How To Choose Carpet Material? (Pick The Best One For Your Home)

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Author:

Taher Sabahi

Every year, more than 1 billion/sq ft of carpets(75% of the world’s carpets) are made in the United States!🤯

That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?

Also, not all carpets are the same. That’s why it can be quite tricky to find the perfect one from the sea of different types, styles, colors, and so on! So, how to choose carpet material?

How To Choose Carpet Material

Hear me out-

While choosing carpet material, make sure to aim for standard carpet thickness (6.5-11.11mm), density rating (2100 or higher), and face weight (34-40 oz. per square foot).

Choose thicker, denser pads (at least 6 lbs of density) for low-traffic areas and thinner pads (density of 8 lbs or more) for high-traffic areas.

Choosing carpet material? It’s like finding the perfect pet- fits your lifestyle, comfy, and no shedding! You’ll learn soon how to do so with me.

Here’s what you’re gonna read about

  • I make sure to check up on 8 facts to be sure.
  • Make sure to avoid 4 common mistakes while you’re at it.
  • Take a double warranty – one for material and the other for installation.

How To Choose Carpet Material

To choose carpet material you need to get a better idea of what you are looking for first. There are several types of carpet materials. So, what do you need to know when choosing carpet?

To identify a good quality carpet material, let me tell you 8 secret considerations that you should look for-

1. Carpet Thickness

2. Density 

3. Face weight 

4. Pile height 

5. Levels of tufts and twist

6. Padding

7. Stain resistance

8. Warranties

Choose Carpet Material

1. Carpet Thickness Guide 

6 to 8 mm is the standard carpet thickness mm for commercial carpets. 

Carpet Thickness Guide 

It can range from 6.5 to 11.11 mm, depending on the type of carpet for residential usage. Thicker carpets are more soft and comfortable underfoot. But remember, to choose a good quality, thickness is not the main priority- it’s the density.

Carpet Thickness Guide

2. Density

Based on what I learned from The East Coast Flooring Interiors you should aim for a density rating of 2,100 or higher for quality carpet. The more fibers crammed in per square inch, the greater the density. 

Carpet Density

Bending a carpet sample back can be a quick density check. If you see the backing easily, it’s likely a lower-density carpet.

Not RecommendedLess than 2,100 oz/yd2
Residential (Homes) 2,100 – 4,999 oz/yd²
Commercial (Moderate Traffic)5,000 – 6,999 oz/yd²
Commercial (Heavy Traffic)7,000 or Higher

3. Face Weight

The standard face weight range is 34-40 oz. per square foot, but the more the merrier! Face weight shines when comparing similar types of carpet material.

Carpet face weight

“If two nylon carpets have different face weights(say, 60oz. Vs 40 oz.), the heavier one likely has more yarn or is more tightly packed (both good things for durability).”

4. Pile Height

Pile height is how long the carpet fibers are. A plush pile(½-¾ inches) feels amazing and fluffy, but for high-traffic areas, a shorter pile( under ¼ inches) might be easier to clean. A medium pile(¼-½ inches) is good for making easy vacuum marks.

Carpet Pile Height graph
Carpet pilePile Height (inches)Ideal for
Low pileless than ¼ inchesHigh-traffic areas 
Medium Pilearound ¼-½ inchesDifferent types of carpet for living rooms and bedrooms and for making fine vacuum marks.
High Pile½ -¾ inchesExcellent choice for the fluffiest and the softest feel underfoot

5. Levels Of Tufts And Twist

The good benchmark for a durable carpet is 5 tuft twists or more in a 1-inch length. Tighter twists create a more uniform surface and make it harder for dirt and pet hair to show.

Levels Of Tufts And Twist

High-twist carpets can also better resist wear and tear, that’s why they are a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs.

6. Check The Padding

​​Studies show that good carpet padding can increase comfort underfoot by up to 40%. 

Check The Padding

The right pad protects your carpet fibers and prevents them from getting flattened down over time. In fact, a high-quality pad can extend the lifespan of your carpet by up to 50%!

For high-traffic areas, it’s better to choose a thinner pad(⅜ inches thick) with a higher density(8 lbs or more). For low-traffic areas, consider a thicker pad(up to ½ inches) with a density of at least 6lbs.

Padding Density For Different Traffic Areas

7. Don’t forget about Stain Resistance

Spills are usual, especially in busy homes.

