Carpet FAQs

Q: What kinds of carpet should I be looking for?

A: Although a knowledgeable salesperson will help guide you through the carpet-buying process, it’s important for you to look for a durable carpet product. Durability depends on three important factors — the type of fiber — nylon is the strongest, most resilient carpet fiber used today — yarn twist and pile density. You should find the right balance of all three.

Q: Isn’t the color I choose for my carpet a totally personal choice?

A: Of course, it is, and if it’s snowy white you want, snowy white you shall get. However, you should know that light-colored carpets will show more soil and require more maintenance than darker colors, which are more effective in high-traffic areas. Also, multi-colored and patterned carpets are especially effective in hiding soil.

Q: Do I really need to know about carpet fiber?

A: The performance and quality of a carpet is directly related to the amount and quality of the fiber that goes into the pile. The better the fiber and the more densely it is packed, the better the carpet will perform. Thin, less dense carpet will lose its surface appearance faster. So the answer is, in a word, yes.

Q: What are the average costs I should expect?

A: Although carpet prices vary considerably with quality and style, generally carpet can cost anywhere from $8 per square yard for basic styles up to about $30 per square yard for luxury products (not including installation).

Q: What’s this I hear about a corn-based carpet fiber?

A: Well, hold onto your scarecrows! Mohawk has introduced the first bio-based fiber that’s made partially from corn sugar. SmartStrand, made with DuPont Sorona polymer, represents a breakthrough in carpet fiber technology, producing a superior type of carpet fiber that combines exceptional durability with permanent, engineered in-stain protection that won’t wash or wear off, while, at the same time, offering environmental benefits such a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions vs. petroleum-based carpet fiber.

Q: Will my sales representative let me take samples home?

A: But, of course! It is important when selecting your color carpet that you take the time to look at samples, preferably large ones, in your home both by daylight and lamplight in the evening. The color you choose will look different under different lighting conditions.

Q: What about padding? Should I ask for a better pad?

A: Often, a certain level of padding will be included in the quoted installation price of your carpet, and you will have the option to upgrade.

Q: What about carpet cushion?

A: The cushion under your carpet is one of the most important considerations when buying new carpet. It is the base that helps the carpet retain its texture and appearance. A cushion is sold by its thickness and density. A pad that is too soft will adversely affect the performance of the carpet, and a pad that is too thick interferes with the anchoring of the carpet. For residential installation, a cushion of no more than 7/16-inch thick and no less than 1/4-inch thick with a 6 pound per cubic foot of density or equivalent is recommended. (A cushion of 3/8-inch thickness with a 6 pound per cubic foot of density or equivalent is recommended for berber style carpets.)

Q: Will there have to be a seam in the room?

A: A seam may be required during the installation of carpet, depending on the dimensions of the room. If there must be a seam, it should run perpendicular to windows in order to minimize the light that reflects off of it.

Q: What is the difference between shading and color fading?

A: While shading is simply the result of the change in direction of the carpet pile due to pressure from footsteps and vacuuming, color fading is more serious. Color fading of carpet occurs when particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers cause gradual but significant dulling of colors — the color is not lost, but hidden under the film. Cleaning your carpet regularly will help avoid color fading.

Q: My carpet looks like it is shedding. Is this normal?

A: Some shedding is common in new carpet with a cut pile. The loose fibers are easily removed with regular vacuuming. This should not affect your carpet’s quality and should diminish after a few weeks or months depending on vacuuming frequency.

Q: Why are some carpets measured by square yard and others by square foot?

A: Although carpet once was measured solely by the square yard, measuring carpet by the square foot has become standard and puts it in line with the measurement of other floor coverings, such as ceramic tile and hardwood.

Q: I heard that new carpet can make people sick? Is this true?

A: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, like many other household products and furnishings, new carpet can be a source of chemical emissions. Carpet emits volatile organic compounds, as do products that accompany carpet installation such as adhesives and padding, and some people report symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; skin irritations; shortness of breath or cough; and fatigue, which they may associate with new carpet installation. Carpet can also act as a "sink" for chemical and biological pollutants including pesticides, dust mites, and fungi.

Therefore, when purchasing carpet you should ask your retailer for information on selecting lower emitting carpet, cushion and adhesives. Additionally, before new carpet is installed, you can ask your retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a clean, well-ventilated area.

You also should consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet installation or, optimally, schedule the installation when the space is unoccupied. Opening doors and windows to increase the amount of fresh air indoors will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from newly installed carpet, and during and after installation in a home, you can use window fans and room air conditioners to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. Ventilation systems should be in proper working order, and should be operated during installation, and for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.

Be sure to request that your installer follow the Carpet and Rug Institute’s installation guidelines, and if you find your new carpet has an objectionable odor, contact your carpet retailer.