Recently we helped a client choose carpet that would stand the test of time in their kids’ bedrooms, especially near the doorways where there’s a lot of in-and-out foot traffic. We met up at CFM and shared the basics of carpet structure, best applications (which you can learn more about in our other carpet blogs here and here) and, of course, aesthetic. So now we’re here to share some of that juicy information with *you*! Here are 2 secrets to making your carpet last:

What kind of carpet did we land on? { Drum roll } This client picked…

This soft grey, medium pile Mohawk carpet with flecks of color variation:

This type of carpet is commonly chosen for family rooms and bedrooms because it’s durable, easy-care, and comfy under-foot. It has a twisted fiber (called frieze), which means it’s less likely to crush over time. Since the twisted fibers are a bit like a cute curly haircut it’s not overly pristine and manicured (like a plush carpet), so you won’t notice imperfections as easily (i.e., it’ll be better at hiding little bits of dirt, small stains, and footprints). This is a higher-tech carpet, too. A good nylon fiber will serve any family well, but this one is a fancy trademarked fiber called “Air.O” which they describe as being hypoallergenic, with fibers that don’t absorb moisture (helping to prevent the growth of allergens) and having a construction that allows better airflow, releasing dust, dirt and pet dander more easily. It’s also VOC and latex-free, so they say it won’t have a “new carpet” smell when installed. Cool!

That said, nylon would have been a great fiber choice – it’s super durable and resilient. On the other hand, try to avoid polyester and olefin. You’ll find them out there, but they are not nearly as durable, and you’ll notice that difference pretty quickly in high traffic areas where nylon won’t mat down as easily as polyester or olefin. So why would anyone ever choose the less durable option? It tends to be cheaper! That means you may feel the need to replace it more often, but that can be a good option in a space like a rental where you replace carpet between tenants anyway.

Any decent carpet should give you a good 8 to 10-year lifespan if cared for properly (with the exception of plush carpet on stairs which will start showing wear within a couple of years because those fibers will get crushed against the stair nose by your foot and wear out much faster). The Mohawk carpet this family chose has a lifetime general stain warranty, a lifetime pet urine stain warranty, a 10-year abrasive wear warranty, and a 10-year fade resistance warranty. That said, all warranties come with fine print, so be sure you are taking care of your carpet if you want them to honor their warranty!

Below are two major things to consider when shopping for new carpet that go beyond choosing a good fiber and pile style:

CARPET PADS: THE UNSUNG HERO OF CARPET

COMFORT & PERFORMANCE

Carpet pad from Home Depot

When it comes to the durability and comfort of your carpet, it’s what you *can’t* see that counts: the rug pad underneath. A pad doesn’t just make a carpet feel squishy and luxurious, it also keeps the carpet fibers from getting ground between a foot and the underfloor, which helps the fibers stay looking their best for the life of the carpet.

When shopping for carpet pads, you’ll most likely be offered a 6 to 8 pound pad, though there are lots of specialty pads to choose from too, like waterproof pads that keep pet or other spills from soaking into the pad and through to the subfloor, or rubber or wool pads for more eco-friendly options (though not necessarily cost-friendly options).

VACUUM CLEANERS: ALLY OR ENEMY?

Even if you choose the right carpet and a great pad, things can go south if you don’t care for your carpet after installation. During a recent training with Vogel’s Flooring and Carpet we learned a little more about the role that our vacuum cleaners play. *Not* vacuuming regularly can make your carpet wear out *really fast* because bits of dirt and grit settle into your carpet and grind against the fibers over time. That’s a sure way to wear out your carpet before it’s expiration date, especially if you live in a sandy area, or don’t take off your shoes in the house.

Surprisingly, though, using the *wrong* vacuum cleaner can be just as bad! Using a vacuum cleaner with too much suction can do just as much damage (it turns out the Dyson doesn’t mix well with a lot of carpet brands – who knew?!). Vogel’s recommends a bagged vacuum cleaner like an old-school Hoover that has at least two beater bar settings – one that lets you completely disengage the beater bar to use suction only for a thick loop or long-pile carpet, and one that just brushes the surface of a high pile, wool, wool-blend, or premium soft carpet. If you use a powerful beater brush with a ton of suction on your expensive wool carpet, you will notice it turns fuzzy and felty over time!

With all of the options on the market, choosing a carpet for your home can feel overwhelming. Always come back to the function you’re trying to serve – the type of carpet you choose for your stairs may be different than what you’d choose for your entry or your bedroom. If you get stuck, know that we’re always here to help you find a solution through a virtual Design Helpline. We’d love to help you find flooring that you don’t have to worry about!

May your home (AND YOUR CARPETS) ALWAYS BE HAPPY!