How Do I Choose the Best Carpet?

Looking for the ideal carpet for your space? Our comprehensive carpet buying guide is bursting with handy tips to simplify your decision-making. It’s all about finding a carpet that not only looks great but also fits seamlessly with your lifestyle and home's needs.

Top 11 tips when finding the best carpet for your space:

1. What to look for when choosing carpet?
2. What are the best carpet materials?
3. Does carpet colour really matter?
4. What carpet styles and piles should I choose?
5. What is the best carpet for comfort and durability?
6. How to tell if the carpet is high quality?
7. Choosing the best carpet for high-traffic areas?
8. What are eco-friendly carpets?
9. Finding the best pet-friendly carpet?
10. How much does carpet cost?
11. Installing your new carpet 

Carpet Court’s Top 5 Carpets

Taking the guesswork out of your carpet search, the Carpet Court team has handpicked the top 5 carpets just for you. In our comparison table, you'll find a straightforward rundown of each, highlighting key features and benefits. This guide is designed to make your selection process as smooth as possible, bringing you closer to the carpet that's just right for your home.

1. What to look for when choosing carpet?

When carpeting your home or office, think of it as weaving a little magic into your everyday space. It's not just about picking the first eye-catching carpet. It’s about discovering that ideal carpet that fits your lifestyle while enhancing your space beautifully. Whether it’s a durable option for high-traffic areas, a stain-resistant choice for family rooms, or a luxurious wool carpet for your living room, it's all about finding the right fit.

Starting your carpet buying journey? I’ve compiled some important questions that will guide you in selecting a carpet that’s not just visually appealing but also practical and long-lasting. This way, your new carpet is sure to be both a visual treat and a practical choice for your lifestyle.

2. What are the best carpet materials?

In my experience with floor coverings, knowing the different carpet materials is key. It's not just about how they look, but how they fit your life, comfort, and need for durability. Let's break it down:

• Synthetic - Ideal for homes needing durability and stain resistance. Their synthetic fibres are engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic, which makes them perfect for areas like hallways and dining rooms. They're also a breeze to clean and great for busy households.
• Plush Pile - These carpets offer a luxurious feel underfoot with their dense, soft fibers. They're perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in family rooms or bedrooms, where comfort is a priority.
• Wool - Wool is a classic, bringing natural stain resistance and durability. It's an eco-friendly choice, often preferred for its softness and ability to maintain appearance over time. Wool carpets add a touch of elegance to any space, including living rooms and study areas.
• Twist Pile - These modern and stylish carpets have fibres twisted tightly to create a textured surface that's great at hiding footprints and vacuum marks. Twist pile carpets are a practical choice for active family rooms and play areas, offering both durability and a contemporary look.
• Loop Pile - Known for their hardwearing nature, these carpets are made with looped fibres, making them robust and suitable for high-traffic areas. The loop construction helps in hiding dirt and wear, ideal for busy parts of the home like living rooms and entryways.

• Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) - Known for its exceptional durability and stain resistance, SDN is a top-tier choice for high-traffic areas. Its colour is locked in during production, which guarantees it’s vibrant hues that won't fade easily.

Remember, the right carpet material can make all the difference in your space.

3. Does carpet colour really matter?

Absolutely, carpet colour matters a lot! It's not just about what you fancy but also how the colour works practically in your space. Light carpets can open up smaller rooms, giving an airy feel, while dark hues create a cosy atmosphere. If you want to energise a room, go for vibrant colours. But if you’re after a serene vibe, neutrals are your friend.

From my experience, dark carpets are winners in high-traffic areas. They're great at hiding stains and perfect for homes bustling with kids and pets. Meanwhile, light carpets look great in busy rooms but might call for more cleaning sessions.

And think about how your carpet's colour will gel with the room's decor. Do you want it to be a standout feature or subtly complement the space? Carpets are a long-term investment, so while trendy hues might catch your eye today, timeless neutrals could be a smarter pick for the long run.

4. What carpet styles and piles should I choose?

Picking the right carpet style and pile is a bit like tailoring a suit – it needs to fit your space and lifestyle perfectly. There's a whole world of options out there, each with its own perks. So, let’s walk through some of the most popular styles, and I’ll give you the lowdown on what makes each one special.

• Cut Pile Carpet - It's all about softness and luxury here. Perfect for those quieter, low-traffic areas like bedrooms. You've got options like Saxony, super soft and plush, and Frieze, with its tightly twisted fibres that are a bit more durable.
• Loop Pile Carpets - These are real troopers, especially for bustling areas like living rooms. Berber, a popular choice, is known for its durability and knack for hiding footprints and vacuum cleaner marks.
• Level Loop and Multi-Level Loop - Level loop has a neat, uniform look, with all loops the same height. Multi-level loops mix things up with different heights, adding texture and pattern, which make them great for hiding wear and tear.

Apart from carpet styles, you also have to keep in mind the carpet pile height and density as they play a big role. Short, dense carpets are usually more hardwearing, while longer piles give that luxurious feel underfoot but might ask for a bit more care.

5. What is the best carpet for comfort and durability?

Finding a carpet that blends comfort with durability is important for any home. For pure comfort, wool carpets are fantastic as they feel luxurious underfoot. But when it comes to standing up to busy foot traffic, I often lean towards nylon carpets. They're tough and keep looking good over time.

