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 601 – 800 of 2568 Newer› Newest»You can have your installer "turn and tack" the carpet to give you a carpet rolled edge at the hardwood. Some hardwood floating floors have a special edge piece that must be in place before you turn and tack.
Metals could be used for a finished look, but I feel it looks too artificial for use with hardwood.
Good luck,
Jim
Jayne,
You don't have to worry about man made fibers catching fire. They will melt, but it is difficult to get the carpet to ignite, especially when the carpet is flat on the floor.
See if you can find a scrap of your old carpet to take to your local dealer. He will guide you towards the correct choice.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
What's your opinion of ShawMark carpet? My local carpet dealer (I live in a small town) says this is one of the best carpets made. He also claims it has one of the best warranties in the business.
Peter,
When Shaw Industries purchased the carpet division of Armstrong Ind. years ago, they sold off the Evans & Black name to the Carpet One Chain, and they took the "Anything Goes" line and sold that name also. Shaw Mark is supposed to be carpets made in the same way as the old "anything goes" line of carpet. This line was composed of carpets made from 100% Antron continuous filament nylon pile. As a result, these carpets performed better than most nylon carpet being made at the time. I am not positive if Shaw has kept those same production standards and materials. It does should like they keep the warranty.
In any case, you will be required to show proof of commercial cleaning by a licensed professional every two years.
Good luck,
Jim
We are considering Flor carpet tiles for a finished basement playroom. I like the sound of the frothed foam padding, being low VOC, mildew-resistant and durable.
Would you recommend this combination of products? Would my local dealer give me a hard time for only buying & installing the padding? Do you have opinions on the different carpet tile options available?
If it makes any difference, we are installing the pad over a plastic (slightly) raised floor tile provided by our waterproofer.
thanks! Sarah
Sara,
Carpet tiles have their own cushion attached. If you try and install them over another carpet pad, the installation will fail.
Carpet tile are a great DIY project, and some of these are very low in VOC compared to regular carpet and pad combos.
Good Luck,
Jim
We have a Hawaii resort prone to water intrusion. Recent storms flooded a lot of rooms and some came out fine while others retain a nasty odor.
Does felt pad help or dry out easier?
Is there something better for moisture prone areas?
Jim
Jim,
If your carpet got wet with water, you need to pull up the carpet and dry it out. Also, you will need to REPLACE the pad.
There is no carpet solution that can stand severe water damage. You need to consider ceramic tile with cheap area rugs that can be replaced.
Good Luck,
Jim
I am going to create a recreation area in my basement for exercise and other purposes. I have a large area rug that is down currently over a commercial laminate flooring and want to put a pad under the rug for some "give" during any weight bearing impact exercise I may partake in. What kind of pad do you suggest? I was reading about the differences between Rebond, Waffle etc and cant determine what would be best padding for my purpose.
Your most important requirement is that the rug stay in place on the laminate floor. If you are going to have weight equipment on the rug, then regardless of pad, the rug will stay in place. If this is the case, try and find some froth foam (www.carpetguru.com/froth.html)
If however, the rug is not anchored by anything, you will have to seek out an area rug specialty store. They will have a fiber pad that has a special non skid surface on one side, and a "velco-like" surface on the other. This is perfect for that need.
Good Luck,
Jim
Thank you for the wealth of information you've provided here. It's been extremely helpful as we've navigated buying our first carpet. We're purchasing a new home and replacing the carpeting on the second floor 3 bedrooms, hall, and stairway. We have three active preteen and teen children and are expecting on adding to our family in the next year. We also have a black cat and plan on adding a kitten soon as well. I prefer to buy local and have found a local carpet retailer who will also install. He's been recommended by a few people. Originally, we were focusing on the nylon but due to the cat and the kids hes recommending a smart strand and we're very much on the fence. Both products are by mohawk.
The two nylon products are:
sensational style- 100% nylon, twist 5.1 x 4.7
cut pile
weardated with advanced repel
.500 pile height
45 oz pile weight
density 3240
fluid dye
cost $27 for carpet and installation $2 yd removal of old carpet
sensational look- 100% nylon
weardated with advanced repel
twist 5.1 x 4.7
cut pile
pile height .440
38 oz pile weight
density 3109
fluid dye method
cost $25 sq yd, $2 sq yd removal of old carpet
The third one is a smart strand freize by mohawk under the aladdin brand. I dont have the specks so I know there isnt a lot you can comment on it. It is running $23 a sq yd with $2 yd removal cost.
Hes recommending the smart strand which may be something to consider all else being equal but I'm curious re: your thoughts for the other two nylon carpets standing up to all we have to throw at them. My concerns are around wearability and cleaning (stains and general). Im in NH. Thanks in advance
Anne Marie
Due to the fact that you need appearance retention more than stain protection you should use either of the nylon products you mentioned.
If you follow the suggest guidelines for cleaning your carpet, the.Smart Strand, while cleanable, will not look as new as the nylon product five years from now. This is because the nylon will crush less.
Remember that starting in 2008 all mills require their carpets be cleaned by a certified professional every two years. No receipt for cleaning; no warranty.
Good Luck
Jiim
Jim,
Let me start by saying that this is the most helpful information on carpet purchase I have found on the web. My wife and I are looking to replace the carpet in 2 bedrooms of the house we purchased. We are looking at a frieze style which I don't know much about....I guess it is similar to a textured carpet?? We like the look/feel of the frieze better than the texture but how does it hold up?
We have found 2 carpets from Shaw at a local carpet store. Can you provide some insight into these two carpet selections (there was no information listed on the density or twist in the store)..
Shawmark
Home Again - style
Stainmaster Tactesse - nylon fiber
48.80 oz./sq.yd.
Shawmark
Supreme - style
Stainmaster Tactesse - nylon fiber
35.00 oz./sq.yd.
Thanks again for your help!!!
John
Thank you for your kind words, John.
I cannot give you too much advice about the two carpets you mentioned because they are most likely private labeled. I do know that ShawMark is a quality line of well made carpet.
I would examine the twist level with the naked eye. If there is a major difference in the twist level you will be able to detect it by bending back a corner of each sample and looking at them together.
The shorter, the tighter the twist, and closer together the fibers at the carpets base, the longer it will last. However, if the carpet is too dense, it changes from a frieze to a plush, and the characteristics of each are different. Plushes show much more footprints and vacuum marks.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi. I live in NY and am thinking about replacing the carpet on the steps leading up to mhy 2nd floor garden apartment. Have you ever heard of Camelot Carpet Mills? The style I liked is called Sanctuary. Is it hardy enough for steps. Thank you so much .....Fern
Camelot makes some very good carpet. I don't know the style you mention, as I don't carry the Camelot line anymore. Chances are good, that your Camelot carpet will last a long time; even on stairs.
Good Luck,
Jim
We could sure use someone like you here in Atlanta. I am so sick of people being taken advantage of with cut pile carpet in new construction. The industry is really shooting itself in the foot by producing this junk.
Good Morning Jim,
I dont know if my message got through, as I dont see it posted.
We might be interested in your doing some consulting work for us regarding the publication of some carpet information for the consumer.
If you are interested in speaking to us, please e-mail me at dpatton711@aol.com.
Thank you,
Damien
Damien,
I sent an email address to the email address you listed. That email was refused by your mail server.
You can reach me at my personal email address at carpetguru@comcast.net
Thanks,
Jim
After alot of research I am convinced we need a 60 plus oz Nylon carpet to withstand some major traffic patterns and we have two stair cases. I am impressed with Stainmaster yet I hate to pay for the massive advertising. HomeDepot sells Stainmaster XtraLife - is there a big difference between the XtraLife version and the Stainmaster UltraLife version (typically only sold at a Stainmaster retailers)? Also, how does Stainmaster compare with a solution dyed nylon (specifically the Puresque brand made by Beaulieu which also absorbs odors). I am looking for the best value in an above average nylon carpet which will not show wear patterns for many years. Any help is appreciated.
I think you need to re-examine our website. You do not need a 60 ounce anything to get good wearing carpet for your stairs. Also, solution dyed nylon does not absorb any more or less order than any other man made fiber.
Xtra-body is just a fancy advertising
name for nylon fiber that is more full of air than regular nylon. Therefore, when the carpet is made it
feels "fuller" than other carpets of the same weight. The term "ultra" is just used by those special "Stainmaster" dealers, but does not mean that their fiber is superior. Tactesse nylon is still a Stainmaster fiber with or without the "ultra" tagline.
When looking a carpet for your stairs, it is wise to stay with nylon. You can use any weight you wish between 26 ounces (for a commercial loop construction) and 45 ounces (for a dense plush). Multi-colored or tweeded carpets hide more soil regardless of fiber content. If your new carpet is exposed to the sun or lots of daylight, only then would I pay the extra for solution dyed nylon pile carpet.
Hope this puts you back on track,
Good Luck,
Jim
My son installed a beautiful cork floor in a renovated kitchen. But there is a problem "bubble" in one spot in the summer when the humidity is higher. How do you suggest he resolve this problem?
I am surprised that the "bubble" goes away in the winter. Most of the time bubbles of this type are caused by the swelling of the subfloor. There is no solution other than to find the source of the moisture, and remove it.
It is difficult for me to guess what the problem really is without first hand inspection. You may want to contact your local floor covering professional for additional assistance.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru,
We are installing carpeting in a newly constructed home. Carpeting is only in child's bedroom, master bedroom, and bonus room (home theater) upstairs + stairs. Builder's allowance for carpet only is $9/sq yard. What a joke! He normally installs a 20 something ounce PET frieze. So anything over the $9/sq yard will be at our expense. Since carpeting is the LAST major upgrade to decide upon, we are already WAY over budget at this point, so we need to keep any further expense to as much of a minimun as possible.
We have one dog who is not allowed on the carpeted areas, a hairless cat, and one child. We are not as worried about stains as texture retention since we are very conscientious about preventing stains.
We like friezes for their ability to hide footprints and overall wearability, but our favorites have been thick and thin textured carpets for the look and feel.
Our favorite carpet at this point is a Shaw Tuftex Nylon "Light My Fire". It is 46 oz face weight, but I don't have information on twist or density at this point. However, even at the discounted price of $29.73 from an online dealer, it is more than we wanted to spend.
So our builder has shown us a Beaulieu continuous filament PET 70 oz with luxury bac for $19. The style is called "Melbourne Beach" which has been described as shag. It has a thick & thin fiber texture.