Thanks to technology, many carpets come with anti-stain treatments. While choosing your carpet material, always check the cleaning code to understand how to tackle different types of stains.

Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester often have better built-in stain resistance. I’m guessing you already know so from my article on what is nylon carpet.

Stain Resistance

8. Must Check Warranties

One of the most important questions to ask when buying carpets is about warranties and replacement. Most can range from 10 to 25 years(covering crushing, stains, wear and tear).

But don’t be fooled by a long warranty alone!

Must Check Warranties

First, check the carpet samples for warranty details. Understand what’s actually covered, because ‘wear’ can have different meanings depending on the carpet manufacturer.

For better understanding check out what Shaws Floor has to say about different warranty packages.

How do carpet warranties work? Also, warranties often don’t transfer to new homeowners, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to sell soon.

Choose Carpet Depending On The Location

While choosing any carpet, rug, and mat for home decor, carpet choosing is the hardest one. Why is it so tricky?

Unlike rugs or mats, carpets cover a large area, so a bad choice can be expensive to replace. Let me share some popular choices for different rooms in your home-

1. How To Choose Carpet For Living Room?

For choosing a carpet for the living room, synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or olefins are great choices. Because this is the busiest area in any house. So, you will need durable and stain-resistant fibers and other carpet materials. Around 95% of the market for wall-to-wall carpeting is taken by tufted carpets.

2. How To Choose Carpet For Bedrooms?

For choosing a carpet for your bedroom, natural materials like wool and sisal can add a touch of luxury to the overall look. But if allergies are a concern, synthetic materials might be a better choice.

3. How To Choose Carpet For Stairs?

For choosing a carpet for stairs, nylon, and polyester are perfect for their tough and stain-resistant quality. Because stairs need a material that provides a good grip to prevent slips. Avoid plush carpets to avoid tripping hazards.

To learn more about carpet colors and styles for each room you can check out this video-

So, which room are you choosing carpet for? Submit your vote in comment-

Living room
Bedroom
Stairs
Others (Please specify in comments)

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Choosing Carpet Material

Knowing how to choose carpet material can help you pick the right one for your home. But some common mistakes can make it ineffective. Let me save you from this disaster-

Inaccurate Floor Measuring:

Always measure your floor space before carpet shopping. Your carpet dealer might overestimate the carpet length and you may end up buying more than you need.

Budgeting Blunder

Many buyers only budget the carpet cost, not the installation price. Big mistake! The total price can be much higher than the carpet itself. Because you add labor up to $1 or more per sqft.

‘Overall costs typically range from $3.50 to $11 per square foot on average, with labor contributing up to $1 or more per square foot to the total. Additional steps such as removing old flooring, prepping the subfloor, and laying down padding can further increase the overall cost.’, mentioned The Spruce.

Budgeting Blunder

Don’t Install It Unprofessionally

Along with the material warranty, get a separate warranty from the installer to cover things like bumps or wrinkles.

Color Choosing Disaster

Many customers get confused about how to pick a carpet color. Bring carpet samples home to see how they look in your lighting, and consider the overall feel you want to create in the room. Looking for a cozy vibe?  A warm beige might be perfect. Want something bold?  Maybe a deep blue or emerald green!

Did you know “One of seagrass rugs cons is its color limitation since this material is naturally color resistant?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Value Carpet Material?

I think nylon wins for value! Other synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene are also good options but nylon carpets are more durable and stain resistant. It might not feel as luxurious as wool carpets, but they are value for money.

How To Choose Area Rug Material?

There are several factors to consider while choosing area rug material. For instance, these materials are great for high-traffic areas- wool, nylon, seagrass, acrylic, and leather. For low-traffic areas consider, polyester and cotton.

What Is Considered A Good Grade Of Carpet?

Among the 4 grades(basic, residential, high-quality residential, and commercial), grade 3 is considered a good grade for carpet. High-end residential carpets are made with the best materials like super strong nylon or comfy wool.

Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, choosing a carpet material doesn’t have to be a painful chore. With a bit of knowledge of how to choose carpet material and planning, you can find a carpet that not only complements your house and lifestyle but is also functional and long-lasting.

So, which one are you going to buy? Share your experience in the comment section.

About the author

Writen By

Taher Sabahi

Taher Sabahi is a certified flooring consultant with over 15 years of industry experience. He holds a master’s degree in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design. The Taher Sabahi has a deep passion for helping clients find the perfect floor coverings for their spaces.

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