Triexta fibres are a brilliant option, too. They're soft for comfort yet offer top-notch stain and wear resistance, which are perfect for active households. In the style department, cut pile carpets usually offer more comfort due to their plush nature, but don't overlook tightly twisted cut piles for durability.

And don't forget about underlay! High-quality underlay can boost both comfort and durability, adding that extra cushioning and absorbing impact. This duo of great carpet and quality underlay means a long-lasting, comfy experience in your home.

6. How to tell if the carpet is high quality?

Figuring out if a carpet is high quality? It’s all about the details. Check the carpet’s density and weave – high-quality ones feel thicker and more resilient underfoot. Then, there’s the fibre type. Nylon, wool, and Triexta are my personal top options for durability and a luxurious feel.

A quick peek at the carpet backing can also tell you a lot. Strong, stable backings are a good sign of good construction. Additionally, a comprehensive warranty is like a manufacturer's stamp of approval, showing they back their carpet’s durability and performance. Keep an eye on these factors, and you'll be on the right track.

7. Choosing the best carpet for high-traffic areas?

For high-traffic areas, finding a carpet that's both resilient and easy to maintain is crucial. Nylon carpets are a fantastic option for these spots. They're known for their lasting durability and keeping up appearances even under lots of foot traffic. Loop pile carpets, particularly Berber, are also a solid choice. They're tough and great at hiding those pesky footprints and vacuum trails.

Polypropylene carpets are another good bet for busy areas. They're stain-resistant and are a breeze to clean, making them practical for places like hallways and family rooms. Don't forget to check the carpet's density, too – a higher density usually means it's built to withstand the hustle and bustle of heavy traffic.

8. What are eco-friendly carpets?

Eco-friendly carpets are a hit with those who care about the environment. They're usually made from sustainable or recycled materials, lessening their environmental impact. Wool carpets are a top eco-friendly choice, thanks to wool being a natural, renewable resource.

Carpets made from recycled plastics, like PET fibres, blend sustainability with durability. Options like sisal or jute are plant-based materials that are biodegradable and have a smaller environmental footprint. And for those seeking the best of both worlds, our ECONYL® carpets offer the performance of nylon with the sustainability of 100% recycled materials. These carpets are crafted from regenerated nylon waste, including old carpets, fishing nets, and fabric scraps.

Manufacturing is also important. Eco-friendly carpets are often produced with energy conservation and reduced chemical use in mind. For a variety of eco-friendly options, Carpet Court offers a diverse selection to explore.

9. Finding the best pet-friendly carpet?

For pet owners, finding a carpet that withstands the extra challenges pets bring is essential. The ideal pet-friendly carpet combines durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. Nylon carpets, known for their resilience against wear and tear, are a great fit for homes with furry friends. They’re also my favourite pick for resisting stains from any spills or accidents.

Triexta is my other top choice, famed for its stain resistance and durability. When it comes to pile types, cut pile is often preferred for pets as it’s less likely for claws to snag, unlike loop pile carpets. Carpets with special pet-friendly technologies are also worth considering because they help prevent odours and resist stains.

If you’re seeking the ultimate in pet-friendly performance and comfort, be sure to explore our UltraPet range. UltraPet carpet and underlay are engineered with StainShield technology, providing superior protection against common household spills and pet stains.

10. How much does carpet cost?

When it comes to carpet pricing, there's a range, and where you land depends on various factors. Material type is a big one – synthetic carpets like nylon and polypropylene are often more budget-friendly, striking a nice balance between cost and durability. If you're looking at natural fibres, like wool, expect a higher price tag, which reflects their luxurious feel and long life.

The style and construction of the carpet are also important players in determining cost. Those intricate patterns or specialised designs, such as frieze or plush Saxony, typically come with a higher cost than your standard loop piles or Berber carpets. Another cost factor is the carpet’s density and pile height. The rule of thumb here is the denser and taller the pile, the higher the price.

It's important not to forget that the total cost of carpeting goes beyond the price of the carpet itself. Installation expenses, including the cost of underlay and the services of a professional fitter, are important components of your overall budget. This way, you get a complete picture of what your new carpet will cost you.

To help you navigate these costs, our friendly team at Carpet Court offers a free measure and quote. Just visit a store near you, book online, or give us a call at 1300 CARPET for this complimentary service.

11. Installing your new carpet

Installing your new carpet is a crucial step in transforming your space. It's important to handle this process professionally to ensure your carpet's appearance and longevity. I always suggest a chat with a knowledgeable salesperson to find the most durable, good quality carpets for your Australian home and lifestyle.

After selecting the perfect carpet, it's all about the installation. This involves skilled installers preparing your floor and precisely cutting and fitting the carpet for a flawless finish. Proper installation not only boosts the carpet's look but also its lifespan and performance.

At Carpet Court, we pride ourselves on providing carpet installation services. Our team is skilled at handling various carpet types, ensuring your new carpet is installed meticulously. Trusting us with your carpet installation means you can rest assured that your new carpet will not only look superb but will also endure through the years.

FAQs

How often do you need to replace carpet?

Carpets usually require replacement every 5 to 15 years, but this varies based on material, foot traffic, and maintenance. Look for signs like lasting stains, matting, and fading to know it's time for a new carpet.

What to look for in-store when choosing your carpet?

When in store, take a good look at the carpet's density and feel the fibres, as they tell you a lot about durability and comfort. Run your hands over the texture, see how the colours change under different lights, and grab some carpet samples to check how they look back at your place.