Our other choice is a Mohawk Smartstrand PGT "Discovering Paradise" 55 oz, 6.5 x 6.5 twist, 1548 density, 3.5 PAR rating, cut pile with a thick & thin fiber texture for $24.
Is it really worth the extra expense for us to go with the Shaw nylon? Or with the PGT? They are both lower face weight than the PET. Again, we are more concerned about wearing of high traffic areas, because our furniture will not be able to be drastically rearranged in this house.
Thank you so much for such an informative website!
You are being victimized by your builder. It is sad to see such practices of figuring $9/sq yd for carpet is bare botton FHA minimum carpet. I would look for a nylon carpet that is not so thick as the tuftex piece.
If you can find a Beaulieu piece called Hand in Hand. This nylon with a luxury back is well priced and will last longer than any of the SmartStran and PET carpets you are looking at.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru,
I can not find the "Hand in Hand" carpet that you mentioned even on the Beaulieu website. Has it perhaps been discontinued? You mentioned that we should look for a nylon carpet that is not so thick as the tuftex piece. Does that mean to look for a face weight of lighter than 46oz? I didn't think we should be looking at anything under 40oz for long-term durability.
Thanks again!
You must remember that weight alone is not the only factor for wear. Construction is the key. A 30 ounce commercial plush will like new for 15years. If you find a 35 to 40 ounce frieze that you like, and it has a par rating of 3.5 or higher, then go for it. I just has to be nylon , not necessarily a "stainmaster" to perform. Hand in hand is a Hollytex piece made by Beaulieu. If you live on the East Coast, the name may be different.
Good Luck,
Jim
4 years ago we purchased Hollytex Escapade carpet for the living room. Only 2 of us live here; have average # of visitors. While we love the feel/appearance/easy cleaning of the carpet, Beaulieu replaced it 2 yrs. ago due to 'fusing'; it looked a lot older than 2 years, & not just by the doorways. Now we are facing the same problem again. In some areas, it looks more than 2 yrs. old. The whole room is vaccuumed, not just parts, so I'd guess lack of vaccuuming is not the problem, and the vaccuum (not a Kirby, etc.) is on the highest setting. We've had it steam cleaned 2-3 times. We are talking to Beaulieu about the possibility of having it a claim.
When the carpet was replaced, we'd chosen to upgrade the pad from a 1/2", 6# pad to 8# pad with moisture barrier, very firm, no softness to it at all, supposed to hold up better. (What were we thinking?! I never did like it!) Around this same time, we also had to replace carpet in the bedrooms (sewer back-up); chose Home Depot's (L&P) PlushStep Ultra 8#, 1/2" microbial(?) pad which feels so much better. Could this make a difference on carpet wear? Or are we just unfortunate enough to have gotten hold of 2 bad pieces of carpet?
Mirolex,
It is unusual for that particular piece of carpet to go bad. The fiber is a soft nlyon and the texture is not a velvet plush, but rather a textured plush. This carpet will show some texture change in high traffic areas, but should not go flat. I don't know what "fusing" is.
If the tips of the fiber have lost their twist, it is possible that you have another bad carpet. You should have it inspected by a certified Senior Master Carpet Inspector. (look online and search the phrase )
The pad is not the culprit here.
Good Luck,
Jim
We are buying new carpet for our home and I am confused about the different stain treatments, with a dog and two kids we would like to get one that is most resistant. What is the difference between an Rx2 or stainmaster/dupont stain treatment does one hold up better than the other? Also we are looking at the coastal living brand by Royalty Carpet Mills or the Shaw brand (Stain master treated) Kathy Ireland line (Rx2 Treated) any thoughts? Finally we have heard to spend money on upgrading the pads and would really like to have a soft landing, how much pad do you recommend? Thanks so much
There are no miracle stain treatments. R2X and Stainmaster are both chemicals that are added to the surface of the fiber during manufacturing of the carpet. It has to be done after the carpet is dyed or the carpet will not accept the dye.
You pad should not exceed 7/16th inch. Read our pad page at www.carpetguru.com/pad.html
Good luck,
Jim
Thank you for this informative site. It has been so helpful. This is my first time carpeting stairs and would love your opinion. I am looking at Tuftex's GLENSHIRE (my distributors name)-- I figured out it is HIGHLAND PARK on the Shaw website. It is 100% Nylon - Stainmaster Tactese- Masterlife. It has a Softbac Platinum backing. The face weight is 56.60 oz/per sq yd. It has a 4.0performance rating out of 5. It has a 5 star rating. 10 year warrenties on stain resistance, quality assurance and Textureguard.
Do you think this is a good choice for an active staircase and landing?
Thank you for your expertise?
Best Regards,
Doreen
Doreen,
The carpet you have selected will do nicely.
Jim
To the person who wants to know about continuous filament nylon. It is also known as BCF (bulk continuous filament nylon). It is a type of nylon that is brighter than others, and is designed not to
shed or fuzz. It is not a superior fiber, but a different type of fiber.
Good Luck,
Jim
We want to carpet our basement rec room. The problem is we have to have a seam in the middle of the television viewing area. What suggestions can you give for a type of carpet that would not show the seam?
Rocky,
If the room is smaller than 20 X20, then look for carpet that is fifteen ft. wide. This would put the seam closer to the wall. Also, loop carpets are more difficult to seam than all other types. Shags, of course, are the easiest.
If you cannot avoid a seam in the middle of the room, then look for a carpet that has been solution dyed or yarn dyed. This will keep the two half color effect from being evident.
Good Luck,
Jim
Mr. Goddard,
Thank you for taking time to visit with and educate me on Saturday afternoon. I neglected to ask you about area rugs before I departed. I ventured over to NW Rugs on Saturday and came home with my hands covered with a smelly film (bug spray????) What would be the least toxic option for area rugs? Is the backing also an issue with them? How about the "non slip pad"? I noted that Shaw sells several area rugs. Would you have access to these? Might you have color swatches?
I have scheduled a home inspection for my condo on Saturday morning. Might someone from your office be available to measure then?
I apologize for this blog posting. I was unable to find an e-mail address for you on your card.
Kind Regards,
Kimberly Shaw
Kimberly,
You contracted the anti moth agent on your hands that the importer put on the wool rugs to keep them moth free.
You can reach me at mrcarpetguru@carpetguru.com
Hope to see you soon,
Jim
Jim,
I don't think I posted correctly since I have not seen an answer. I wanted to know what kind of throw rug I can use at entrances to protect my new Shaw LaStrada carpet. My entry way has a new solid wood floor and I read that a rubber backed rug will, over time, discolor the finish on hard wood (as it does on vinyl floors.) I want throw rugs that are very absorbent, otherwise what would be the point. I am having a very hard time finding out what kind of backing will not discolor. Why does everyone keep this a secret? Please help!
Marsha
Marsha,
You want to locate some 100% cotton throw rugs if you can. Try BB&B or even a discount store like K-Mart, Target, Wal-mart etc. Then locate a special non skid pad from your carpet specialty store. These pads are made by Grip-Tex. (do a google on them).
Good Luck,
Jim
Good morning,
I've gone through the 642+ comments/questions and have not seen this covered, but have learned quite a bit about carpets. I have a Dyson vacuum cleaner that my husband bought me for Christmas last year. He now claims that this upright is destroying our carpets. He seems to think that the rollers are tearing out the carpets strands. Have you heard of this??? If so, please advise. Thanks.
Wow!!
What a great source. And I can certainly agree with the lady who suffered from information overload.
I am looking for advice on what to use in a basement that was finished with a cheap rebond pad and a decent friese when I bought it. Then neighbor kids put the hose on directed at the foundation while I was gone and the basement flooded. I was able to clean the carpet sufficiently but had to pull the smelly pad. For the past year I have watched to see if normal snow melting might also get the basement wet, and I don't think so, but maybe a little. Certainly not like the kids damage, So now I am ready to carpet and get the hosue ready to sell.
I was leaning towards getting rubber slab, just in case there is some water, but on some of your responses I think you say it should be something nore breathable over basement slab?
I like the warm fuzzy look of the frieze - makes the basement more appealing to future buyers, but Ialso have to live in it while showing it, maybe a Berber would stay cleaner longer? I really don't use the basement much as a single person. I know neutrals are best for reselling - but any ideas about fleck versus single color for resale?
Finally, our local Carpet King has a $99 install $50 coupon off - is that a bait and switch I should be worried about?
thanks so much!!
Dear Flooded,
If you really are going to sell in the NEAR future, then a berber made from oelfin installed over a 40 ounce spun nylon pad will help sell the house, and will be easy on your budget. People expect to see berbers in basements or family rooms. You can use a tweed, multicolor or solid color. If you do get another water event, you can dry out both the carpet and the pad, as the spun nylon fiber pad will not absorb much water, and will dry quickly.
You should not be persuaded by advertising offering cheap labor. This is just a ploy to get you in the store. Look for a smaller dealer.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hey, I just read your info on carpet scams. That is way cool, on how you have all that information! I'm learning to sell carpet in a store. And I'm glad to say that my boss is teaching me how to sell honestly. And that we don't need to manipulate people. Great info! I know what the customers are looking for in a salesman now, and I can be their best sales rep ever. By being totally the opposite of what you wrote about. It helps show those salesmen that are trying to be the best, and honest, and truthful, how to be just that! Great info!
~JC~
Marge,
Upright Vacuums RARELY are the cause of significant fiber loss. Some staple fibers will shed more, and thus will fill the vacuum's bag (chamber) quickly. This is fiber that would have come off anyway. It is just that a powerful vacuum will pick them up sooner.
Also, it is possible, that after cleaning or a few years wear, the backing has failed, and its grip on the fiber bundles in the backing has weakened. The result is pilling and fuzzing. This would be magnified by the use of a strong upright vacuum.
I hope this helps,
Good Luck,
Jim
BTW I use a Dyson on my carpets at home.
Jim, I wish I lived in Oregon and could shop from you. My question is: Are there poor quality SmartStrand carpets out there. I looked at Frieze that looked nice and was priced reasonably at $2.40 sq/ft. The brand was Mohawk, but the salesman could not give me any specs on it, since they were not on the sample he had (his reason). This was from a small local carpet store, exactly the kind you recommend. Does that seem reasonable to you, or too cheap. I am in Texas if that helps. The price includes pad and install. Thanks for your advice.
