DIY Carpet Question
I am having trouble choosing from ALL the different suggestions for carpet for
my 600sq. Ft. basement. It is a dry basement except for one drain on the floor
near the washer that spills out a little, this area is not going to be carpeted
though. We have no kids and only 2 cats that rarely go down there. I had
actually found a great Berber carpet through a manufacturer on Ebay for $7
sq./yd, but after reading these questions was scared away from both Ebay and
Berber. This is an entertaining basement with a built-in bar, pool table and
entertainment area. Can you simplify my search to 1 or 2 specific budget
friendly recommendations? Is it crazy to try and install it ourselves?
Answer:
Yes, it would not be wise to try to install carpet yourself if you want it to
look nice and last as long as possible. If your basement is dry you can select
any style you wish, I would suggest you consider a level loop commercial style
as they are inexpensive, can be installed with or without padding, easy to clean
and last a long time. If you want something more plush and want to save money
then consider go with an apartment grade, nylon plush style. You could go this
route and only spend about $12-15 per yard total - carpet, pad and installation.
Learn about Carpet
Comparison
Kanga Backed Carpet
Hello Alan, I have enjoyed reading
all questions and your answers on your web page. My daughter is putting Kanga
backed carpet in her basement at $20 per yard including installation.
You have not mentioned Kanga in any of your answers. Can you tell me your
opinion of it. It claims all sorts of good things which you say most
should not claim re mildew, odor etc.
Answer:
Kanga is a brand name for a polyurethane
foam pad attached to the back of certain carpet styles. The manufacturer always
has great things to say about their products! It is designed to be glued down to
the floor for permanent applications or at least taped down for DIYer's who want
a temporary flooring. It does have anti microbial / mildew properties and is a
good choice for concrete basements with the fear of moisture. They use
Kanga back carpets frequently in manufactured homes because it is inexpensive
and easy to install.
From my experience, these carpets are
usually a lower end product with a life span of 5 to 10 years. The padding
may break down first in the main walkways and stains and spills will be
difficult to get out. In comparison, spending $12 per yard for nylon plush
style carpet and $8 per yard for rebond padding and installation would typically
last 7 to 12 years if cared for.
Berber Carpet Choice?
I just bought a brand new house and I am doing quite a few upgrades. I was
wondering should I upgrade my carpet to Berber? Which is about another $3000. Is
it worth it or should I just go with what the contractor going to install? Is
Berber carpet last longer than any other carpet? The only carpet area I have is
upstairs, in mostly the bedrooms and stair. There will only be 2 people living
there and we tend not to make a lot of mess, but I do have quite a few guest
over throughout the year. In addition, I have a dog (lab) but I am going to try
not to let her go upstairs. I appreciate for any suggestion you can recommend.
Answer:
When you have a new
house built the builder always gives you the option of upgrading the carpet.
Unfortunately the builder always gets a sizeable kickback from the flooring
dealer for whatever upgrades you choose. That means you end up paying way too
much for the skimpy upgrade you end up with. My advice is to go with the basic
builder grade carpet and skip doing the upgrade for a couple of years. Then
you'll have time to save up a few more dollars to be able to buy the carpet you
really want from a reputable carpet dealer.
Felt Pad for Basement?
I just purchased a Berber by Mohawk a tight loop. I am installing this on a
concrete floor and the salesman said that a 40 oz felt pad would be good (I don't
know how this translates into the weights you gave for cubic feet) He mentioned
it was a 1/2 inch but shouldn't be a problem. (I had read your site about 3/8
max for Berber) He said that the density of felt versus the thickness of rebond
would not damage the carpet Do you agree? It is not being installed for another
2 weeks so I have time to change my mind. BTW the salesman was very nice no
pressure at all it was my idea to go for a "softer "feel Awaiting your
reply.
Answer:
Felt pad would work fine, but has no sponginess at all. Felt pad is also known
as wool pad and can be quite costly. A 1/4 to 3/8 inch, 8 pound,
rebond pad would be less expensive and provide a little "give" underfoot. Either
pad would be acceptable but dollar for dollar rebond padding is what I would
choose. If you have any moisture problems in your basement whatsoever, then I
would choose a synthetic fiber pad instead. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's padding requirements to ensure
your warranty won't be compromised. I suggest you do a moisture test to make
sure you don't have any hidden moisture problems.
Can I Buy Carpet Wholesale?
I am thinking about buying our carpet thru one of the many carpet mills
located in Georgia at wholesale prices.
What is you personal opinion on this. Is this a smart thing to do?
Answer:
I never suggest buying carpet online or through an 800 number. There are just too
many ways to get ripped off or make costly mistakes. If you live close to Georgia and want to make the
trip to buy from a wholesale outlet store then do. Just be sure you know exactly how much
carpet you need, and
exactly what it is you want to buy before going.
Also, finding a qualified
installer can be tricky. Be sure to check references and verify his license,
bond and liability insurance if required in your state. Learn more about How
to find a qualified carpet installer.
What's the best cat-resistant carpet?
I'm so happy to find your website -- I need good advice! I'm in the process
of buying a condo and just recently learned that the condo association requires
that you keep wall-to-wall carpeting in the units. I had planned on refinishing
the parquet floors underneath, but will now have to replace the carpet instead.
