on your site to pass along to some of my customers. Do you mind? Also, do you have any information on how or where an installer can go to become "certified". Thank you. Rick
Rick,
You are welcome to print out the pages from my website and hand them out. Please don't alter the pages.
You will find more information about certified carpet installers at: http://www.cfi-installers.org
Good luck,
Jim
Dear Carperguru,
We just had Shaw plush nylon carpet installed in bedrooms. The dealer is coming to handle some installation issues. My question is around the fact that with the deeper pile carpet several doors are dragging. Is this an issue the dealer / installer can address?
Sometimes dealers forget to check to see if a new
carpet will be so thick as to make the doors drag on the new carpet. This does not happen often. When the person measuring the home for new carpet is doing his job, he will catch the fact that the doors may need attention after installatiion. In most cases, this door cutting is NOT the responsibility of the dealer. If your contract states that this is part of the dealer's normal service, then you can get him to pay for it. If not, you will have to find your own door cutter.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpet Guru,
We recently had carpet replaced in the bathroom. Carpet and padding was replaced around the toilet. Since installation, the toilet is loose on the base. Should this be the dealer's or installer's responsibility to address?
Thank you!
Normally installing carpet around the base of a toilet does not require moving, or adjusting the toilet base.
It would be difficult to determine if the toilet was loose before the installer did the replacement, or after he did the replacement.
Good luck,
Jim
After reading your website several times, I have concerns about the carpet I want - Karastan's Novella in Rich Chocolate made with Dupont Sarona. It has a density of 4308 ounces per cubic yard, but still feels thin. The style is cut and loop, but mostly cut. I am putting this through out the house. My concern is not with stains because of the dark color, but with sun damage and wear in high traffic areas like the steps and rec room. Your website clearly states your opinion about staying away from "all those other fibers" and sticking with nylon. Will I be wasting my money going with this carpet? Does the carpet look "gummy" with age or does the traffic cause that look? And is steam cleaning the same as hot water extraction? Thank you for your insight!!
Your concern about Sonora PTT fiber is justified if you are looking for wear as a primary concern. The PTT fiber will not fade, and will clean well, but in a cut loop construction, you may not be happy with performance if you are in the home over ten years.
I would investigate the solution dyed NYLON carpets made by Hollytex Carpet Mills. Karastan is a division of Mohawk Industries, while Hollytex is a division of Beaulieu of America: both make great carpets and not so great carpets.
Good Luck,
Jim
BJ, I bought some new carpet 8 months ago with good thick padding .It was put in the basement of my house. now in all my room down in the basement the rug has puff up and has a sort of buckle or puffness please tell me what cause it to do that?
BJ,
I would guess that your carpet is stretching every time you walk on it. This is due to the pad being thicker than 7/16th of an inch.
Today's carpets have plastic backings, and thus are subject to hot and cold, and to excess stress. Your carpet installer also should have used a power stretcher to install the carpet. If he did not, there is a good chance that is the cause of your problem.
Ckeck with your dealer, and see if you can get the installer to come back and restretch the carpet. This will require all the furniture to be moved out of the area.
Good Luck,
Jim
Thanks so much for your site. I am trying to find out as much as possible BEFORE I buy carpeting for my whole house and reliable, objective info is not easy to find. I did read the whole site and may read through some of the Q & A as well. Anywaya, you do a great service. I am sorry that I do not live in your neighborhood, because I would surely buy from you. Alice, Kentucky
I am about to buy carpet for family room & study @ Home Depot. It seems that Beaulieu "Puresque" is specific to Home Depot? My concern lies with the PET fiber, is it safe? Flammable? The carpet seems plush & quite attractive. It is Bonita Springs 70oz.wt, 6.09 twist & density is 2136. 10% Fiberessence, PET. Another choice is Beaulieu of America "Peaceful Retreat" trafficmaster w/70 oz. wt, 5.65twist & 2897 density but 80% PET & 20% BCF Nylon. Please advise!!!! Great site!!Thanks! Donna
Thank, you for your kind words, Alice
Jim
Donna,
The carpet you are looking at is good as long as you don't expect to be in the home longer than 10 years.
Also, before you purchase from HD, do a google on "home depot carpet complaints"
Good Luck,
Jim
We are in the process of having our basement finished and will be having carpeting installed. Several people have advised us NOT to use padding, rather to glue the carpet to the cement floor. Is this what you also advise? If so, what type of carpeting is best for this use (not heavy traffic)? Is there something else you would recommend?
The only reasons to glue carpet directly to a floor are; 1)Your are installing a commercial level loop 10th gauge carpet; 2) You are using a wheelchair or motorized wheelchair on the carpet; 3)you are installing any carpet with its own rubber or vinyl backing.
Otherwise, you may install any carpet you wish using the same quality pad that you would in any non basement area.
Good luck,
Jim
I want to install berber carpet in my home. In one web site, I was told the berber carpet pad should be less than 3/8" instead of the normal 1/2". Is that a correct statement? Thanks.
To carpetguru:
Can you comments on the difference between Healthier Choice carpet pad and the Duratech foam pad? Thanks.
When you are installing any looped carpet, you should use a firmer pad than one would use under cut pile carpets. The thickness can be anywhere from 1/4 inch to 7/16th inch. I like ones that are 3/8ths or 5/16ths. The density should be at least 8 lbs per cubic foot. If the pad is rubber, then the density should be 19 to 22 lbs/per cubic foot.
Hope this helps,
Jim
DuraTech and froth foam from Healthier Choice are very similar. The only difference could be in their density and thicknesses.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim....please help here.
I bought 60oz polyester frieze carpet for bedrooms, hall, and stairs. I want to use a BeRBER CONTRACT MASTER CARPET PAD that is rubber sponge and a weight of 21 oz density I believe. Will that work or what would you recommend?.
Michael,
I think you mean 21 lbs/per cubic foot. The weight of the pad should be 100 to 120 ounces per sq yd. This type of pad will last the life of the carpet and then some. Go for it.
Good luck,
Jim
I am narrowing my carpet search for LR, DR and hall to Shaw's Anso Crush Resister--a line called Simi Valley. But then I found out that it is Nylon 6 not 6,6. and I am uncertain whether or not it is BCF or staple. Is this a good carpet choice?
Dear Steelcitygal,
Your selecton of Simi Valley is a good one. This N6 fiber is the type that alllows Shaw to recycle the product when you are done using it. Yes it is a staple fiber, as are most plush carpets. You will have to vacuum daily for a short time, then just once a week.
If you want a plush carpet that has a sheen to it, then look for one made with filament fiber. That is the only advantage to using one type of nylon over the other.
Good Luck,
Jim
A friend is pulling up 2 year old carpet. Can carpet be reused? What kind of problems may I run into if I choose to install "used" carpet?
Installing two year old carpet will require a skilled installer, and even then the seams will still show. Also, there will more seaming because more pieces have to be put together to make the used carpet fit your space.
Good Luck,
Jim
I am considering Stainmaster Xtralife Nylon carpet with a face weight of 46 ounce, 4.7 twist and 2366 density in a basement with high traffic. Is this suitable, what would be your opinion. Also is there a calculator somewhere that can give me a wear rating when comparing carpets??? Because we lay on the floor to watch TV I am looking for a plush, any suggestions on something that will last a longtime yet will not cost me my first born. Thanks!!