Steve
SmartStrand is the Mohawk name for their PTT polyester fiber. They have decided to market this fiber under their Horizon label using the 3GT type of PTT and under the Aladdin label using the Shell Oil PTT. The Aladdin brand is less money because Mohawk is not as generous with the warranty as it is with the Horizon brand; even on carpets with the same specs. BTW carpet specs are only printed on the backs of labels especially made for the big box stores. This is so their salespeople will have something to talk about. If you must have the specs, your dealer can find them online by entering his account number.
You did not convey your carpet needs, and thus, I do not know what type of carpet would be best for you. If stain resistance is more important to you, then continue to look at PTT. However, if you want resilience and wear, stick with a nylon carpet. In todays market, you should budget at least $3/sq ft for installed carpet and quality pad, and qualified labor.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru:
I want to carpet my staircase. I saw carpet by Kane made with "Eurolon" (heatset Wilton Weave Olefin); comes in different weights from 65 to 105 onz syd. Is this a good choice for stairs or should I purchase Wool carpet instead, and if wool is better, which weight should I buy ? Also, which pad should be used for the carpet you recommend ?
Thank you for your advice. Luis
Jim,
We are having an issue on the installation of a carpet on a concrete lower level floor. We are concerned about warmth of the floor. We are using a low level polypropelene loop with a self baking. We were thinking of using dri-core product (or a radiant product) but the pricing is too prohibitive.
So it looks like underpad under the carpet is what we are going to use. We have been told by some to use duracushion rubber underpad (.25 thick) or 10 mil "granite" foam underpad.
Any suggestions as to what will work best. Thanks in advance.
Michael,
If your carpet already has a foam or kanga backing attached, you should not use another pad also. You carpet is designed to be glued directly down to the concrete. If you have to have heat, you will have to pay for one of those new mesh radiant heat pads suspended in a thin coat of concrete.
Good Luck,
jim
To the person who want the Kraus woven carpet, you have chosen a superior stain resistant carpet, and because it is woven so tightly, it will wear well. You must install over a very firm pad i.e forty ounce spun nylon fiber pad, or 120 ounce slab rubber.
Good Luck,
jim
We just had Shaws Divine Serenity II continuous filament nylon plush carpet installed. The installation crew said we would see loose strands for a while. When we said it should be continuous, the installer said plush isn't continuous but stapled. Did we misunderstand what BCF means? Also, is there a way we can tell if what we got was BCF? Thanks so much.
Zees,
The only loose strands you should see are those that were made from cutting the carpet, or trimming the carpet at the wall. These cut ends are not avoidable regardless of the fiber type.
BCF (bulk continuous filament)nylon is a fiber that should not fuzz. If you completely vacuum the entire carpet you should not get much in the bag except dirt and cut fibers. If you get balls of fuzz, then the carpet you received was not BCF. Take a credit card and briskly rub the surface of the carpet. You should not have fuze on either side of the credit card.
Most plush carpets are made from spun nylon and not continuous filament nylon, but not all plushes.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Jim! We are looking to get an area rug made and recently found the Shaw Tuftex style My My My in the color Brass Charm that we absolutely LOVE. However, we need a big size - approx 12x 9 - and this style is just too expensive for what we were looking to spend. Do you have suggestions on a comparable shag carpet, perhaps one of a lesser grade but still plush? Thanks so much for your ideas!
1/13/08
We've been to some fancy Portland exclusive carpet stores where we get no brand names and no data like twist, density, etc., and some pretty high prices. We've been to Big Boxes where we get brand names and all the data. Big Box offers install, removal, hauling and some furniture moving for $200. This really cuts the total price. Plus we think we found better quality carpet and pad, matching your recommendations, at Big Box. We feel better informed from Big Box, especially one sales rep who highly praised Carpetguru. Should we be suspicious about this install offer? We're not finished shopping yet but Big Box made it sound and look good.
Bill
Bill,
If you live in the Portland Oregon Metro area, and you are getting high praises about Carpetguru form some sales person at a Big Box store, then why not visit the guru at his place of business: www.carpetguru.com/tigard.htnl
Good Luck,
Jim
Sara,
You must remember that a small piece like 12 x 9 is expensive mostly because it has to be special ordered from the Mill. This involves freight minimums that could add several dollars per sq. ;yd. to the price. Also, the piece you are looking at is a high fashion color and is high quality. To find something that was a "look a like" would only look like a cheap imitation.
Good Luck,
Jim
I like Frieze carpets but some are soft and some aren't. What's the differecne?
The softness in the feel of the fiber is due to the diameter of the fiber itself. A small diameter is referred to as fine, and a larger diameter would be course. The finer the fiber the softer. It also takes more of this fine fiber to create the same hand or feel as a carpet made with a more course fiber.
If you like the soft feel you must purchase a heavier carpet to get feel that you could get from a "fatter" courser fiber. Thus, many carpets made from fine diameter fiber will have more fiber in them than you think. This is especially true for nylon fibers.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Hi,
Thanks so much for your web site it has been so informative! But I must admit I still feel very ignorant! I have been to 4 carpet stores (3 small and 1 chain). No one is able to give me the info you say is so important to make a decision. Could you possible give me your opinion on 4 I have it narrowed down to? The carpet is going throughout the entire upstairs - master bedroom, hallway, and 3 other bedrooms, no bathrooms. My husband and I have 2 teenagers and 1 dog. We will probably be in this house 5-6 years and I would like something that will still look good.
1. Karastan - Angelico
2. Mohawk - Horizon - Smartstrand - Style 3497 South Padre Island.
3. Mohawk - Smartstrand - New Sensation - Style 1355
4. Shaw Couture Focal Point trackless
I want something soft and comfy for the bedrooms. I liked the frieze because it was different than what we currently have.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Barb
Barb,
From the list, I like the Shaw piece, as nylon is still my carpet fiber of choice. I do not know what the Karastan piece is made from, but save some money, and purchase the Focal Point.
Good luck,
Jim
Hello again
We have just had Shaw's Divine Serenity II 100% Anso Crushresister BCF Nylon with Recycled Carpet installed. We are so unhappy with it. Every footprint and vacuum mark is visible. The installers are coming again tomorrow to fix the seams because every one is extremely visible also.
We were very specific in that we didn't want to see all these marks and were told that this carpet was very good at hiding traffic and dirt.
Is there anything we can do? Would having the carpet steam cleaned help?
Zee,
Your dealer should have told you that plush will show footprints and vacuum marks. This is even more evident when the carpet is first installed.
Seams are difficult to hide in a plush carpet, but a talented installer can make them less obvious.
I would contact the owner of the business, not just the salesperson who sold you the carpet, and explain how unhappy you are. Do not have the carpet cleaned. I would ask if this carpet is covered under the 30 day no questions asked warranty offered by Shaw on most of their 5 star carpets. Check your warranty book. The carpet will be replaced with another Shaw carpet, but you would have to pay for the labor again. If you do change, pick a true frieze or berber loop to avoid footprint and vacuum marks.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru,
The Coronet Eternal II carpet I mentioned above does not have the luxurybac offered by Beaulieu. It is the old-style rough carpet back. I know that the other carpet brands offer similar woven backing by different names. Does the woven backing make a big difference in the performance of the carpet over a long time period? The cost of this Coronet carpet was about 22.50/yd.
Thanks Again.
Luxury Bac is a great aid for the installer, as it is less likely for him to scratch the baseboard and other wood trim. Also, the seams, if made properly,are a little stronger than with other backing. However, there is no advantage for long wear with your backing choice unless you are talking about woven carpets.
If the Coronet piece is made with a good twist, and with nylon, it will last until you are sick of the color.
Good Luck,
Jim
My dogs tore about a 14" X 16" piece of berber carpet in a door way. I have gone to a couple different carpet stores and they are telling me there is no way to patch the carpet without it looking terrible. I need to replace the entire room. Is this true or are they just trying to make a lot more money out of my situation.
Thanks
Dawn
Dawn,
If you have a piece of the original carpet, your doorway area can be repaired. Look in the Yellow pages under carpet cleaners. There you will find a carpet repair specialist. This person can hand sew the carpet in place and it will look a little like a patch job, but not horrible. The cost of this service is usually about $125.00
Good luck,
Jim
What do I do if my dealer has tried a switchero on me and the carpet is already installed, but I haven't paid for the last half of the payment yet?
It is difficult to prove that you have had an inferior carpet installed compared to the sample you saw in the store. First i would try and locate the wrapper the carpet that came with your carpet. On the wrapper should be the name or style number of your carpet along with the color number. If they match, you have not been scammed.
Secondly, if you can take a scrap of the carpet that was installed in your home to the dealer, then you can compare it to the sample from which you made your carpet purchase. They should be close in feel and look, but not identical. Texture and dye lots will change from roll to roll.
Finally, If you are unable to do this, then you will have to hire an independent senior master carpet inspector. He will be able to have the carpet tested for mill specs. You should be able to obtain the mill specs from the mill's website or from the dealer. If there is a big difference from mill specs, then you have a case for small claims court. In court you can recover the cost of the master carpet inspector. BTW, you can find an inspector in your area at http://www.certifiedcleaners.org/locator.shtml#
Hope this helps,
Jim
Hi guru,
I'm trying to find a carpet for my family room, it is off of the kitchen, has a fire place, we have a 180 lb St. Bernard, long haired cat and two teenaged girls. Every carpet store I go into I get a different story, I should buy nylon, olefin, polyester, plush,berber.My family says we should get a cheap carpet,but a good pad. At this point I'm just so confused.Low budget.maryellen
You need a "bullet proof" carpet. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. I would positively stick with a nylon that is multicolor, and has a super tight twist. I like one called Herb Garden by Beaulieu . There are some others, but stay away from plushes, looped carpets, and solid colored carpets. If this does not fit your decorating scheme, then install pergo and place an area rug over some of it.
Good luck,
Jim
Hey Jim,
I'm carpeting 3 bedrooms. Every place I go says they have the best product and this is what I should go with. I have narrowed it down to
Shawmark Anything Goes - Rest Assured (Style 00M74)Stainmaster, Tactess and BCF.
WundaWeave Style 7579 Admirable Job, Stainmaster, Tactess and BCF and
Shaw Focal Point - Anso Caress, Stapled.
