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How To Spot Quality Carpet | Carpet Direct KC

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Quality Carpet

Photo courtesy of Lexi Brooke Photography

Remember when we were kids, running around at home, not even considering that we might be trampling all over the high quality carpet our parents painstakingly chose to have in the home? Now, we have to take into account our bank accounts and look at carpet as an actual investment.

Keep in mind that some styles of carpet are better suited for specific areas of the house, just like your furniture and fixtures. You wouldn’t put a toilet in the middle of your staircase just like you wouldn’t put the same carpeting in your bathroom as you would on your stairs. So take a moment and determine which areas in your home are “high traffic,” “medium traffic” and “low traffic.” Once you’ve done that, you’re well on your way to choosing quality carpet for your home. But we’re not quire finished yet.

These are some of the key things consumers should keep in mind when looking for quality carpet. Be mindful of balancing your needs and your budget when considering these five factors:

#1. Carpet Style

For super heavy traffic areas you might want to consider Frieze, whose tufts of fiber are more tightly twisted. Frieze can get pricey but can also last you 20 years in the long run. While a style like Saxony, for example, which is a bit more plush, will last you around five years. Therefore, Saxony is most commonly chosen for living rooms or bedrooms. Slightly more elegant than Saxony is the Berber style, though we wouldn’t recommend this for homes with pets or small children. The carpet style should always reflect the room’s functionality as well as aesthetics.

#2. Carpet Fiber

The type of fiber you choose can make or break your carpet’s life. Every fiber has its pros and cons, but history has shown that synthetic carpet fibers will last longest. Nylon is by far your best choice for overall quality and cost-effectiveness. It is wear-resistant and resilient to heavy furniture and foot traffic. Wool/nylon blends can also work, and is preferable to wool-only carpeting which is the most expensive on the market.

#3. Face Weight

Carpet face weight, ranging in numbers from 20 to 80, is basically the number of ounces of fiber per square yard. But with everything in life, it’s quality over quantity that matters. So don’t fall into the trap of believing that a higher face weight means a better carpet.

#4. Twist Number

This is actually one of the best indicators of quality carpet. You can actually calculate this yourself. All you have to do is take a one-inch length of carpet fiber. And then literally count the number of times the strands of fiber have been twisted together. And there you have your carpet’s twist number! The higher the number is, then the more durable the carpet.

#5. Carpet Density

Carpet density is essentially about the carpet fiber and how tightly packed they are in stitching. Keep in mind that you should only compare carpet densities of the same fiber type or style. Otherwise, you won’t really get an accurate comparison. And here’s a tip: You can just bend a carpet sample in half to get an idea of the carpet density. If you can see a lot of the backing, then that carpet’s got very low-density, which is better for low-traffic areas.


Choosing quality carpet all depends on matching your carpet with your needs. When in doubt, consult a professional who can give you an exact idea of the best type of quality carpet for your home.

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