Hi,
Just want to clarify if carpet's face weight includes the stitch that goes through the first backing or this is considered only when computing the total weight.
Thanks
The plush carpet you have selected should work well for your situation. Try and pick the darkest color you can stand. This will give you a fighting chance at keeping the carpet looking new. Plush carpets have no way to hide soil except for their color.
BTW there is no magic formula available to the consumer to make up your own wear rating system. Rating systems are a guide, and not to be taken as fact. Each person wears out a carpet differently.
Also, the person who wanted to know about face weight, a 40 ounce face weight means that is the amount of fiber (in ounces per sq yd) the mill used in making the carpet. Total weight is composed of fiber plus latex, and other backing materials.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim is awesome and SOOO helpful, thanks, great blog!!
Hi Dave
I'm having an odor problem with cats urinating in a carpeted room. It's a 30+ year old concrete slab, and the existing carpet has a pad with a blue plastic vapor barrier. A carpet cleaning professional suggests I pull up the carpet, remove the pad, wash the slab down with vinegar solution, paint the edges and corners with Kiltz, and then he'll come back and clean the carpet and install it over the new pad and 'sealed' slab. Is this the right way to go?
Thanks!
Marshall
Marshall,
The pad with the moisture barrier is responisble for urine soaking into the carpet backing instead of soaking into the pad. Thus, there is more of the carpet damaged by urine than needed to be.
Do all the things mentioned in your note, but also change the carpet to new carpet, and install over a pad without a moisture barrier on top.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Carpetguru! Thanks so much for your sound advice and willingness to help. You've sold me on the solution dyed nylons and I got a quote for Hollytex Supreme Elegance installed with 8lb rebond pad. For 450 sq ft (50 yds) I got a quote of 1746 + tax. Does this sound about right?
Supreme Elegance installed over good pad for $35/q yd is a very good price. You have done well.
Good Luck,
Jim
Thank you for making this information accessible to all consumers. It's well-presented and thorough. How very refreshing!
Hi CarpetGuru.
Thanks so much for posting all the info you have on your site here. It's greatly appreciated.
We are in the final stages of planning for a new construction house. We will be visiting the design center tomorrow for exact details of items in the house.
I now feel much more confident in making my selection of carpet and padding.
Thanks again! I have a feeling I'll be back with a question or two tomorrow!
James
Awesome site... Great information and a credit to our industry.. Keep up the good work.. God Bless..
Jon Blank
Plankety Blank Flooring LLC
Boise Idaho
Hi.
Have some questions.
There are 2 different types of pads offered. The 6# pad is GFI Black Diamond Rebond Foam. The 8# is 7/16" GFI Ballet Performance Collection Chamber Controlled Prime Polyurethane. I am thinking we want the Polyurethane. Would you agree?
Carpet wise, the std carpet offered must be part of the HomeBuilder collection from Shaw. I am unable to find the styles on the shaw website. The Std carpet is Style Better N Ever IV. The next level up is Style Parkway HF056. The next levels up from there are Collected 53610 and Altima (S) 52416.
We are thinking of upgrading the master bedroom and the family room for now due to cost considerations. Which of the above carpets would you recommend we upgrade to?
Sorry for the novel. Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
James,
Shaw has a great deal of "builder grade" carpets and the basic ones are designed for 5 years performance. The warranty may say longer, but the carpet will look worn out in five years or less.
The only carpet you that you noted that I know will perform is the style called Altima. We have had good success with this soft nylon frieze (short shag), and suggest you install over 8lb rebond. If the foam you noted from GFI is that blue stuff with yellow octagons, then a seven or 8 lb rebond will do better. The 6lb black diamond 6 lb pad contains too much regrind (rebond pad that has be pulled from people homes and thrown into the mix)
Hope this helps,
Jim
Carpetguru..
I hope you can answer this question for me. I am looking for the best carpet to use for making custom rugs. I want to inlay and carve the carpet, but I am not sure of the right kind to use. I think I need something that has a thicker pile and a tight twist, so there will be less fuzz. What kind or brand do you think would work the best for me?
Thanks,
Linda
Linda,
The best type of carpet for carving are plush carpets that are dense and over one half inch in pile height. The type of fiber is not as important unless you are going to subject the finished product to extreme foot traffic.
Good luck,
jim
Jim,
I was asked by a fellow sales rep to go look at some issues that a customer was having with the installation of their carpet. It is a Kane carpet that is wilton woven, Eurolon fiber with a 19.68" x 18.90" pattern repeat. I have installed plenty of pattern carpets and have continuously recieved great feedback on my work. I was curious if Kane hade any specs or specific instructions on seams, sealants, or stretching. I have searched their website along with others but I've had little success. Hopefully you or one of your installers had some helpful tips for me.
thanks,
Tyler
Tyler,
This is a woven product and seams must be hand sewn. This involves latexing the backing and letting dry at all seam points BEFORE you cut this carpet. If you cut this carpet it will ravel. If it ravels you may loose a part of the pattern.
I do not know how much extra Kane carpet mills gives on the salvage for making seams. Thus, I do not know how well you can match this carpet. If this carpet is going to be directly glued down, you still have to "butter the seams" and let dry before making final cuts on edges that are to be seamed together.
BTW if you are used to working with woven goods, then you know to charge more for your services than you would installing tufted carpets.
Good luck,
Jim
I need to put a runner on the stairs in my new home. The stairs are 45 inches wide, 42.5 inches from the wrought iron railing. What width should I use? The salesman at the store says that the 31" wide one that I like is wide enough. Is he right?
Amanda
Amanda,
31 inch runner is good for the size of your stairway.
Good Luck,
jim
At my local carpet dealer, I saw a Lees carpet made from polyester, which is probably the PET polyester you talked about. Do you know anything about this carpet as far as crushing? Would you recommend buying Lees or some other brand?
I have taken a textiles class at the local community college in the interior design program, and learned that nylon is the strongest fiber and holds up better than others for carpet. Also, do you think that 6.00 per square foot for carpet with an 8 lb pad installed is a fair price, or is it too much? This would be for the new Lees polyester carpeting.
I have read all of your web site and I realize it isn't made by Lees any more. This dealer also sells Shaw carpets, which are nylon for about the same price. I know from my class that 6,6 nylon is better than 6 nylon, can you get it in residential carpets?
Sorry to go on and on, I find carpeting and the manufacturing process really interesting. Also, I enjoyed reading your bio. My husband and I were married in 1966 and are in out 60's. We live up north south of Seattle, and next time we go to Portland, we'll stop by and say hi.
We are thinking of retiring in McMinnville or vicinity.
Thanks for your most informative web site.
Sincerely,
Stella
Stella,
Thanks for your kind words. You class was right when they explained that nylon is the strongest fiber, however, the performance difference between type 6 and type 6.6 nylon is not noteworthy when considering residentiial carpets.
Also, type 6 nylon, now called N6, is recylable and type 6.6 is not.