All are about the same price. One place told me that the Shawmark and the Wundaweave are a much better product than the Shaw because it is BCF and better made. Is this true? Is one really better than the other?? If it were you which would you use?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Lauren
Lauren,
I do not keep track of all the names of styles out there. However, I do know that the Anything Goes line is more likely to be superior to the other carpets you mentioned.
BCF means bulk continuous filament. Filament nylon is good for not fuzzing or shedding. Usually this type of fiber is brighter than staple fiber. So the look that you get is much different than carpets made with non-filament fiber. It does not mean that one is "better" than the other.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi Guru,
I wrote to you the other day.You suggested the bullet proof rug. When I went to the carpet store the man didn't know if herb garden was the name of the color or the series. From the picture online he said it looks like a shag.Can you tell me a little more about the carpet you recommended.He had very little of Beauileui carpets. I'm on the eastcoast if that matters Thanks maryellen
maryellen,
Herb Garden is a multicolored short shag. It wil perform
The carpet is available at HD under their
private name.
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpetguru,
I need some carpet recommendations for a screened in porch.
The facts: 14'x26', with (1) 8' sliding door to inside, and (2) 3' hinged doors to outside. The porch does not get wet from rain, but does see high humidity because I'm in central Florida. The current floor is covered with brick pavers, but I want to place carpet on top to be more toddler friendly for my 15 month old son.
My questions: To eliminate seams, I'm leaning toward carpet that is 15 feet wide, but nobody has any indoor/outdoor carpet that wide. Can I instead use a short loop commercial grade carpet? Material suggestions? How can I secure the carpet without damaging the brick pavers? Any special considerations for securing the doorway transtions?
Thanks for your time.
Use an olefin tenth gauge commercial
Carpet
Use double faced tape at doorways
Good luck
Jim
Dear Carpetguru-
We bought 212 yards of carpet for our house. When we sold it we agreed to pay for a new carpet. The invoice showed 222 yards. The carpet installer has over 20 yrs in the business and we'll say reputable. Both rolls of carpet were 12'. Is it likely this mistake could occur, or is it more likely they carpeted an extra room?
Many reasons for the 12 X 7 ft. 6 inches
difference. First is layout. There could be less
seams in the new install; especially if the
new carpet is a plush. Secondly, the new
carpet may have required a pattern match.
Finally, there could be a closet under the
stairs or somewhere else that did not get
Carpeted the first time.
I am sure your dealer has your interest in mind.
Good Luck
Jim
Hey Jim,
We finally chose a carpet (the Shawmark Anything Goes) but the carpet dealer told us they can not use the power stretcher because we have an alcove area in the master bedroom (8X7') and that it is too small an area to use it in. So if he can't use it in there then he can't use it at all because the rest of the room would not be stretched the same and we would feel the difference. Is it true that the power stretcher cannot be used in a small area? Should I be worried? I know you say installation is the most important!!
Thanks! Matt
Matt
The larger rooms should be power stretched
in. If the dealer fails to do this, get a written
five year labor warranty that covers all restretches.
Good luck
Jim
Prices going up Feb 14th instead of Feb 2.
CarpetGuru,
Great site and information! Wish I lived near Tigard.
I am in the process of replacing and selecting carpet for my second floor (3 bedrooms, hallway and stairs, wood subfloor, Myself, Wife and newborn, no pets yet).
What is your opinion of Shaw's Queen Sweet Sixty Q1904? It's a textured cut pile, 100% ANSO BCF Nylon. Face Weight ozs/yd2 52.70, Finished Pile Thickness .69 inches, Gauge 5/32, Tufts per Inch 10, Polypropylene Primary and Secondary backing, Total Weight ozs/yd2 89.0, Density ozs/yd3 2750, Twist Information 4.8, WIdth 12.0', Continuous Dyed, Star rating 4 with R2X, 4.0 durability rating?
They want to use a 6lb rebond pad but have an 8lb upgrade. I wanted to use your recommended HCG, but they won't work with me on the pad issue. What would be a good pad for this?
Lastly, what would be a fair price for this (approx 816 Sq Ft, installed with removal and clean-up). Is $3085 be a fair price for this job, should find another dealer and/or move closer to Tigard?
Thank you for your time and opinion.
Keith
Keith,
The carpet you have selected should do well in your home. Use the 8 lb pad, as this carpet does not have SoftBac, and needs the support of the firmer pad.
It is difficult for me to comment on pricing. There are too many variables.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim, Thanks for a great site. I'm trying to choose carpet for a small home with high-traffic through much of it. I was interested in Coronet "Elegant Decor" Olefin since it had a tight, dense look and I thought it would wear well. It's 30 oz. It's fairly rough, though. I like a more plain, commercial look and I want something dense, small loop, stain and wear-resistant. Can you recommend something? Thanks in advance. CK Eder
I am not aware of Elegant Decor, but if it is a tenth gauge stitch rate, then you will not wear it out. If the loops are larger, and not two ply, then the olefin will crush.
Use at least an 8 lb pad under your "commercial' carpet. A 40 ounce fiber pad will also work well.
Good Luck,
Jim
I'm pretty clueless about carpet. We're doing our living room and family room hopefully for the last time (we're 60). No kids. Two dogs (well trained). I'd like to put something nice in place. I've looked at a 53oz texture Shawmark Anything Goes! Elite and two higher end (titanium?) (cut and uncut pattern?) by Lees from Carpet One. Any help or words of wisdom would be appeciated. Also would like help with the pad. Thanks in advance.
We bought lee's for living carpet from carpet one. We are having some problems just 2 years later with snagging. Mohawk sent an inspector out and the claim was denied. Also some graying in the traffic areas and stubborn stains. Do I sue Mohawk for not honoring the claim or 3m? The inspector was sent from Mohawk. So much for the no exceptions warranty.
Duped in CA
Duped,
Warranties from your Carpet One store are supposed to be stronger than those from the mill. After all, that is why you paid the inflated price for a Mohawk carpet under the Lees name.
If you have receipts for having the carpet cleaned by a certified carpet cleaner, then your warranty should be in tact. Contact your own certified master senior carpet inspector (usually found in the yellow pages under carpet cleaners). Pay this person for an inspection of your own. If he proves the carpet not to be performing up to industry standards, then you have a case for small claims court against the dealer and the mill.
Good Luck,
JIm
To the couple in their "60s" shopping at Carpet One.
Read the comment above. Find a dealer that will show you a nylon frieze.
good luck,
Jim
We just purchased a new home with new carpet. The carpet had a manufacture defect, so the builder had the carpet company come replace it. Once the new carpet was in, it did not look or feel the same. The color is a slight difference but the feel is very rough and not as dense. The backing looks the same at first, but when you look at close the original sample is much tighter. The company keeps telling us it is the same, but we don't feel that is the case. I was originally told that the carpet was Karastan, then we were told that the carpet was Custom Weave. Could they have given us a lesser grade? Could we have someone analyze it for us? What are your thoughts?
Thanks
LeAnne
Leanne,
Both Karastan and Customweave are made on the same Mohawk machines. Some of the products are the same with different names.
The only way to tell if the two carpets are the same, or within industry specs is to hire an independent senior master carpet inspector. Google this term and look for such a person in your area.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
My husband and I own a two stores in Connecticut and I love your website and all of the information. I can't say it all better than you, so I'm going to have a link on my website to yours, if you don't mind. We are not empty nesters, we have two children ages 5 & 7. I'm so glad to have found you. I hope my customer's will appreciate your honesty, and mine for encouraging them to read your articles. Thank you so much!
Denise Van Hise
www.tilebythemile.com
Denise,
Thank you for not just copying our site. Yes, please use the link www.carpetguru.com . Your webguy can
do this easily.
Good Luck,
Jim
Super site Carpetguru! What is your opinion on Karastan Edelston -we are looking to redo masterbedroom - we do have a dog with minimal shedding.
Also - recommendation for beach house carpeting - vacation rental - dog & stain & sandy toes friendly..... best with a berber?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.. Leigh
Because even Karastan has different names for the same product, depending on the part of the country you live. I am not aware of a product called
Edleston. Please email me the specs.
For the beach with pets use a commercial product with a tenth gauge construction. The fiber can be olefin in this case. Install over a firm pad like a 40 ounce fiber pad.
Good Luck,
Jim
Where do I get all the pertinent information for each carpet (i.e. face weight, density, pile height, etc..)? Finding these specs for each carpet is like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
The info on weight, twist levels, density, etc is found mostly on samples from Big Box stores, or national chain stores. This is done so the sales people in those places will have something to talk about when showing you the sample. It also means that a consumer can browse through the store without the aid of a sales person. The wrong assumption that most people make is giving way too much weight to those specs.
A professional sales person will quiz you for clues to make sure he/she presents you with the proper carpet to fit your needs.
Just remember that just because a carpet has 60 ounces of fiber on the face of it, does not mean that it will wear well.
Good Luck,
Jim
not sure if my account was acitvated. sending again.
Need to carpet whole house for resale. Got measured for 156 square yards. Local dealer has :
Manufacturer Shaw
Product Atherton
Color/Pattern# 29109
Color Name Tea Stain
Width 12.0
Grade 1st Quality
Surface Type Saxony
Gauge 5/32
Stain Treat. Mill Brand
Construction SAX
Face Weight 25
Total Weight 55.5
Fiber Brand Mill Brand
Fiber Content Nylon
5 year warrenty
normal wear
Cost $3600 pad, install, removal, etc.
Other is an Abby floor polyester. I don't have specific info since it's specality brand Does have a ten year warrenty but wear is rated "light'
Cost is $3016 for eveything as above.
looking fo best value in a move situation. Not sure about warrenty years ratings
Thanks GTP
I recently installed carpet in my place of business and we are experiencing what the dealer called "sidematch" problems. He is recommending an on-site dyeing solution called feather blending or color blending. Is this an adequate solution or should I demand new carpet? Thanks.
I had new carpet installed a week ago. I have several pieces left over. I spilled a small cup of water on one of those pieces and the backing separated. What does this mean?
Feather blending is normal for repair of sidematch problems. It works 80% of the time.
Good Luck,
Jim
To the person who poured water on their carpet, you should only be concerned if your carpet cleaner gets the carpet too wet when cleaning. You carpet is made with the minimum about of latex holding the two backs together. If you are concerned, get your dealer to sign a letter stating the fact that your are concerned about the latex bond of your carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
GTP,
The carpets you are looking at are marginal ones. In this case, stick with the nylon, as it has the most potential to last seven to ten years.
