If you’re a new homeowner or simply someone who’s new to carpet shopping, you might be tempted to buy a bunch of nice-looking options online and leave it at that. However, the process of buying a sturdy, long-lasting carpet requires a lot more work than just browsing. The first thing to understand is that a home carpet is an investment, not a purchase you want to keep making over and over again until you get it right. Carpets are expensive, and being able to tell duds from gems will help you make the best decision when it comes to your flooring. Between taking proper care of your rug and bringing it in for carpet cleaning fairfax va frequently, you’ll need to put in the work to keep your carpet going strong. But first, you’ll need to choose the right carpet for your home. If you’re stumped, here are a few ways to go about it.
Fiber Type and Use
Before you start looking for a rug for your home, you’ll want to take a moment to think about how it’s going to be used. Are you hoping to create a cozy atmosphere with a plush natural fiber rug? Do you want something purely functional and long-lasting like a cut pile or berber rug? Do you want to wow guests with a beautiful, authentic Oriental rug? Knowing how you plan to use your rug will help you figure out what kind of quality you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re looking for a high-quality, cozy rug, you’ll want to opt for a natural fiber rug or a dense synthetic fiber rug with a high face weight value and a strong base. If you want an authentic Persian rug, check the knot count to make sure you’re getting the real deal rather than a manufactured fake.
Style
For synthetic fiber rugs, the “twist” style can tell you a lot about quality. When synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon are spun out to create rug yarn, they’re twisted to create a dense, thick pattern. In general, the tighter the twist is, the higher the quality of the rug. Natural fiber rugs are a bit different since they’re not produced in the same way, but in general, you want to look for tight, thick strands rather than loose thin strands that appear glued on rather than stitched.
Backing
Turning a rug over can give you a lot of insight into the level of craftsmanship that went into it. For instance, with an authentic Oriental rug, you’ll see bright colors on the back that mirror the front pattern, instead of the stitched back that comes with most fakes or factory-made models. With other rugs, you’ll be able to see if the back is sturdy or flimsy and if the rug fibers have been stitched on or glued on. Anything that isn’t stitched should give you pause before buying. For best results, go with a rug that has a sturdy backing and a dense, heavy feel.