You PET fiber carpet is good if it is a filament version of the fiber, and the twist level is good
I think $54 a sq yd is a bit spendy for any carpet except wool, and I think you may want to give Carpet Exchange a look.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Jim,
obviously I am still not posting correctly because I have asked my question twice (once before in this screen) and have not seen my answer so I am going to try again. Following are the stats I got from Mohawk on a carpet I am considering for the g.r. hall, and master b.r. I am concerned about the thread twist on this carpet, wanting it to not show wear and become "fuzzy looking". I would like your opinion on this particular piece.
Style: 9223 Grandview Pointe II
Pile yarn content: spun 100% nylon
Yarn twists per inch: 3.40x3.80
Fabric type: Cut pile
Fiber treatment: weardated with repel
Gauge: 3/8
Pile Height: 1.049
Stitches per inch: 5.00
Certified pile weight: 63.70 ozs.
Total weight: 100.41 ozs.
Density: 2186
Dye Method: Fluidye
Primary backing: woven polypropylene
Secondary backing: same
Par rating: 4.00
Please tell me if this would be a good choice of carpet. We want it to last many many years. If you do recommend it, would are my best pad options??? I am anxiously watching for your reply so I can move on with my carpet search if it is necessary.
Thank you,
Marsha
My apologies if I am asking a question that has ben covered before but the blog is so long ans I couldn't figure out how to search it!
Anyway, I am a severe asthmatic who is very allergic to mold. Despite that I really want to put carpeting in my bedroom.
Can you give me any guidance on the safe types of carpeting to select?
There are some carepts that have anti-bacterial treatments. Also, there are some pads with the same type of chemical treatment. Combine the two in a short pile that is made from fialment nylon. Keep the carpet dry.
Good Luck,
Jim
Marsha,
Sorry if your question got lost in the volume of blog posters.
You selection is a plush carpet that you will not wear out, but it will exhibit some things that you may not like.
It will show footprints and vacuum marks. Also, furniture indentations will have to be steamed out by hand when you move your furniture. And , this carpet will shed for three to six months, then it will be fine.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Jim,
this is probably a stupid question but is there a "plush looking" carpet that will not show footprints but will wear very well?
All cut pile carpets will show some degree of footprinting. Plush will show the most, and frieze the least.
If you can't stand footprints, you will have to purchase an all loop construction carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
I am considering a couple of carpets for a hallway, stairs, and great room. Do you know anything about these two? One is Shaw Queen Lucera(T) Tweed Q0890 and the other is La Strada (T)Q0746. Neither of these are private label. The Salesman is telling me that a 6 LB. 7/16 pad is the right one to use under them. First of all, will these two carpets wear well and what pad would you suggest?
Lucerne is a very nice plush that will wear extremely well. I would use it if you don't mind vacuum marks and footprints. Install over an 8 lb pd.
Good luck,
Jim
Jim,
about the lucera carpet I asked you about. My label says lucera not lucerne, and it looks like a frieze to me which is what the salesman refered to it as not a plush. Could it be the lucerne is a different carpet then this?
We are turning our garage into a family room. We have the option of installing a false floor and then carpeting or just carpeting over concrete. Which would be better? Which ever is done how much height should I allow for carpet and pad in order for new floor to be flush with exsiting hardwood floors? Thanks for your help and do you service the Bend/Redmond area or recomand anyone here?
You are right , Lucerne is a different carpet. I thinlk La Strada is a tightly twiested frieze but almost shag in length. I am not aware of Lucera carpet. I do not carry or examine the entire Shaw line, as we also sell other brands.
Just remember that the longer the pile height, the easier it will crush. (matting is crushing that will not come back after vacuuming.)
Good Luck,
Jim
If your garage is well insulated, then you can install directly over the concrete with a good slab rubber pad. However, some garages have a strip in the middle that is wood, rather than a solid concrete floor throughout. Its hard to say if you should build a floor up without looking at it.
Bend has many flooring stores that are not chains or homecenters. Ask your friends and neighbors for a suggestion, or check Angieslist.com.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello,
I am carpeting two hallways, a stairway and a playroom. I have picked out a Shaw Color Ecstasy that is about $2.19 a square foot from Home Depot. However, I have now received an "invitation-only" promotion from a Stainmaster dealer advertising 33 percent off their Stainmaster Ultra Life - but it's only good today. I haven't been over there yet. Which is the better carpet, and what would be a good price for the Stainmaster?
Thanks!
-Brian
Dear Jim:
I am carpeting my entire house (2286 square feet). I have 3 teenagers and a dog. I am looking at a Lowes's carpet called Dakota (I believe they it is by Apex). It is 100% Solutia Wear-Dated II nylon. Face weight 55 oz, Density 4400, par 3.75, twist 4.70. What do you think about this with a 8 pound pad? I'm being quoted 25.25/yard. Thank you, Barbara
Brain and Marsha too!
I am not able to comment on the quality of the carpets you mentioned because home centers (Lowes and Home Depot) place their own names on their carpet samples. The specs can give you a clue, but I would like to have the sample in my hand before I could give an opinion.
In general I prefer not to purchase installed carpet from home centers due to their potential labor problems. (quality installers are difficult to find)
See if you both can find a local dealer who has a reputation for quality workmanship.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Jim,
in one of your latest responses you wrote to Brian and Marsha. I think you meant Brian and Barbara, as they were both considering purchases at Home Depot. I am considering the La Strada by Shaw, and I now have the specs and I wanted to know what you think:
Gauge: 3/16
Face weight: 50
Total weight: 90
Finish Pile thickness: .79 of inch
two twist: one is 7.0 other 7.65
(is the finish pile thickness the length of the yarn?)
Dye: continuous
there are a few other carpets I am considering, but I wanted to know where this one fell on the "quality and durability" scale. I truly hope you don't mind me running these thru your expertise, I don't mean to become a nuisance!
Marsha
Marsha,
La Strada is a long wearing nylon pile that is a little longer than a frieze, but a little shorter than a shag. I would be prepared to use a pile groomer in the traffic lanes in a year or so. This carpet will not mat, but will crush. You will never "wear" it out.
Good luck,
Jim
Jim,
what are you saying the carpet won't mat but will crush? In otherwords it is going to look "flat" in the traffic areas? I have never heard of a pile groomer and don't know how that would prevent the problem???
Marsha
Marsha,
Crushing is when the fiber flattens due to foot traffic or placement of heavy objects. This can be corrected by vacuuming, or use of a pile groomer (shag rake). If the fiber becomes filled with dirt and oils etc. then the fibers will not recover; this is called matting. The longer the pile, the more likely crushing will be evident. Matting is going to take place in any carpet that gets overly soiled.
Friezes are shorter than shags, and thus crushing is less noticeable, but still happens.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Your site has been so informative!
I'd like to kindly ask for your advice in my situation:
I am replacing the carpet in 3 upstairs bdrms, hallway and high-traffic stairway. The landing on the stairway has two 10-ft picture windows that see full morning sun (although just replaced with UV-blocking windows). I have 2 teens and 2 dogs. The current carpet (guessing 10-15 years old) is showing considerable fading, crushing and staining.
From my research (including a thorough read of your site), I believe I've narrowed my selection to a couple of products, one of the Smartstand products or the Hollytex Supreme Elegance. How do you feel these compare to each other? Is one a clear winner over the other?
