Carpet Buying Guide

Carpet is a good value when compared to hardwood, tile or laminate. Carpet, pad and installation packages range in price from $2.00 a square foot to $7.00 a square foot with really nice options in the mid range.

Find a store that is an "Open Line Dealer". Our products are labeled with the manufacturer's original style and color names. Most stores pay the manufacturers to "private label" their products, by doing this these stores hide the original manufacturer's style and color names. Some private label stores even hide the real manufacturers name all together! This makes it very difficult to go to different stores and make an apples to apples price comparison. It also allows a store to advertise a "lowest price guarantee" (because you will never find the "same" carpet anywhere else, because it will have a different name). If you find something you like from an Open Line Dealer first, it is then easier to find the same product at other stores, because you are armed with the real manufacturer, style and color name.

Buy a good pad! If your cushion is too soft your carpet won't last. Look for 7 or 8 pound pad, no thicker than 1/2" (we prefer 7/16") and get padding with an extra spill shield if you have pets.

Select carpet made from good quality fiber. Like Smartstrand (Triexta). Nylon is another great fiber. These fibers are very durable and are revitalized with proper steam cleaning. P.E.T. Polyester is fine for low traffic areas, but isn't as durable (it tends to mat down).
    
When comparing carpet, look at the Texture Retention Warranty. This number is directly related to its durability.

Some companies have sales or offer free pad or installation, but if their prices are high to begin with, you might still be paying way more than you need to for the same products and services elswhere. Get more than one bid. Make sure when comparing products that they are the same quality. Look at the bottom line.
 
When choosing a color, keep in mind that a small carpet sample will look a little darker than the installed carpet (which will look lighter in the room). Like paint, there can be a slight color variation.

Make sure the carpet you select is what is delivered. Have a carpet sample sent to you from the carpet manufacturer beforehand so you can compare it to what will be installed.

Ask about furniture moving and take up / disposal of old carpet. Typically there is an extra charge for this, unless they already built it into the price.

Who's going to install the beautiful new carpet in your home? Does your salesperson know who he is by name? Is your salesperson familiar with the installer's work quality? Some corporations are a revolving door for carpet installers. You will have better results when the store you are dealing with has good relationships with its installers. Installation is a very important factor in how your carpet will look and perform. It actually takes several years of specialized training, an eye for detail, and a likable personality, to be a good residential Carpet Installer.

Remember, the best things in life are free. However in the retail carpet business, you get what you pay for.