Good Luck,
Jim
How do I go about seeing if the carpet I saw and purchased was exactly what I got? I purchased Mohawk 90oz carpet and just like in your Switchero I think the carpet is not as dense as the sample. The installer said exactly what you said "that the carpet had been compressed in the roll". It does look nice layed, but I want it to last for the 15 year warranty and look like it is supposed to. How do I know?
To make sure you received the carpet you ordered you need to check your invoice for the pattern name and number. Then compare it with the label on the wrapper from the roll of carpet that arrived at your home.
The only other way to compare is to get the store sample and compare it to a scrap of the carpet that was installed in your home. There will be some difference in texture and color, but not a big difference in face weight.
Good Luck,
Jim
Carpetguru -
I'm just starting to shop for carpet, and want to fire a couple of questions off before I dig into your forum. Promise I'll read the rest of the comments and answers, but for now -
I pulled my carpet back and I see cracks in the slab - up to 1/8 inch wide and a couple of feet long. Will the carpet layer fill these?
What about slab leaks? There's no evidence of one, but is there an inspection I can have done to see what the risk is?
Should I be shopping for a carpet or a carpetlayer first?
Let me do some reading while I wait for you to answer.
Steve
Steve,
Small cracks up to one eight inch will not harm the pad or the carpet.. Moisture is another thing. If there is no moisture now, I would not worry about future moisture problems; that is what insurance is for.
Read this blog, but also all of www.carpetguru.com
Good Luck,
Jim
Great website with lots of information! Just one comment about P.E.T. material. A pediatric allergist told me that she feels it may promote chemical sensitivities. I find this worrisome because I have a child who developed acute chemical sensitivity 6 years ago (related to school remodeling). This child is doing very well now but it was incredibly frightening during the acute phase.
Lynn
Lynn,
I am not an allergist, but I have never heard of anyone who is allergic to PET and not other man made fibers.
Sometimes the allergy is one that involves the latex used in putting the backing on the carpet.
If you are really concerned about allergies, try a small wool hand woven area rug instead of wall to wall carpet. Be aware, however, that some of the anti moth treatments can trigger other allergies.
The use of ceramic tile is the only product that contains no chemicals of any kind except for the grout and sealers.
Hospitals use a special commercial vinyl for use in their ICU's and other areas that need to be close to germ free.
Good luck,
Jim
Hi Jim,
My wife and I are trying to decide on a carpet and padding for our bedroom. After shopping at several stores we are more confused than ever. We are leaning toward polyester, but unsure of what pad to use. Have you ever heard of "karastep", manufactured by Karastan. The place we are looking at is charging .98 per sq. foot. Any input would be appreciated. thanks. Pat
What a great site!
I have a question about my 3 year old Stainmaster Xtra Life Couture Carpet with Tactesse. With an 8lbs. pad. I have been having stain/soiling problems as well as subtle wear marks in my heavier traffic areas. Our carpet has the small square designs. We have our carpet cleaned about every 6 months. BTW no pets. We don't wear shoes on our carpet either. I recently started a claim with Stainmaster/invista. I sent a carpet reminant in and the test came back fine. Stainmaster sent out a carpet cleaner to clean the areas, its been about 3 hours and I have blue spots all over my living room.!? I'm thinking it may be the blue pad underneith? Not sure what to do at this point. I called the carpet cleaner he will be out tomorrow to look at it. I was told by the manager where we bought our carpet to NOT put scotch guarding on my carpet or it would void my warranty. However, the carpet cleaner that stainmaster sent out said that that is false and that I should have had it protected each time I got it cleaned? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Meg
Meg,
I am sorry you are having problems with your nylon carpet. Our webpage at www.carpetguru.com/warranty.html warns you that warranties are not worth much.
If you want to try and fight Invista,the dealer, etc. you can hire an independent certified master senior carpet inspector. These people are found by doing a google on the terms. They have a website where you can find a local person. He will tell you exactly what is happening to your carpet. My guess is improper cleaning and lack of soil protection.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hi, I'm so glad I found your site. I have a question about carpet installation. I had new carpet installed in my home including the stairs leading to the basement. Approximately a year later, while walking down the stairs, the carpet on one step slid out when I stepped on it and I of course landed on my back. I called the store that sold me the carpet and although they sent someone to fix it, they made the comment that we could have worn the carpet out of the crease. The carpet did not even have any indentation as though it had ever been tucked in the crease anyway. I would love to have your opinion on this matter.
Dear Jim,
Thanks so much for your site. Although I'm still confused, I'm less so after going through your web site. I found it as a link from a local flooring store (the only one to have you linked). They currently have a special to go from 6lb to 8lb pad, but thinking about upgrading to 10lb.
We, like many on this forum, are looking into purchasing carpet for our home after 10 years of builder grade crap. I think that depending on the total cost, will only be able to do LR/DR and stairs/hallway. I would love to do the 4 bedrooms also, but they might have to be next year.
A friend needed to redo his house after flooding and ended up with Shaw's Kathy Ireland Essential Twist, style #53593. We have a 10"x4" scrap piece of it. It says on Shaw website that it is 100% Nylon, 47oz. Jeff mentioned that he purchased two levels of this carpet, one for basement, one for LR. I'm not sure which sample I have. It "seems" to be a nice carpet, but was wondering about your opinion on these "twist" styles.
Shaw has it down as $4.50 per sf which is higher than I was looking at (maybe $3-$3.5 per sf), but if it would be a carpet that would last another 10 years and still look decent, it might be worth the investment. I don't want "foot prints" and "vacuum marks".
Thanks again for "ALL" of your great information.
Sincerely,
Karen
Kansas
Dear Karen,
Please know that the only carpet that completely hides footprints and vacuum marks are the all loop carpets like berbers. However, the frieze is the next best choice. The SHORTER the pile, the less footprints. 47 oz could be too long.
You should not need a 10 lb pad. Quality 8 lb rebond will last many years.
Good luck
Jim
Dear "falling down the stiars",
You were lucky you were not killed. I would not be able to explain why the carpet became detached without examining the job. Carpet is usually tucked between to rows of tack strips. One of the strips has the pin pointed down, and one with the pins toward the back of the step. This creates a "V" that the carpet is tucked into during install.
If the pad was too thick, the carpet could have worked loose due to too muck flexing. Again, I would have to inspect myself.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
We still haven't installed the new 5in. basebaords, but we have cut all of them and will be painting them soon.. They are thick... but my husband doesn't want to install them on the floor and then have carpet pushed up against them. He says, why buy nice thick baseboards and then have the carpets put in to cover half of them...making them look 2 inches high... What do professionals do about this dilemma?
LESLIE,
The pros install the base board about 3/8 inch off the floor so that the carpet can be tucked underneath the baseboard. If your new carpet is going to be a thick shag, then increase the distance to 7/16ths inch.
Good Luck,
Jim
I would like your opinion on the following carpet. This is for very heavy traffic in my living room, dining room and family room. I believe it is called a short frieze and I am not sure if it will mat down.
Coronet/Beaulieu Raving Beauty
1/8 gauge
55 oz. per sq. yd pile weight
2789 density
4.10 Performance Assessment Rating
6.5 yarn twists per inch
10.7 stitches per inch
27/32 pile height
100% BCV Nylon
Frieze construction
Putting this over 8 lb. 1/2" pad
Linda
Thank you for you help
Linda,
You have chosen wisely. Change the pad to 7/16th to achieve proper "tack strip" alinement.
Good Luck,
Jim
Is it possible to buy fade-proof Carpet. We have been searching for carpet and have run across this term and wonder if possible. We are considering purchasing a carpet by Mohawk-100% nylon called Jazz Festival-color Skylights, which is a blue. I know blue does fade frequently so wonder the durability of the carpet we are considering. Thank You
The carpets with the strongest fade warranties are made from solution dyed fibers. The best wearing of these is solution dyed nylon. Some mills make residential styles with this fiber, but the colors are limited.
The new PTT polyester and PET polyester fibers, while not solution dyed, are the next most resistant to sunlight. These fibers come in a bigger range of colors. Look for them if color is important .
Good Luck,
Jim
BTW "Jazz Festival" is NOT solution dyed.
Jim, a million thanks for your site. It has made me a wiser consumer for the carpeting for our new home.
My question is about the Healthier Choice micro froth foam padding. I understand from your comments here that the white variety is for areas where a softer feel is desired. Is that correct? Or is it all right to use the green variety throughout our home which will have carpeting over concrete as well as wood flooring?
Thanks,
Kathryn
Oops, I posted my previous question too soon, since I have an additional question about Healthier Choice pad.
How does Healthier Choice compare to Stainmaster Carpet Cushion?
I have read that using the Stainmaster Carpet Cushion under a Stainmaster carpet will extend the carpet's warranty by 3 years.
Which would you recommend?
Thanks again,
Kathryn
Kathryn,
The white version is 1/2 inch thick and not recommended for use by some mills. I think it would work, but it could be too soft. I like the green for the whole house.
Good luck,
Jim
Kathryn,
The Stainmaster pad is too soft. Forget the warranty, use HC Green.
Good Luck,
JIm
Hi Jim,
I'm glad I stumbled upon your website - it's a goldmine. Like Elaine's question on 1.29.07, I am looking to install carpet over radiant heat floor and need to know what is the best pad for it. The radiant heat is pex tubing under the subfloor. Over this I would like to put Shaw's Inspired Spaces Collection commercial carpet in Jasmine pattern. I see some radiant heat websites that tout very low R-value slab foam rubber pads as being most efficient over radiant heat floors(R values from .31-.62 depending on thickness), but I can't find any of these pads! You commented that frothed foam is best (Healthier Choice), even though it's R value is pretty high at 1.55 compared to the pads cited by the radiant heat folks, and don't go by R value alone. What do you suggest for my situation? Thanks,
Pam
Pam,
I would use Healthier Choice blue. This is the commercial thickness. It
has a lower R Value, but still higher than .67. The cell structure of this pad is what makes it good over radiant heat floors, not r value.