Also, although I think I already know the answer, I would REALLY like to put in a carpet with a subtle pattern/texture, as I really like this look, but I also want to be realistic and not look at my stairway 5 years from now asking myself "What was I thinking?" (as I am with my stained/scratched marble kitchen countertops that I thought were so beautiful). Is there such a carpet that could hold up on my stairway?
Thanks in advance for your response,
Melinda
Melinda,
Happy Holloween.
Supreme Elegance is the hands down winner. It is the correct choice if you are going to be in the home over ten years.
We have put this exact carpet in many homes with kids, dogs, and rual living. We have had nothing but rave reviews from our customers who are living with this product. Expect to pay somewhere near $40/sqd installed with pad.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
is solution dye nylon and continuous dyed the same thing?
Solution dyed fiber is dyed while the fiber is still a chemical. When extruded into fiber the color of the chemical will be the color of the fiber. Thus, the color is all the way through the fiber ; kind of like a carrot is solid color throughout.
Continuous dyed carpet is carpet that is made from non dyed fiber, and then run through a conveyor belt type of dye system to put dye on the fiber.
Solution dyed fibers are close to being fade proof, and are resistant to harsh chemicals i.e. bleach.
Good Luck,
Jim
I've got new frieze carpet and pad installed over concrete. I've got large desk and a chair with wheels. The chair doesn't roll well on the carpet and I'm concerned that over time the use of this chair in the same spot will damage the carpet and/or pad.
I've tried the heavy duty clear plastic mats, and they work great, but they look and feel terrible, and over time they crack and have to be replaced.
What do you think about cutting a 4x8 sheet of plywood (1/2 or 3/4 thickness?) to the appropriate size, and then applying carpet tiles to create my own version of a chair mat? This would protect the carpet below from damage and allow me to move the chair/desk to another location in the room as needed along with the custom chair mat.
I would have to deal with the rough edges. I have woodworking tools, so I could easily create a beveled border out of solid wood to frame the plywood.
Anytime you have carpet installed over a pad, then using chair pads are a must. If the pad is too soft, the plastic cheapo types will crack.
I think your idea of using 3/4 inch plywood covered with vinyl backed carpet tile with work very well.
I know of one person who uses a piece of 1/2 inch plate glass to solve this problem.
Good Luck,
Jim
I bought ShawAssurance Carpet and had installed about 21/2 years ago. It now has large and small wrinkles but the carpet man said my warranty is for 2 years. This is not normal -most warranties are for 10 years. He said if he comes to fix the wrinkles, it will cost me some money. Anly advice you can give me to help me. Thanks
Marva Baxley -email address is marva576@comcast.net
Hi Jim: My third try, I am looking at stainmaster nylon cut&loop camelot sanctuary wade color, 55 oz.wt. bcf tactesse. Achain carpeteria gave me a price of 3700. installed with furniture and old carpet removal, tx included. Other stores want 4400 for the same 95 square yards of carpet. They also said the seam in bedroom would have to be in the center of room due to room size being 16ft across and the carpet only comes in 12" width. I am a little concerned about installation. What is your opinion. thx marcy
Marv,
Your Shaw carpet is warrantied against wrinkles for ten year if it has Soft Bac construction. If your carpet has just a plastic woven backing that is not very flexible, then your carpet is not softBac. Thus, you have no wrinkle warranty greater than that offered by your dealer. If the SoftBac carpet was not installed correctly, you will have no warranty.
Good Luck,
Jim
Marcy,
Camelot makes good carpet, thus the price difference is in the pad and/or labor. Make sure who ever does the job knows how to install a pattern carpet. Also, always avoid seams in the middle of rooms unless the room is a square and over 18 ft on a side. Furthermore, make sure the carpet does not come in a lighter weight "look-a-like"
Installation is EVERYTHING!!!
Good luck,
Jim
Jim,
Very informative site. You have my compliments on a wealth of knowlege and the willingness to share it openly.
My situation is a bit unusual, I'm guessing. I am in charge of organizing a school carnival and have several games that involve indoor/outdoor carpet (mini-golf, furniture slider relays, etc.). I have a piece of cut pile grass turf with no padding measuring 5'x65'. The last time it was put away it was essentially wadded together before storage. Now it is very, very wrinkled. So here's my question. Is there any way short of a miracle to eliminate (or at least minimize) these wrinkles to make these carnival games more playable?
Thank you for any advice you can provide.
-David
David,
If you can find a place in the sun to unroll the wad of
carpet, you can correct most of the wrinkles. The outdoor temp, however, has to be 65 or better.
If this is not possible, you can unroll the wad in an inside area that you can heat up to 90 degrees. After a few hours , you can begin to straighten out the wrinkles. Then while still warm, roll up the
carpet on a six foot long 5 to 6 inch diameter cardboard roll. This will take two people, and must be rolled up tight while at the same time smoothing out the wrinkles. Let the carpet stay rolled up until cool (about 65 degrees). then next time you unroll the carpet it should have a lot fewer wrinkles.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Carpetguru,
this is a great site Thanks. We have a Mohawk carpet (I think its a smartstrand) that has been installed for less than two years. We are having it retsretched again (2nd restretch after the initial install). It seems like within 3 or 4 months of the install it had rolls in every room. Then after about 1 year same thing. In one of the rooms there is little to no traffic as its a spare guest room.
I find this a little upsetting. I just called my wife and she asked if they are using a power stretcher, and they are. There is a 3/8 pad.
Any idea what the problem might be.
thanks, Steve
Steve,
A wall to wall installation can develop wrinkles in one of three ways, or a combination of such.
First, if the carpet is not stretched in properly, wrinkles will show up in about six months to a year.
Secondly, if the carpet is installed over a soft pad (4lb density or less) the backing could weaken due to excess flexing, and thus wrinkle in time. And finally, the backing could be faulty. This means that backing does not have the proper latex mix to support the carpet. If you believe this to be the case, I would contact an independent carpet inspector to examine the carpet and make out a detailed report. His report will be your evidence that the mill is at fault for your wrinkle problem, and will aid you in replacement negotiations with the dealer.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
thanks for the info. I have some leftover pieces from the install. I assume the inspector can use those to make a determination? or does he have to actually pull up the carpet in the house?
Also where do I look for an independent carpet inspector?
thanks,
Steve
Steve,
You can find an inspector at: http://www.inspectors-experts.com/States.htm
He will only need to see scraps of the carpet to determine if the carpet is at fault. He will also like to see the installation to see if the carpet really was "power stretched".
I don't know what the current charge is for these folks, but it is often worth the money.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dave - new to your site - looks great - thank you for your time in advance. I need to re-carpet two rooms: master bedroom and office. Was going to use hardwood for the bedroom but I am deciding against it as I do not like the feel of the wood on bare feet. Question: if money is no object, what carpet brand/style do you recommend? I live on the ocean in south Florida and am not sure about wool as I am hearing bad things about mold and mildew -so please tell me if wool is the right choice and if not, your recommendations on nylon or blends and also padding - any info, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Your best carpet is one that will not fade , fuzz, or loose its cleanability. Sounds like a magic carpet, but you are in luck; such a carpet is available for residential use.
