CHOOSING A CARPET

When choosing a carpet, there are a lot of factors to bear in mind. From general wear and tear and how long you would like your carpet to last, to the cost of fitting and underlay, our guide to choosing a carpet is here to advise and inspire.

Carpet is certainly the most comfort-enhancing option, making it a popular addition to living rooms and bedrooms, and while it may not be as easy to care for as other flooring options – think laminate and solid wood – there is no better choice for comfort, warmth and sound absorption.

Still deciding what flooring option is best for your home?

WOVEN OR TUFTED CARPET?

There are two types of carpet, woven and tufted. Woven carpet is made using a labour-intensive method whereby colours and decoration are woven in rather than printed onto the surface. A high-end product, it is usually made from 80 to 100 per cent wool, and it comes in two forms: Axminster, often patterned with a velvet finish, and Wilton, which can be plain or textured.

Tufted carpet is the most popular type, with a more varied choice of styles. It is made by punching the pile yarn into a backing fabric using needles, which produces cut and loop pile designs.

WHICH CARPET MATERIAL TO CHOOSE?

When it comes to choosing the material for your carpet, the main consideration is whether you prefer natural or synthetic. Both have their benefits, so it is mainly down to your personal choice – and budget.

Wool has long been used in carpet manufacturing and is still recognised as the best fibre. It has a luxury feel and a low propensity to soil. It is also naturally flame-retardant. Wool is resilient, soft and warm, and retains  its appearance. Both 100 per cent wool carpets and mixes with man-made fibres in an 80/20  or 50/50 ratio are available. The latter two may be better for busy thoroughfares like halls and stairs.

Don’t rule out synthetic, though: extremely hardwearing, with a high resistance to abrasion, nylon is easy to clean. It’s often used in an 80 per cent wool and 20 per cent nylon blend. Polypropylene is another good option; highly stain-resistant, man-made fibre with good abrasion resistance. It’s typically used in twists, loop piles and Saxony types.

Floorcoverings made from plant fibres are great for creating a relaxed and rustic effect, and can  be fitted wall to wall, just like carpet. Sisal is hardwearing enough to  be used in high-traffic areas around the home, including living spaces, hallways and stairs.

WHERE CAN I LAY CARPET?

Always have your carpet fitted professionally; it’s a real skill and should be fitted in accordance with BS5325 – the British Standard for the installation of textile floorings.

Carpet can be laid in any room, but is not recommended for kitchens, and most people avoid it in bathrooms. Halls, stairs and landings take the most wear and tear, so it is advisable to lay a hard wearing design in these areas, with at least 80 per cent wool content.

You can be a little more indulgent in bedrooms, for example, that aren’t used as much. Consider man-made fibres such as polypropylene for kids’ rooms and dining spaces as it’s highly stain-resistant. It’s also worth noting that most carpets are suitable for use with underfloor heating, but it is advisable to check your choice with the heating system manufacturer.

HOW TO CLEAN CARPET?

To keep carpet in the best condition possible, it’s important to vacuum regularly – at least twice a week. Quickly tackle any accidents to lessen the chance of lasting stains; solids should be scraped up. Blot spills carefully, working from the outside in, and apply cleaning agent to a cloth, never directly onto the carpet.