Good Luck,
Jim
In Jan, 2007 we had Kathy Ireland Essential Platinum (Shaw) carpet installed. In Oct. 2007 we noticed marking (first floor) where we enter the room and in the hallway, 2nd floor. The mark resembles water staining. Carpet has not been cleaned. The area is about 3' long. My husband and I are occupants of home.
Shaw sent an inspector (owner of an independent store)) to check carpet-he claims it is a spot where we pivot when we enter room. (We checked our walk & we don't pivot). He said it is not pooling. When I rub the carpet to the left -one side of the marking is lighter & the other is darker. Rubbing the opposite way creates just the opposite.
Any ideas would be helpful. How do we find a certified person to inspect the carpet for us?
If your carpet is not "pooling" (see www.carpetguru.com/velvet.html), I don't know what would cause the problem. You can find your own inspector at: http://www.cfi-installers.org/
Good Luck,
Jim
Dear Carpet Guru,
I am in the process of having a sunroom addition to my home. I feel like I am paying out the wazoo for a very inexpensive display model & am being given a $16 allowance for carpet & installation. From what I can tell, this isn't very much & what I am willing to settle for is $15.89 for carpet & padding only.
What is the typical install fee?
Install fee for a small room is often a minimum charge. Typical is $200. A per sq yd charge may be $6 to $8.
Good Luck,
Jim
Thank you so much for being so prompt in answering my trivial question and btw, I believe I will need to add an extra 15-$20 per square yard if I expect decent carpet.
Now, I have to ask....why are you so helpful to anyone who ask your advice at no charge ? It is not ordinary. I would even go so far as to say, it is....well, EXTRA-ORDINARY.
Why?
Dear "why"
After 40 years plus in this business, I feel it is time to give something back. I have been able to view the floorcovering business as a profession and vocation, not just a job.
I see so many people being misled and lied to during the purchasing process, that I try to give the consumer some knowledge so they have a fighting chance when entering the carpet showroom.
I have no ads on my website, and the only thing I sell at this point is a small stain kit. In the future I will be adding a new type of froth foam to our readers. I am still working on the distribution network.
Good Luck on your project,
Jim
Hi Jim,
This is Pam again from my 3.10 post re: Healthier Choice carpet pad. The carpet store that I am purchasing my Shaws carpet from sells a 100% virgein polyurethane pad that they say is environmentally friendly. It has an R value of 1.19, is made by Daltonian Flooring, Inc. of Calhoun, Georgia, and is called Ultra Plus II. Is this comparable to the Healthier Choice pad, or should I insist on the Healthier Choice as a superior product? Thanks once again,
Pam
Pam,
The Ultra Plus II is equal to the HC pad. However,
Shaw has just introduced a froth foam pad of their own called Triple Touch. This pad is now featured on our website at www.carpetguru.com/froth.html. We are switching over to the Shaw product because I feel it is equal to or better than the HC pad, and is more available in more cities across the country.
As a bonus, if you purchase a Shaw carpet, and use the Triple Touch pad, you double the Shaw wear warranties. Triple Touch is warranted itself for the life of the home.
Good Luck,
Jim
H! We are looking to replace a builder's grade carpet in our house and are really getting confused by so many different offerings. We have two small dogs (a bichon and a poodle), and the poodle is 12. We have gone through some problems before as other dogs we have had age, so we think we need a carpet with a high stain removal rating. We want something that will wear well (we don't want to do this again in another 10 years) and that won't look like our carpet does now when we vacuum it — like the grass has been mowed! Right now we are looking at the Resista middle grade carpets and we have told the salesmen we want a pad with a moisture barrier.The Resista he originally showed us is from the Meadow Lane series, but I didn't like the high pile. I want a lower pile with good density. Our walls are off white and we have a white railing around our living room are and white pillar posts along the dining room area. We were also shown a Evans Black nylon carpet with a 10 year stain warranty and a 20 year lifetime warranty. It qualifies for Ever Guard.I like the density and low pile of this carpet. Could you give us some advice about the Resista line and the Evans Black nylon carpet. We are in our mid-60s and we want to get this right, but can't afford the top of the line carpets. Also, what pad would you recommend for us. We are dealing with Carpet One.
Sorry for such a long question, but it's been over 25 years since we've looked at carpet and a lot has changed. Your advice and coments will be greatly appreciated.
Dear "replacing builder's grade,
Any quality carpet would be an improvement, but you have narrowed the field of selection by placing demands on what you want the carpet to do. Your first demand is long wear. This is a simple one to meet; buy filament nylon.
Your Second demand was hide footprints and vacuum marks. To do this you need a all loop carpet (this shows no footprints) or a true frieze carpet (shows very little footprints). A true frieze is NOT a shag. Keep the pile short and somewhat dense.
Your third wish is a carpet that will resist pet accidents. Although there are no "stain proof" carpets, if you are going to purchase a nylon carpet, then it should be a solution dyed nylon. This type of fiber is so stain resistant that it will withstand bleach. (5% solution). Solution dyed nylon will also not fade.
If you wish to see a carpet that meets all of these demands, you will have to leave your Carpet One dealer, and find a dealer who carries the Hollytex brand of carpet. Look for a style called
"Park Ave 2) or Supreme Elegance (this one is two toned).
Also, if you want the ultimate pad for your "ultimate" carpet, check out www.carpetguru.com/froth.html
Good Luck,
Jim
We are trying to select carpet for our new baby's room. Currently, we'll be putting the carpet in the baby room and a tiny hallway off the baby's room, but in the future, we'd like to put the same carpet in our living room / great room. (The house currently has builder-grade carpet throughout, and the previous owners were heavy smokers and had a dog.)
We're very interested in the Hollytex Ultimate Performance carpet that has been mentioned here several times, but no place around here seems to have it. There are several places that have Hollytex's Luxury Collection.
We're interested in a frieze carpet (or at least we think we are), but we're not really sure how to tell the difference between a "true frieze" and a frieze-like shag. We like the super twisty, randomized texture of what we've been calling a frieze.
Here are the carpets we've narrowed it down to for now. All of these use 100% Tactesse BCF nylon fibers and have the Stainmaster Xtra Life treatment. We're not sure whether any of these are solution-dyed:
Hollytex Luxury Collection
2307 Everything Nice
LuxuryBac
Tuftex (Shaw)
Lean On Me Z6178
Softbac Platinum
5 stars (Shaw's rating)
3.8 (out of 5) traffic rating
Mohawk Fashion Statements
9784 Harvest Grove
3 feathers (Mohawk's rating)
Mohawk Fashion Statements
3865 Los Coronados
2 feathers (Mohawk's rating)
Can you comment on the relative merits of these carpets and/or suggest an alternative similar in style that might be a better choice?
Also, about the pad: All of the stores around here seem to use an 8-lb, 7/16" rebond pad as standard. Nobody around here seems to have heard of frothed foam - not even the two places that Healthier Choice told me carried their pad. I just saw your mention of Shaw's Triple Touch pad and haven't asked anyone about that yet.
Slab rubber is also an option.
One place has a pad called "Dreamwalk"(?) that I understood to be a brand of slab rubber pad, but when I search for it on the internet, I find a product by Tredaire that doesn't appear to be slab rubber. The salesman at that store said that the Dreamwalk(?) pad was used under the carpet in the store, and he has it throughout his own home and loves it. He wasn't really trying to push it - he mentioned it only after I asked about slab rubber. The Dreamwalk(?) pad is $0.20/ft² more than the rebond.
What is your suggestion: rebond, rubber, Dreamwalk, or other?
Thanks very much! We really appreciate your providing this service!
Steve and Christy B
Louisville, KY, area
Steve & Christy,
I am not able to give advice on the carpets you mentioned because I am not aware of them. This does not mean they do not exist, but these could be private labeled from what I may know about the carpet names here on the West Coast.
In general, I would stay with the rebond unless you know you are going to be in the home for over 15 years.
Good luck,
Jim
Hi, can you tell me if carpet looks like or darker after installed. I have been told both and don't know which is true.
Thanks,
Amy
Amy,
The bigger the room size, the lighter the carpet will appear regardless of color.
Good Luck,
Jim
This is a wonderful site, Jim! I am looking at a Bigelow, 100%nylon, sculptured carpeting, as I do not like "foot prints" and from what I can find on the net tells me that it doesn't show the dirt. I would purchase this from a local company (now a Carpet One dealer) who sold us our present carpet. What can you tell me about this carpeting? It would be used in a living room and dining room. Light traffic, but with a pet. I see the warranties but evidently they don't mean much. Also, I would like your opinion on the "cushion".
Little old lady
Little Old Lady,
If your sculptured carpet is a random sheared patterned looped carpet, I can assure you it will show footprints a great deal. If the sculptured carpet is the older style "hi lo" that is made up of two or more colors, then the footprints will be less obvious.
The pad should be at least a 7/16th 7 lb rebond pad.
Good luck,
Jim
To the Carpetguru,
I wish I had known about your sight before I purchased carpet. I would suggest to other carpet purchasers to check several other things BEFORE their carpet is installed. 1: Pull on a single tuft and see if it comes out with barely a tug. 2: Test a small area with a few teaspoons of water to see if it beads up on the surface for easy blotting (if the carpet is supposed to) or goes straight to the backing causing the backing to pucker and separate. And, can you tell me if this is normal or within "industry standards" especially on higher end nylon stainmaster xtra life with tactesse carpet. Thanks.....
Dear carpet tester,
Tufts of carpet that are not a the edge or end of the roll should not come out with a simple tug. It should take 15 to 20 lbs of pull on one tufts to dislodge it.
Pouring water on the carpet is not a good idea unless the carpet is a dense plush. Even a tablespoon of water will not bead up on any type of frieze or shag.
Some backings do not react well to water and will cause the primary and secondary backing to separate at the point of wetness. This will cause a pucker in the backing.
If your newely installed carpet is coming apart, have it inspected by a certified master senior carept inspector.
Good luck,
Jim
To the Carpetguru,
I am looking to buy some carpet. It is a Shaw saxony cut pile made from 100% Stainmaster Grand Luxura Tactesse staple nylon. Face weight is 53.6 oz, density is 3573, twist is 5.4 with the softbac. It will get med. to high traffic. Is this a good carpet? Also I want to upgrade the padding from 6lb. rebound. The dealer has 8lb. rebound and 10lb. Viscoelastic/Urethane. Its a blend of Viscoelastic Memory Foam and Premium Urethane Foam with a Moisture Barrier Film. Witch one do you think would be better?