Check out the solution dyed nylon carpets by Hollytex (a division of Beaulieu of America). My 1st choice would be a style they make called "Park Ave." (a quality frieze) . Install over a 100 ounce slab rubber, or a froth foam if you can find it (www.carpetguru.com/froth.html)
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello. I live in Queens Ny in a house with a 55 year old radiant heating system. I have just purchased a trafficmaster industrial carpet (26 density) from home depot. I have decided on a direct glue down. I feel the relatively thick carpet and pad I've been living with for years has seriously cut down on my energy efficiency. The areas uncovered by carpet (bathroom, kitchen) are very warm underfoot.
Am I doing the right thing in deciding on a glue down? Will this seriously shorten the life of my new carpet?
If you are going to glue down carpet over radiant heat floor, you must use a low VOC glue. This is the type of glue used in commercial hospital installations. Check with HD, to make sure that this is instruction is placed on your sales order.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
Your site is a treasure trove! I wish we lived in Oregon and could buy from you. However, we have found a reliable dealer around the corner from us here in Western New York.
We're looking at carpeting for our living room. Since we've no family room, it's a room that really gets lived in. We like the look of frieze carpeting and it sounds like it will stand up to our kind of use - three adults and one cute cocker spaniel. We're considering Bigelow/Carpet One's Color Studio in carmel or Lees (which thanks to your site we know now is owned by Carpet One) Picnic, also in carmel. Lees costs more and has a 25/120/25/15 warranty as compared to Bigelow/Carpet One's 20/90/10/10 warranty. If we like them equally, is Lee's really worth paying more for? We expect to be in this house for another 5 years. Your thoughts?
Lori
Lori,
I would use the cheaper of the two because you
will not be in the home ten years from now.
Good Luck,
Jim
Is all Tactesse/Stainmaster carpet the same quality or does quality differ between brands? We received a sample of Shaw's Tuftex "Life's Been Good" and the sample next to a similar (face weight, twist & density) carpet at other stores seems to feel the same. Should I pay the $20 more per YD2 when both carpets are Tactesse and have the same specs?
Bill & Mary in Orlando
Bill & Mary,
If you can find a carpet with equal specs in a color you like, then you don't have to pay the premium that Shaw wants for the "Tufttex" line of carpet.
The Tuftex line is famous for having the newest and best colors, and therefore, cost a little more to produce and market.
Good luck,
Jim
Dear Jim,
You helped us last year when we needed to choose carpet for our basement. Thank you! Now I am hoping you can help me with a problem. We have a wool rug that has an orange soda stain on it. What should we do? Take it to a cleaner or try and get it out ourselves? With what? Thanks, Diane
Diane,
Orange soda will not come out of wool easily, if at all. I strongly suggest you find a professional to take on this task.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Jim,
I had a plush Mohawk Nylon continuous filament carpet installed as a result of water intrusion (builder's warranty work) and in about 11 months I noticed what looked like water stains and darker and lighter spots. Mohawk sent out an inspector who said it was a phenomenon called "pooling." Mohawk refuses to do anything about it and it looks terrible because it is throughout the house and there is no way to hide it. What can I do short of going to court?
Thanks,
Esther
hi jim
we wanted to bind a plush nylon carpet and use it as a rug in our kids room. do we need a pad? or a carpet gripper? what do you suggest?
Ester,
If you really have a condition known in the industry as "waterpooling" then you have no case for court. See www.carpetguru.com/velvet.html
If you think it is not waterpooling, then I would contact a professional carpet inspector. These people can be found under carpet cleaners in the yellow pages.
Good luck,
Jim
The person who wants a rug in their kid's room should use a fiber pad with non skid treatment. Look for some good ones from NoMuv at an area rug speciality store near you.
Good Luck,
Jim
I think I found a new scam. Someone came and measured for carpet and tried to tell us that our 600 sq. ft. area was about 1000 sq. ft. Have you ever heard of that?
Sometimes when using real estate measurements, the actual amount of carpet need could be higher. This is because the real estate measurement did not take into account such things as closets and stairs.
However, a standard room of 10 x 15 is 150 sq ft., but it will take 180 sq ft of carpet because carpet needed is a 12 x 15 (carpet is made 12 ft wide). This is a 16% difference from actual measurement.
Your situation of having 600 sq ft and being told you need 1000 sq ft is indeed way too much carpet (40% more than actual measurement). This could be dealer who is trying to rip you off, or a mistake in math. Ask the dealer to show you his layout sheet, and how he justifies using so much extra carpet.
Good luck
Jim
Is felt padding the same as berber pad as you described? I looking to have a berber carpet installed on my cement slab and would like some good padding underneith the carpet. Would also have any other recommendtions on what I should look for when purchasing berber carpet for a cement slab?
Thanks,
Pat
Pat,
When installing a Berber (any looped carpet) over concrete make sure that the job is power stretched. Use 40 ounce spun nylon fiber pad, or 100 ounce slab rubber pad, and, if price is no object, and you can find it; use 5/16th Healthier Choice froth foam pad (www.carpetguru.com/froth.html) blue. This pad has a moisture barrier on the bottom (preferred), and requires that the pad be double faced taped to the floor rather than spot glued like other pad. Also, this type of pad requires the installers to tape the surface seams of the pad with a pressure sensitive tape to make installing the carpet easier.
Good luck,
Jim
In purchasing carpet for a commercial environment, can you tell me the difference between Graphic Loop and Textured Loop. Is one better than the other?
Graphic loop and textured loop are often the same thing. One may refer to a graphic loop as one that is printed on the face of the carpet, but we don't see this much in commercial carpet.
Remember when dealing with pattern carpet to figure plenty for matching.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
I finally settled on the Shaw Lastrada carpet. My salespeson dropped his stores price (he is the owner of the store) by $3.50 a yard to match a competitor. I am concerned that I will not get the same quality piece as the sample I was shown. Are there different grades of the very same carpet? I do have the vitals on the Shaw Lastrada (density, twist, face weight, etc.) but how do I know for sure if the carpet he orders is the very same one I chose? Since he came down in price, perhaps he will order an inferior LaStrada and I would actually get a lesser grade. Is this possible? Please forgive me for appearing to be such a sinic, but I keep reading about scams!
I do not think La Strada comes in multiple weights.
To make sure you get what you ordered, be sure to check the mill wrapper when the carpet is delivered. The mill places a sticker on the roll that contains the size of the roll and the style name and number, as well as the color and color number. If this is not on your roll, refuse the carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Jim!
Fantastic site. Very helpful since you really don't buy carpet all that often to know all of these things! I am looking at a Shaw Frieze carpet for my family room downstairs (including the stairs) and it's a total weight 69.16 oz. face weight 35 oz. with density of 2520 and twist of 7.76/7.0. Does this sound like a good durable carpet to you for this space? It needs to withstand 2 young boys and a growing puppy! What kind of padding would you recommend? We put a vapor barrier down over the concrete so it will be going over osb.
Thanks for your time!
Lisa
Can I use any of these pad under a large area rug, 9x13? They sell very thin pads so that the rug does not slip. Could I put the thin pad over a heavy pad to keep the rug from slipping? Thanks!!