I have two cats, and I know from experience that they tend to scratch carpets
and occasionally have accidents on them. So, I'm trying to search for the most
stain resistant and scratch resistant carpet I can find. The frieze style seems
like a good bet because I've heard that cats prefer to scratch on plush carpets
more. It also seems like a frieze, since it doesn't have loops, would be less
likely to show the effects of scratching. Do you agree? What styles or brands
would you recommend?
Answer:
A plush or frieze would be fine in your situation. Looped styles are magnets for
cats to scratch on, and should be avoided. You could choose a nylon fiber more
the best durability or you might consider going with Sorona, (Smartstrand by
Mohawk) as they say it is the most stain resistant carpet fiber. Learn more
about Carpet Fibers
Thicker padding?
I am building a new house and desire a 5/8-inch carpet pad. I know the
drawbacks i.e. lady could put a high heel through, void the carpet warranty etc; however
I really want this pad in a particular room. Where can I purchase this pad?
Answer:
You will need to buy this type of rebond, foam or urethane padding either from a local
pad distributor or a carpet supplies/sundries outlet. You might need to special
order it because there is not much call for a padding of that thickness.
Berber Seam or Defective Carpet?
My question is, recently I had Berber carpet installed and it is a lighter
color. I'm noticing in one area there is a definite seam line, visible in some
spots and then again not visible in other spots. Of course right in the middle
of the living room it is noticeable and not closer to the wall. I tried cleaning
it but that doesn't help. My friend said it is the carpet seam tape and to leave
it alone or I'll loosen the seam. Is there any way to clean or get rid of this
without damaging the carpet? It seems to be getting more noticeable as time goes
by. The people who installed it also tried to get rid of it, but to no avail.
What might be the secret?
Answer:
From what you have described in your e-mail, this sounds like a carpet
color-shading problem. If you really want to have it fixed, you should make it
clear to the carpet store owner/manager that you expect them to fix the problem,
even if that means that they have to replace all the carpet in the affected
areas.
Carpet shading problems are caused when the color dyes are unevenly applied
to the carpet fibers and thus cause a color variance either from one side to the
opposite side or from the front of the roll to the end of the roll of the
carpet. When this happens, carpet seams may be very noticeable. On each side of
a seam, you may see two different shades, one lighter one darker. This color
shading effect could also be caused if the installer turned the carpet the wrong
way. Carpet has a definite direction and flow and this must be maintained
throughout the installation process. If this is the case it is the installer's
responsibility to fix it.
Assuming that it was installed correctly, carpet-shading problems are not
uncommon and it is not a problem that you should be forced to accept and live
with, unless you want to. The store may be willing to offer you a settlement in lieu of replacement if the carpet was purchased from their
"in-stock" carpet. Otherwise, if you ordered from a sample and the
carpet was shipped directly from the carpet mill, then the carpet must be
inspected by the carpet mill representative and then ultimately replaced by the
manufacturer without any additional charge to you whatsoever. This process can
take weeks to resolve so be patient. Stand your ground until you are completely
satisfied. Let me know how this all turns out!
Learn about Carpet
Comparison
Different Carpet Colors?
Should you use the same type and color of carpet throughout the whole house?
For e.g. bedrooms, halls, etc?
Answer:
Same color throughout is a smart move if you plan to sell your home soon, otherwise,
do what makes you happy!
What is Carpet Face Weight?
I found your website very informative. We are looking to install frieze
carpet. We have one small dog and an 18-month old daughter. We are confused by
all of the different weights of carpet and pad. What weights would you
recommend?
Answer:
Your question is very important and also a huge one.
There is so much more to choosing the right carpet than just weight.
What does weight
mean? Face weight is the amount of fiber used to make the carpet pile. A higher
face weight is more desirable because it makes the carpet last longer and softer
underfoot.
Pile Density is how
thick the tufts are packed together. Higher density means the carpet will be
more durable and obviously more costly.
A standard pad density of 6 to 8
pounds is usually what is used in most homes. The pad you select depends on what carpet you select.
There are many different types of padding for various applications.
Do I Need to Replace the Old Tack
Strips?
I’m planning to hire an installer with over 10 years experience, a
power-stretcher, licensed, bonded, and insured of course and am afraid to ask
him whether he'd get a better job done if we were to pull up the present
tack-less strips and put down new ones. I'm afraid he'll say the old ones are
fine because it's a bother to install new ones - and I wouldn't know.
I plan to take up the old carpet and padding (yes, I've been told getting the
staples out of the padding is an eon-long, backbreaking chore) myself so that I
can afford frieze that I'd like. is it possible that the tack-less strips in a
home that is 12 years old and lived in for only 5 - by a couple - are likely
fine to reuse?
Answer:
Forget removing all those staples, you don't need to! Just be sure to remove
all those small bits of pad stuck around and under the staples. Wear an old pair
of tennis shoes and use your foot to kick, rub and scrape the pad bits loose.
You will never feel or notice those old staples when the new carpet is in.
As far as the tack-less, unless they have been exposed to moisture and the
nails are rusty they will be just fine to reuse. Even if you find some tack-less
strips that are damaged, only those that are bad can be replaced as needed. Any
installer that would say it is a bother to replace bad tack-less is not worth
using, so don't be afraid to make your wishes and concerns known.
Alan's
Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory
It's
hard to find a reputable carpet dealer these days! I have built a special list
of hand-picked carpet retailers who are locally owned, give free estimates,
offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire
qualified installers. See
who I recommend near you!
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