Thanks,
Ed
Ed,
The Shaw carpet you are looking at is good for your needs, just remember you will get some shedding of the pile for a while, and if the carpet is a plush, then you will see some footprints ect.
If the pad is Shaw's triple touch pad (see www.carpetguru.com/froth.html), the use this pad under the Shaw carpet to double your warranty.
Good Luck,
Jim
To the Carpetguru,
Recap on comment 751. First I want to say thanks for the fast response.
The dealer I am thinking on getting the Shaw carpet from deals mostly in Mohawk. All their padding is made by Mohawk. The 10lb. Viscoelastic/Urethane. Its a blend of Viscoelastic Memory Foam and Premium Urethane Foam with a Moisture Barrier Film is a Mohawk padding. Mohawk calls it Dynamic Shield 10. Can you tell me if this is a good padding?
Thanks again,
Ed
Ed,
The pad you are looking at is in Mohawk's Platinum series. This pad will last longer than your carpet, so make sure you see if it has a life of the house warranty. This way you can
install a new carpet over the Platinum Pad.
For a little less money, I like Mohawk's white pinnacle rebond pad.
Good Luck,
Jim
Carpetguru,
Two questions:
When creating a living room space with sofa, table and two chairs (room size 11x7 by 12x5), should the carpet be big enough for all the furnture to fit on?
Can you recommend a carpet style/color/pattern that is less formal and will look nice with a with a particular wall color? The paint is Farrow and Ball and the color is London Stone?
Best Regards,
PB
LB,
I usually do not answer decorating questions. However, I will say that in a room you size, you will need a rug big enough to place all the furniture on.
Good luck,
Jim
carpet guru,
I need to make a decision on padding for my new carpet. I currently live on a slab and have a berber with cheap padding.. I want something that will keep my floor warmer, because now it is just to cold. I will be getting a mohawk frize and dont remember the weight. What would you suggest for padding on the concrete to keep the cold out.
Cold Basement floor,
Use the froth foam as shown at www.carpetguru.com/froth.html
A rubber pad may let too much moisture from the concrete thru to the carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
Jim,
You are amazing. The time and attention you give to each question is great. thank you so much for the service!
We are about to order a Shaw piece # 52386, Summer Place with the Triple Touch Pad. No retailers here have never used the Shaw pad and we are the ones telling them about it because of you!
Our questions:
Is this a good carpet for medium traffic with a dog and cat.
Is the pad overkill for this quality of carpet?
What feel underfoot should we expect from this combination?
Thanks so much! B&J
B&J,
You have chosen wisely. The carpet will last, and the triple touch pad will double your Shaw warranty for crushing and wear.
Good Luck,
Jim
Will cat or dog urine on carpet automatically cause a separation of the primary and secondary backing? And, is there a carpet that can stand up to a once in a blue moon pet accident?
Pet urine will not cause the backings to separate in most carpets. However, repeated "accidents" in the same place could cause separation.
Good Luck,
Jim
We will be putting Mohawk Smartstrand carpet down over a ground-level basement cement floor and have questions about what pad to use. The previous owners of our house had laminate flooring in this room. When we removed the laminate, there was moisture between the poly and the cement. No idea if there was a flood at some point or if this was simply due to moisture coming up through the concrete. We have had the cement open to the air for 9 months now with no moisture problems. We are debating between the Healthier Choice green pad or the Shaw Triple Touch Froth foam pad. Both of these have a moisture barrier but Healthier Choice markets it's barrier as breathable. Would this make the Healthier Choice pad a better choice for concrete that may be a bit moist from time to time? Do you know how breathable the Shaw pad is? Any other suggestions?
Luanne,
Your old laminate flooring had a vapor barrior pad under it. This means no amount of water (vapor or mist) was allowed to escape from the concrete. Hence, the vapor barrier trapped water under the pad.
Carpet pads, even those with "moisture" barriers, are not "vapor" barriers. Therefore, if your pad has a moisture barrier, it with still "breathe". If your concrete is still off gassing large amounts of water vapor (you can test for this), then use a 8 lb rebond pad without a moisture barrier of any kind.
Both Healthier Choice and Triple touch retard moisture, but not "vapor".
Take a piece of "glad wrap" and duct tape to the concrete floor one sq. ft. of this plastic. Wait a few days and remove. If the one foot square is darker than then rest of the concrete, then your concrete is
still off gassing water. In this case, use rebond or fiber pad.
Hope this helps,
Jim
I am planning to replace carpet as soon as the dog goes. I am concerned that our subfloor has numerous pet stains and odors so I assume we will have to do something to it before we install new carpet. Any ideas what we can use?
Thanks.
You can pull up the old carpet pad, and then paint the stained parts of the floor with a product called Kiltz. This primer/sealer is available at most Big Box stores and paint stores nationwide.
Good luck,
Jim
On March 10, I questioned a problem we are having with Shaw Kathy Ireland Platinum carpet. I received a letter from Shaw stating the carpet is showing a reverse pile crushing. The carpet was tested and found no blooming or blossoming. No manufacturing concerns at this time. Shaw's states "Our quality and assurance warranty under the heading of Exclusions you will find that matting and crushing or any change in appearance retention are not manufacturing defects, and are excluded from this warranty". The carpet also claims a Better Housekeeping warranty, which is one of the reasons I leaned toward Ireland's product. The rug looks as you stated on your sight as if an elephant wet the rug. It is not shading. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
If this is peculiar to plush carpet, there should be a disclaimer on each sample, so a consumer can make an educated choice.
Dear unhappy Kathy Ireland Carpet owner,
You are correct, your salesperson should have mentioned that a "velvet" plush is subject to a problem known as "pooling". See our webpage at www.carpetguru.com/velvet.html
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to get the mill to offer you new carpet and no cost to you. You may be able to convince the dealer to "give you a deal" on replacement carpet. If you can find a frieze you like, I'd try for the switch in at least the room that shows the most "pooling" of the carpet.
Good Luck,
Jim
I see that you have changed your website link and now show the Shaw frothed foam pad instead of the Healthy Choice. Is there any reason for this change? Is Shaw better than Healthy Choice? It seems to be less expensive.
Thanks,
Kathryn
Kathryn,
The two pads perform about the same, and I like the fact that using the Shaw pad doubles the warranty for their carpets. Also, the Shaw pad is going to be much easier to obtain nationwide.
Furthermore, the triple touch pad just happens to contain more recycled material than the HC pad. This is because the backing that goes to the floor is made with 100% recycled material.
Finally, if you are purchasing a Shaw carpet, it
is good sense to use the triple touch, as the matting, crush, and wear warranties are doubled when you use Triple Touch. For all other carpets, you should use which ever of the two products you can procure.
Good Luck,
Jim
I have been looking at the Park Avenue carpet by Hollytex that you have mentioned on the blog and have decided to go with that for my entire home, along with the Healthier Choice padding. I have seen a sample board at one retailer that says simply "Park Avenue," and one at another retailer that says, "Park Avenue II." The only difference I can tell is that there are some different colors on the two boards. Is there any other difference between the two, such as weight, twist, density, etc, and how do I make sure I am getting the right one when I order, for example, the Mocha color, which is color l7 on the Park Avenue and Color 12 on the Park Avenue II board. The colors look basically the same, but if there's some difference in the specs, I want to know what I'm getting. And one other question, after I get my new carpet, is a Dyson vacuum safe to use on this carpet?
Thank you so much for your help.
Park Ave buyer,
There is no difference between 1 and II. The mill is making new colors and keeping some of the old colors. In the future, there will be no Park Ave I available.
Since Park avenue is made with a filament nylon, your Dyson will not draw any fuzz from the fiber itself. The beater bar should not be allowed to be revolve while the vacuum is sitting in one spot. Use the lever to turn the beater bar off then using the tools.
Good luck,
Jim
I'm trying to decide between Escapade and Park Avenue, both by Hollytex, for a high traffic area, which includes a stairway. Don't want to replace for many, many years. Which would wear better and why?
Escapade and Park Ave. are both quality carpets that will last many years provided you follow professional cleaning guidelines.
Personally, I like Park Ave as it is a little less plush, and is a shorter pile. This means less footprints and vacuum marks, and in the really high traffic areas, less wear paths.
Good luck,
Jim
We are having carpet installed in our living room and 2 bedrooms. The living room is the most used room in the house and we're looking at Berber's. Empire came out and stated their top of the line Berber is the "Treasures" group - is that the manufacturer? The other rooms are just mid level Berber from a group called "Thunder". The price they gave was $2200 - almost on par with Home Depot.
We're looking for the durability of a Berber for our 6 year old daughter's bedroom and the living room because of the wear & tear, ability to "hide" any stains, and heavy traffic.
Do you have any input on a pad for the living room, and have you heard anything about the types of Berbers that Empire uses as their "top of the line"? Quote was $2300 and want to make sure we're getting our money's worth.
Thanks,
Dana
Dana,
Before I would purchase carpet from Home Deopt or Empire I would do a "google" on the terms "home depot carpet cmplaints" and "empire carpet complaints". Unless you have friends that were thrilled with the buying experience from either of these firms, I would search for an independent retailer in your area.
Both of these companies private label their product, thus it is impossible for you to compare products. Furthermore, when shopping for a berber, stay with NYLON and no other fiber. Olefin is ok only if you are fixing up the home to sell it.
Good Luck,
Jim
We are looking at purchasing carpet for our family room and hallway. The color I need is in Mohawk 100%Everstrand P.E.T. polyester with scotchgard protector - 90 OZ. The salesperson is telling me this carpet will not pack down in the hallway. What is your opinion?
Thank you.
Carolyn
Carolyn,
This carpet will pack down like a wet elephant did the fanny boogie on your carpet. You need to pick out something that is shorter, denser, and made from nylon. 65 ounces should be the maximum face weight. If you must use a PET piece of carpet , look for at PTT instead. Mohawk uses the hame smartstrand for their PTT. At least with that carpet you will have a better warranty.
Good luck,
Jim
Thank you, you are leveling the playing field
I am redoing a basement gameroom and am considering the following carpeting to go over a concrete floor:
Shaw Philadelphia-Summer Place-Evertouch bcf nylon
Tuftex of Calif-Unmistakable 26078, Unmistakable 26077-100%Weardated11 Durasoft nylon
Beaulieu of America-Heaven Sent-100% Stainmaster Extrabody11 type 6.6 nylon. In addition, what type of padding do you recommend.