Area rug dealers should carry more than just the thin pads that are used for "no'skid" purposes. They also should carry heavier fiber pads that have a non sid backing.
If you are putting this rug on top of another carpet, there are special pads for that too. Find a better Area rug specialist.
Good luck,
Jim
Lisa,
If the carpet you menitoned is nylon, you have chosen wisely.
Jim
Thank you -- your site and blog have been of great value to us! I'm going to install carpet in the basement, directly over the slab floor. I see you've mentioned some types of padding for *LOW* insulation value, such as with radiant floor heating, but what about the best choice for *HIGH* insulating value? Is there a choice that will help me keep the finished basement warmer, or needn't I worry? THANKS!!
The best way to keep the floor warm is to purchase a 50-60 ounce dense plush and install over 8 - 10 lb rebond pad 7/16th inch thick.
Good luck,
Jim
Mr Guru, you are the man!! Awesome information.
I was able to purchase some wool carpet remnants at closeout at some exceptional prices, <$27 per yard.
Stanton Yardley in the Maplewood color http://72.248.132.53/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewProduct&id=1064
and Karastan Gingham Stitch in Pink Mint color http://www.karastan.com/carpet_detail_info.asp?carpetID=4313
Now I am unsure of what padding to use. I searched through previous posts and several web searches but came to no firm conclusion.
The carpets are to be installed in light to medium use bedrooms over plywood.
Can you provide some guidance? Thanks very much for any advice. I wish I was up in your area and could have you do the install!!
If your new wool carpet is woven and not tufted, then a firm pad is a must. In either case, a 100 ounce slab rubber pad will work nicely.
Good luck,
Jim
I am interested in getting Tuftex "Travertino" or "California Dreamin" but each retailer recommends a different thickness and weight pad. What do you recommend and what do you think of either of these carpets? Thank you!
Each dealer has their own choice of
pad because each retailer tries to make itself different from his nearest competition. Thus, the different types of padding.
Follow the industry guidelines and stay with at least a 7 to 8 lb rebond that is 7/16th inch thick, or a 100 ounce slab rubber. Also you can use froth foam (see www.carpetguru.com/froth.html)
Good Luck,
Jim
I need a carpet for my basement with radiant heat. Thanks to your site, I haven't found a carpet dealer yet who knows more than I do now! What do you think about "felt pads" for radiant heat in basements? Also, how do you know if the salesmen is giving you the correct answer when asking for the R value and weight of the carpet? I want to get a carpet that falls in line with your recommendations. Thanks for all your help. Janet
Janet,
Most mills do not make R values a part of their spec sheet unless it is a commerical product.
The carpets with the lowest R values are those that have the smallest pile height. If you want the lowest R value, then use a berber.
Felt pads work if they are made of spun nylon and have a thickness of 5/16th to 3/8th of an inch. Keep the weight of the pad between 32 and 40 ounces per sq yd.
For even better results check out Healthier Choice Froth foam blue (5/16ths ) www.carpetguru.com/froth.html
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Do you know the face weights of Fabrica Antiqua and Hollytex Park Avenue? Do you think these compare or would one be more superior to the other. I have seen the Fabrica Antiqua and it looks good to me but I know you recommend the Hollytex Park Ave. Are they close in quality/price? Thank you for your response.
Suz
Suz,
Fabrica is, in my opinion, an extremely over-priced line of carpet.
Their product is well make, but there are other products that will work just as well. Usually, Fabrica will get you hooked on a color, as they do have a super color line.
As for the comparison between the two, I still like Park Ave because it is solution dyed and will NOT fade.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hey Carpetguru,
I had a waterleak & the demo guy cut the carpet right next to the seam on the seam tape but not inthe seam! How can I repair this?
Have your insurance company pay a professional to take the old seam tape off with his seaming iron, and then hopefully make a new seam following the cut made by the "demo guy".
Let's hope the carpet is not damaged by the water to the point of delamination.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello carpetguru, thanks for this great website.
We are looking for carpet for most of our house. living room, family room, hallways and steps. (we live in a bi-level)
We have 2 kids and a large dog, our carpets get plenty of wear!
We have narrowed our choice down to Shaws 5 star 100% nylon (style is woodriver) by Queen with R2x. 4.0 wear rating.
The next one is Shaws 5 star anso crush resister nylon.(style is stunning elegance) with recycled carpet content. R2x. 4.25 rating.
Shaws 4 star Evertouch nylon (style is Perpetually soft) with R2x. 4.0 rating.
Finally, mohawks weardated nylon (style is summer tree)with the 15,10,10,10 and 7 year warranty.
I dont have the specs on these carpets as far as density, face weight and twist. They all seem quite equal in density and twist, the Shaw 4 star might be the least dense. They are all staple yarn.
Do you have a preference over R2x or weardated for stain resistance?
Also, with those above examples, could you tell me what would be the best choice for wearability and if there is one that I should stay away from. Is the anso crushresitor with recycled carpet content any good? I have never heard of it?
Thanks in advance for your advice. Md
Md,
I like the wear dated piece because it is a branded Wear Dated carpet. I think the stain resistance will be about the same as the Shaw piece, but the Wear Dated piece is made from a longer staple than the Shaw piece. Thus, the Wear Dated piece will not shed as much as the Willow Brook carpet. The crush resistor piece will wear well, but I don't know if it will last as long as the wear dated piece; it is a matter of construction and how much yarn is in the carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Jim
Thanks for the wonderful site, I have gained some great information.
My wife and I are in the process of recarpeting our home and she is wanting to get 100% New Zealand wool carpet. She is from New Zealand and has always had it. I was doing some research and have been told that the carpets are very rarely 100% one type of wool and that it is blended to give the carpet qualities.
Is there a legal minimum as to how much New Zealand wool would be in these carpets? Do manufacturers have to say if it is a blend of wools?
Cheers Dale
Jim
Thank you for the quick reply.
I forgot to mention that we intend on moving in 7 years, we will be retiring then and our oldest will be out of college. We will be looking for a single floor house by then.
So, we aren't looking for a 15-20 year carpet, just one hat will look good enough to not have to replace when we sell in 7 years.
Do you think the anso crushresitor will hold up for that long as well as the weardated?
I wish I could get the specs off these carpets, but it appears that the anso crushresister has a tighter twist than the weardated carpet.
Thanks again for your help.
MD,
You will not wear out the crush resistor in 10 years.
Dale,
Visit the Wools of New Zealand website. They have a labeling program that will explain why you should buy a 100% New Zealand wool carpet, and not a blend of wool and any other fiber.
Good Luck
Jim
Hello Carpetguru
We are down to 2 carpet choices for our entire house. Upstairs and down.
One is a Weardated from Mohawk with a 15 year wear and 10 year soil and stain warranty. Its made from staple yarn and its very nice and runs 34.75 installed.
The other is a Stainmaster Tactesse bcf from shaw. 4.25 wear rating. We like this one also. It runs 35.75 installed. Its a softer piece, not quite as dense but a very nice tight twist. We like the softer feel but are wondering if it will wear as well as the Weardated. Our kids and pets will put our carpet to the test!
