Carpet Buying Guide: Fibers, Styles, Pad & Pet-Friendly Options
New carpet is the quickest way to make a bedroom or living room feel new. The hard part is that two carpets can look the same in the showroom and wear very differently. Here is what to compare.
Fiber: nylon, polyester or triexta
Nylon is the most resilient fiber. It springs back after foot traffic, which makes it the best choice for stairs, hallways and busy family rooms.
Polyester (often called PET) is soft, holds color well and costs less. It is a good value for bedrooms and lower-traffic rooms.
Triexta (sold as SmartStrand by Mohawk) is soft and has stain resistance built into the fiber, which is popular with pet owners.
Solution-dyed carpets have color all the way through the fiber, so they resist fading and bleach spots. They are a smart choice for rentals.
Style: plush, textured, frieze or Berber
Plush and textured cut pile is soft and formal-looking. Textured styles hide footprints and vacuum marks better than smooth plush.
Frieze has tightly twisted, longer yarns that hide dirt and wear well.
Berber and loop carpets are durable and casual, but loops can be snagged by pet claws, so we usually steer pet owners to cut pile.
Face weight, density and twist
Face weight tells you how much yarn is on the surface, but density and twist matter more for durability. A dense carpet with a tight twist will outlast a heavier but looser one. Ask us to compare specs side by side.
Don't skimp on the pad
Carpet pad protects the carpet backing and makes the floor feel better. A firm, good-quality pad helps the carpet last longer, and many carpet warranties require a pad that meets certain thickness and density specs.
Measuring and seams
Carpet comes in rolls, usually 12 feet wide, so the amount you buy depends on room shape and where the seams go, not just square footage. We measure and plan seams so they fall in low-traffic spots.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best carpet for pets?
A cut pile carpet in nylon or triexta with built-in stain protection, such as SmartStrand or PetPremier from Mohawk or Pet Perfect from Shaw. Avoid loop Berber if your pets have claws.
What carpet is best for stairs?
Nylon, in a dense cut pile or textured style. It resists crushing on the stair nose better than polyester.
How long does carpet last?
It depends on fiber, density, pad and traffic. Good nylon carpet with a quality pad can last many years in a typical home; cheaper polyester in a busy hallway will show wear sooner.
Do you install carpet?
Yes. We sell and install carpet and pad across Los Angeles from our Sylmar showroom. Call (818) 203-1168 for a free estimate.
See it in person
Browse our Carpet collection online, or visit our showroom at 12610 Glenoaks Blvd #8, Sylmar, CA 91342. We're a licensed flooring contractor serving Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Northridge, Burbank and all of Los Angeles. Call (818) 203-1168 or request a free quote.
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