Carter
Carter,
I like the Summer Place carpet installed over Shaw's triple touch froth foam padding. If you can't find that pad, you can use an 8 lb rebond, or a 100 ounce slab rubber pad.
Good luck,
Jim
We are putting a carpet remnant over hardwood floors in our slightly used Family Room. We are using the carpet like an area rug with about 2' of hardwood exposed around the edges. My wife wants as much cushion out of a pad as we can get. What type of pad should we use for this situation?
Pad in Family room,
If you get too squishy a pad, the rug will move all over the place . Stay with a good 7 to 8 lb rebond with a maximum thickness of 1/2 inch.
Good Luck,
Jim
Great website. Thanks for all the helpful information.
We need help on selecting carpet for our house. The carpet will be used on the stairs, halway and bedrooms. The stairs, hallway, and master bedroom get moderate traffic.
We are considering these 3:
1) Mohawk Foxwood - 38 oz, Wear-Dated DuraSoft Nylon
2) Mohawk Batter's Choice - 38 oz, EverStrand PET Polyster with Scotchguard
3) Beaulieu Promo 45 - 45oz, PET Polyster.
The Batter's Choice and Beauliey 45 will cost about the same. The Foxwood is a little more. My reserach suggests that I should get the nylon (Foxwood) as it should have better texture retention. But the Beaulieu has a better feel to me, and even the Batter's Choice has a better feel to me than the Foxwood.
I think I would like the Beaulieu better today, but I am more concenred about which one I will like better next year, and the years after.
In what order would yo rank these three carpets?
Thanks....
Of the three carpets the Dura Soft Nylon will be best. The main question is how long will you be in your home. If the answer is ten years or more, then the nylon is a must. However, the PET products will look good for about ten years, and will be very resistant to common spills.
Remember, clean your carpet professionally every two years and save receipts. This is the only way to preserve your carpet warranty.
Good luck,
Jim
To Jim,
Your forum is highly informative. Thanks for all the input. I am considering between two carpets; Camelot's Poetry and Royalty's Paragon. Our kid's are grown, and we have a small dog and several cats. Is one better than the other, or would you even consider either one. Thanks.
Both Camelot and Royalty make outstanding carpets, I do not know the names of the carpets you mention. There is a strong possibility that they could be "private label" names. If you want an opinion, I will need some specs on each carpet; i.e. fiber type, face weight, stitch rate etc.
Good Luck,
Jim
Carpet Guru,
Thank you for an informative and helpful website! Not even Consumer Reports provides detailed information on purchasing carpet.
After reading over your site my husband and I set out to purchase carpet for our living room. We had a hose bib freeze break and we're rebuilding the room. The contractor let us know that the carpet we had appeared to be good quality. THIS is all we knew about our carpet (whatever that meant) along with our swatch to match the color and quality.
Our living room is used very lightly daily. We went to Lowe's and selected a Mohawk Premier Living Stainmaster Xtra Life Carpet Frieze. It's the Diadora model. It's face weight is 52 oz.s; density 2,460; twist is 6.5 x 6.5; 100% nylon; and comes with a 25 year wear warranty; 10 year stain resistant warranty; 10 year texture rentention warranty; and a life of the carpet installation warranty.
I have two questions:
I am not sure if these density measurements given the twist level is a good enough quality carpet. Looking at its backing, our original carpet has much less backing visible than this new carpet we're considering. Is this carpet good enough quality?
My other question is after reading about pads, they have two prices for this carpet. One is ten cents less and comes with their "basic pad". The second (higher) price comes with their "premium pad". After reading, it sounds like it's worth the extra money to get the "premium pad"? I need to ask them exactly what I will get with the premium pricing.
Your help is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so much!
Hi Jim,
We are looking at carpets for our bedrooms only. I went to 3 carpet places and our local guy down the street had the best deal and what seemed to be just what we were looking for in carpets. He showed me 2 that I really liked and I just wanted to get your opinion. Both are Shaw, styles
XV500 and SV506. They are both cut pile, about 1/2 inch high and they both looked & felt pretty dense. He even poured a cup of water on one and it completely beaded up. He also said they install 1/2" 7lb pad, which seems good to me. Just wanted to know if you know anything about these carpet styles?
The carpet and pad combo you are looking at will work well in bedrooms. If it were a heavy traffic area, I would use 7/16th pad.
Good luck,
JIm
I had carpet installed 18 months ago, and it is now crushed throughout my house. I am having a difficult time getting the carpet company to help me (big surprise).
It is the second time I have contacted them. The firs time, they told me for a family of 6 I need to vacuum every day to maintaint the carpet...?? They also said I could only get it cleaned with their cleaning company (which I did) and that it would "come back" after cleaning. It hasn't.
I am so discouraged and upset. Do I have any claim?
Thank you so much,
Kelli
Arlene,
Your carpet selection will perform well in your living room. The specs you gave me helped, as Lowes has their own private names for main line Mohawk Carpet.
The pad is important. Make sure if it is a rebond that it is at least 7 lb density and no thicker than 7.16th inch. If it is a rubber pad, make sure it is at least 90 onces. Ask about Mohawk's white rebond pad.
The backing you mention is not so important as it does not reflect the density of a carpet. It is covering that is placed over the carpets primary backing. This covering can be loose or tight, and the only difference is that the tight backing makes for easier installation.
One more thing, if your contractor is responsible for the carpet, then let him choose the installer. If Lowes is doing the installation, get a written warranty on the labor, not just the carpet.
BTW, if you don't clean your carpet every two years using a certified carpet cleaner, you can kiss your 25 year warranty good-bye.
Good luck
Jim
I am located in southeast, MI. I am looking for foam backed carpet. The last I bought was at Home Depot but they no longer carry it.
I need a size about 12 x 15' in a berber type.
Any ideas on where I can find it.
You will not find any "rubber" backed carpet these days, but you may find a "kanga" backed berber. This type of carpet is normally found at home improvement stores, and giant retailers. Your best best is to just call the various outlets in your area, and ask if they have kanga backed berber carpet available.
Good Luck,
Jim
My wife is trying to decide between two carpets. Beaulieu Natures garden or Mohawks Sticks and Stones. Any help in recommendations would be helpful. Great website. Thanks
If both carpets are nylon, and both are mulit-colored, then the wear pattern will not be any different between the two. I am not sure of the names of these carpets because there is so much private labeling going on these days. I think sticks and stones is a berber flecked carpet and natures garden is a multi colored carpet.
Thus, make you choice in this case based on color.
Good luck,
Jim
We are replacing Mohawk Kid Proof Fashion Gallery carpet in our family room and dining room. These are high traffic areas although most of the time it's just the two of us here. We are looking at Resista Incisive which we can purchase for approx. $29 sq. yd. including pad and installation. They said they'll use Dreamwalk 700rubber pad. I just want to be sure that we are not stepping down quality wise. Can you help?
We recently purchased new carpet for three bedrooms. The installer brought the carpet out, and said that the carpet had "roll crush", indicating that the fibers of the carpet had been crushed by the roll they were shipped on. He said that the store had wanted him to steam it out, but that he was unsure what the result would be. I refused this piece (for the master), and am now waiting for the store to get back to me. Can you discuss this?
Thanks
Bob
Replacing your kid proof carpet with another carpet may not be a great idea. I cannot give you any advice because I don't know the pile weight and pile content of each piece. Carpet names mean nothing to me in most cases, as there is too much private labeling going on.
Good luck,
Jim
Hello Jim,
What is your opinion of Shaw Couture-touch of luxury line for a living room? I like that is tight weave and cushy and my fingers do not go to the bottom and it has the softbac. They are suggesting shaws triple touch pad (natural polymer) which is expensive $10 and will double the warranty- is this necessary or what pad would you suggest? The room is 16x18 roughly is going to cost $1850 all installed. Does this seem reasonable or high? I am just stuck. Thanks so much for your help!!
Michelle
Michelle,
You choice of carpet is very good, however, I think you are paying too much. For example, full blown retail on triple touch pad should only be $8.50/sq yd. , and that is for the 10 lb version. They also make an 8 lb version for $7.95. I know that the job is only 32 sq yds, so I guess the retailer has to figure more for a smaller job.
See more about the triple touch pad at www.carpetguru.com/froth.html
Good Luck,
Jim
Wow, I've been browsing and am impressed with all of the info on here! We are looking at replacing all of the carpet in our house and are on a tight budget so we're trying to decide what the best value for our dollar is. We are looking at two Resista carpets- Sperling that is a frieze for the basement and Pilant which is a plush for the main level and 3 bedrooms. The Sperling has a lifetime wear, 10 year texture retention, and 10 year stain warranty. The Pilant has 15 year wear and texture retention and 10 year stain warranty. I'm concerned because I've read so much about the poor wear of polyester carpets. We have two children and there's a fair amount of traffic on the carpet. I like the Resista line for the stain warranty because the kid's do manage to get stuff on the carpet, but I'm worried about it matting down like I've read polyester do. The salesperson says that if they mat down or show traffic patterns it would be covered under the warranty, but I'm not entirely sure I believe that. Do you think this is a good buy for us or are we missing something better? We are getting the Sperling frieze for $1.25 sq/ft and the Pilant plush for $1.95 sq./ft- and we will be putting down an 8lb pad. Thanks for any advice- we are so confused!
Do not be influenced by warranty claims. There are too many loop holes in all of todays carpet warranties.
The PET fiber works better for higher density carpets. Thus, the plush may perform for 10 years in your home. A frieze that is made of PET polyester and is only $11.25 sq yd. is not going to last in a heavy traffic area. Use nylon for your frieze, and make sure the pile weight is at least 35 ounces with a twist level of 6 or better.
Good Luck,
Jim
Hello Jim,
One more question about the shaw triple touch pad-- for the living room is it better to use 8# or 10#? I do not understand the difference. I want it to feel soft and good when walking around. Will it get hard over time or stay squishy? Wish you were here on the east coast!! Thanks again, Michelle
Michelle,
You may use either. However, the 10 lb version is better for very heavy traffic like stairs and halls and family rooms. The 8lb version is a little softer, but neither pad is "squishy" . A squishy pad will damage the backing of the carpet, and should be avoided.
Good Luck,
Jim
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