Any thoughts on what would be a better buy considering wearability over the long run and also stain resistance between the two?
Thank you Jim
Hello there,
I am looking for the least toxic/ most environmentally sound carpet...that is also remotely within my budget. Apparently Mohawk uses PET recycled materials, and is CRI certified, but what about the chemicals used to make the actual carpet fibers and the adhesive used to attach to backing, and the backing itself?
I also have these same questions about Puresque, as this is supposedly environmentally sound, yet has its own stain protection--which is ultimately chemical.
I realize that a wool or hemp carpet would be the least toxic and mostly likely to be straight organic fiber...but they are out of my cost range while Mohawk Everstrand P.E.T with StainGuard and Puresque, are within it.
Can you help me here?
Appreciate it greatly :-)
Brenda
Buy the Stainmaster carpet.
Jim
Brenda,
If you are very chemical sensitive, then you may not be able to withstand any tufted carpet from any carpet mill. Instead, look for a woven carpet made from wool. This carpet is expensive, but may be your only way to have a rug or wall to wall carpet. Install your wall to wall carpet over a 100% jute pad. No rebond, no rubber, no foam except froth foam (www.carpetguru.com/froth.html)
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi,
We are getting our house ready to sell and want to get nice, reasonably priceed nylon wall to wall carpet. What is a good pad to use, the one vendor is offering 6-8 lb. while the other has 6. What is a good ounce for the carpet, one vendor says he'll give us 27-30ounce and the other says 30-32. Thanks for any insight you can provide, Becky
Rebecca,
If you are selling, I'd use what ever is the least expensive. A six pound pad will work, and the ounces are not as important compared to what looks good for resale.
Good luck,
Jim
Hello
We were looking at the Shaw Anso crushresistor carpet for out entire house, now my wife has found a weardated carpet she likes with the durasoft nylon. They both look nice and seem well constructed. Twist and density seem fairly equal also.
What are your thoughts on this durasoft nylon. Do you think it will hold up in high traffic areas like steps and hallways as well as the crushresiter?
Thanks very much,
Mark
Mark,
The two carpets will wear equally. Make your decision based on color and texture and fashion. If you are a "greenie" the Shaw piece is made from recycled nylon .
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru (Jim),
We just had new carpet installed this week. First the good news, the carpet is made by Beaulieu of America and is from their Hollytex Luxury Collection called Forbidden Love. It was installed over the 5/16" (Blue) Healthier Choice cushion; per your recommendation. The carpet and cushion combination looks and feels great.
I will spare you the trauma of installation day and get right to the bad news. The two carpet seams in the dining room are, for lack of a better word, puckering.
Question, do you think that restretching the carpet will get rid of this problem. The installer was very concerned about "breaking" the seams when he was stretching the carpet.
Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ron
Ron,
I am glad to hear about your wise carpet selection, but unhappy about your poor installation job.
Did you purchase the carpet, pad and LABOR, as a package from your dealer, or did you find your own installer? I hope the job was sold to you as a package. If this is the case, you should contact the dealer,and have another installer come out to the home who knows how to use a seaming iron. Your seams should not be buckled, humped, or wrinkled. We use six inch wide tape on our seams to avoid such problems. Also, if the iron is too hot during seaming, the back will get distorted.
Have the dealer correct this problem.
Good Luck,
Jim
I have been reading your blog before my wife buys carpet. This is the most helpful website I have ever come across! Thanks for your service.
I am looking at Beaulieu of America - Style: Wonderland - Fiber 100% Stainmaster Extra Body II 6,6 Nylon with a 46oz face weight and a 6 twist for two bedrooms and a low traffic living room. After reading your blog, I switched from considering PET to nylon as I'd like the longest life from this carpet all things being equal.
The price is $16.20 per yard and I need 79 yards to to the job.
Is this a good value or do you recommend something else for the money?
Thanks
David
David,
Thanks for your kind words. I am not aware of a style called wonerland, but because of the private labeling done by dealers and the big box boys, your sample could be called "wonderland".
Based on the specs you provided, it sounds like a very durable carpet for the money. I don't know if this is a plush, a frieze, or a berber, but I suspect it is a frieze/shag.
Just remember, installation is everyting.
Good luck,
Jim
To the carpet Guru, My wife and I are so much more knowledgeable thanks to your Website. Thanks for your passion for your industry. Oh that all could share it. Now to my questions. Local company is touting Karastan "Braxton" and Downs Decade. Could not find either of these manufacture mentioned in your Web. What do you know of them? Also, pads being offered are 10# "Lasting Shield" and 7/16" x 10# Sunguard Anti-microbial/spilltrap. Your comments and insight would appreciated.
Jerry,
You are looking at some expensive carpet. Both Karastan and Downs are high end mills. Karastan is owned by Mohawk Industries. After some experimenting , Mohawk has decided to take Karastan back to it roots, so to speak, and make it the flagship of the corp. As a result, there are few Karastan dealers, and all of them are required to sell their products within certain price guide lines.
However, just because it says Karastan does not mean it is an outstanding carpet. Some of the line is just average. Karastan has a good line of woven products that you will pay dearly for. These products will last a long long time.
Downs is another old time high end mill that has been purchased by the Beaulieu Corp. This is another over priced line of carpet, but not as high end as Karastan.
The pads you are looking at will most likely outlast the carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
Oh great guru.
we are in the process of purchasing new carpet for our basement. two competing bids, two competing products. I was hoping to get your opinion and thoughts and recommendation on the following carpets and i can determine what is best. again, the carpet is going in the basement where water has never been an issue.
both quoted an 8lb padding
Quote 1- Smartstrand 32oz- twist 6.5x6.5 and a 1806 density
Quote 2- Beaulieu Luxury colloection with stainmaster xtra life tactesse fiber
curious to see what your thoughts are and what you might recommend
The choice is simple. If your basement has lot of sunlight streaming across the carpet, then choice one is the one that will not fade. If, however, sunlight and fading are not an issue, and the Hollytex piece is two toned, then go with the nylon. At the end of five years, it will still look new (if properly maintained).
Good luck,
Jim
Jim - I have to say, I have been reading your blog here for about 30min and you are certanly "the man".
My wife and I purchased our home 7 years ago new, the builder used a cheap carpet and a inexperienced installer and you can tell.
Our home is about 210sq yds of carpet, we foster dogs and have as many as 5 in our home at any one time; 3 of the 5 are our own and are well behaved but the with the fosters theres really no saying.
In any event we are looking at having our carpet replaced and I am thinking I will go with a local reseller called Miracle Carpet; he re-labels carpet as his own brand but I am fairly sure its made by Holytex.
Greg, the owner/reseller says that its Continuous Filiment, Solution Died, Nylon; the stuff we were looking at was 55oz Cayman, 1/8 twist.
Its running $16.70 a sq yd; I went around to a few "chain" resellers with the sample from Miracle and they wanted roughly twice as much for what they considered "similar".
I also tried a couple carpet guys on Craigslist and decided the carpet they were selling was not interesting based on its quality.
Because of the dogs I am hesitant to spend much money on the carpet, and though it sounds like 16.70 for this carpet is fair its hard to say given the rebranding.
Also he is talking about having the installer use a pad that "does not contain recycled products", in color its "egg shell white", he says it contains the same kind of fiber as the temporpedic products.
The carpet installer wants 1900 to do the install, this includes rip out, install and moving furnature. Though Greg speeks very fondly of this guy relative to the others he uses I don't know if $9 a SQ YD (what that works out to) is fair or not.
I am cheap but I want to be fair, any words of wisdom?
Am I on the right track?
Ryan,
You are on the right track, but I think you'd be better off looking a an inexpensive SmartStrand carpet from Aladdin Mills. You can get some of these in the the $10 to $12 dollar range, and these will look great for short term usage (less then seven years).
Nine dollars per sq yed labor is not out of line for a quality installer when he has to perform those extra tasks such as moving furniture, etc.
BTW the $16.70 for Castaway is a very good price about 10% over cost. Sounds like "greg" is trying to help you out, and that his only mistake was not asking how long you want the carpet to last.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello,
We have been shopping for carpet for our home, in which also resides a cat with a delicate stomach that will vomit on the carpet from time to time. So stain resistance is key to our selection process. We have been looking at a nylon Stainmaster Ultra Life brand of carpets due to its stain protection claims. The dealer we have been working with is advertising a 'buy 1 sq ft. and get 1 sq ft. free' promotion, and yet still says the carpet will be $4.99 a sq ft installed, including the promo price. But that would mean that the carpet usually sells for $10 a sq ft! From reading your website that sounds like way too much for a nylon carpet. Can this be possible?
You are being ripped off. Ten dollars a sq. ft. is retail plus 50%.
I would find a dealer who carries SmartStrand and purchase a quality frieze. This is one type of carpet that has better stain protection qualities than the stainmaster you have been looking at.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jerry,
Thank you for your Bloig. You have educated me in the carpet selection process and I will be forever grateful for your knowledge (and sharing it!). What's the deal with "face weight"? Is a heavier face weight (60, 70, 80 oz) better than lighter face weights. Thanks you also for explaining the difference between face weight and total weight. Chris
Dear Carpetguru,
Thank you so much for the useful information on the site.
I'd like to hear your opions of two carpets. One is Beaulieu's Neptune made of Permasoft plus solution-dyed nylon, the other is Shaw's lasting elegance made of evertouch nylon from Shaw.
Thanks,
Jenny
Thanks, Carpet Guru; looks like I miss-spoke when I said 16.70; I was looking at the wrong estimate.
It was 19.13 a SQFT, not 16.70 as I had originally said; did'nt want someone to use that number so thought I would come back and post for posterity sake.
Thanks again Carpet Guru.
I also forgot to say that 19.13 was for Cayman, not Castaway.
Chris,
Face weight is the amount of fiber in ounces per sq yd. used in making the carpet. In general the more face weight, the better the carpet. However, when the carpet is not constructed well, a carpet with a heavy face weight can still look bad in a few years. Like our website states, a 40 ounce frieze can easily out perform a 60 ounce splush ( a splush is a plush that is made from fiber that is full of air. Xtra body is another word for a fiber with too much air in it.)
Good Luck,
Jim
Jenny,
There is no contest here. Use the solution dyed nylon from Beaulieu.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jerry,
Thank you for your knowledge concerning face weights. Would you give me your opinion of two carpets?
1. Shaw, Nylon, 80oz face weight, density 4000.
2. Beaulieu 70oz face weight, density 4249.
Also should I be OK with a 8lb pad?
Thanks for your assistance!
Chris
Chris,
Face weight and density figures alone are not enough information to make a choice. I think that anything over sixty ounces of face weight is on "overkill".
If both are nylon, then pick the one with the best twist, if twist are the same, pick the color you like and go for it.
Good Luck,
Jim
can you tell me how to place carpet over a tiled floor? I don't want to break the tiles because I might want to go back to tiles later.
Cut the carpet to fit and secure with professional grade double faced tape. Do not use a pad. In the furture you can take a citrus solvent to dissolve the residue left from the tape.
Good luck,
Jim
Dave,
I am installing an inexpensive berber with integral pad. The place I bought it says you use carpet tape, and that the carpet is "prestretched". I have 1 seam, and they say to seam it just like regular carpet with a separate pad (using seam tape and iron). Is this all correct? Thanks!!!
J.C.
JC,
The carpet you have most likely has a "kanga" urethane backing. Double faced carpet tape is all you need; even to make the seams. Cut the seam with a razor knife by over lapping the two edges, and cutting through both at the same time. This will give you great seam. Place double face tape on each side of the seam line, and around the perimeter of the room.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
Thank you for the information about face weight and twist. Is there an "above average" twist number I should be looking for in a nylon carpet? Thank you again for all of the information you've provided me. Your knowledge has proved to be INVALUABLE to me. Thank You! Chris
Chris,
Anything over six twists per inch is outstanding.
Jim
We have old wrinkled carpet and we have pulled out our old chipped baseboards (to paint walls). We now need to install new carpets and new baseboards. Do we install the new baseboards before the new carpet or the carpet first? Do we have to raise the basboards up off the subfloor 1/8 to 1/4 inch if we install them first? Also, should the carpet installers install new tackstrips or use the old? The old ones are at least 10-15 years old.
Thanks!
Leslie,
If you old baseboard was shorter in height than your new baseboard, then you can install the new on the floor without raising it. However, if it is the same size i.e 3 inches, then you need to install it about 3/8 inch off the floor. This is tricky, and may require the use of a laser line.
However, if you took off the old baseboard and just refinished it, then wait to install it until after the carpet layers are done. This is because your old baseboard may not hold the paint or finish well, and will be subject to scratches, etc. more so than factory finished baseboard.
The downside to installing baseboard ontop of the carpet,is that it will have to be removed again if you ever decide to change carpet in the future.
New tackstrips are only needed when the old ones are rusty or moldy.
Good luck,
Jim
Jim,
I'm looking for a very plush, high pile that I want to feel like I melting into when I sit or lay on it. The higher the plush, the better. I want the carpet to look as luxurious as possible and I don't want wool. If money is no object, what carpet brand do you recommend and what pad should I use with this very plush carpet? Most of the carpet is going on a concrete basement floor and the rest is going over a wood subfloor.
Thanks,
Trey
Trey,
Look for a 70 ounce or higher velvet plush made from Tactesse nylon pile.
Some of the best are from Gulistan and Fabric or Camelot mills. Install over 9/16th froth foam Healthier Choice white pad (hard to find), and be prepared to deal with footprints and vacuum marks. Also, make sure the fiber is filament and not staple.
Good luck,
Jim
Jim,
what is the best wayt to transition from a Hasrdwood floor into a carpet area. I am having new carpet installed and my foyer is hardwood and the great room is carpet. Thank you very much for all of your information. It's been a great help!
Chris
Mr. Carpet Guru,
Need help, Have a home with the original carpet of 16 years in Family room, its in beautiful condition. Today a piece of burning wood rolled out of the fireplace, Now I need a new carpet, I'm heart broken, I love this one. I do have a rug infront of the fireplace, the wood rolled beyond that. I have no idea what kind of carpet I have now, which I love. Would you suggest a wool carpet seeing that it is fire proof. Thanks, jayne
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