Ask penty of questions before choosing a carpet

When it comes to consider carpeting the choices might seem overwhelming. Have no fear. As with anything research, research, research.

A great place to start is showrooms. Visit many and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Keep a note of the advice you get and, soon enough, the right carpet for you will he obvious.

Here are a few tips to give you a head start. If you've ever shopped for carpeting you know there are many types, with a wide range of price tags, constructed in several different ways, and made from several different fibres or blends of fibres.

Always choose your carpeting for the situation in which it will be used and the type of wear it will receive. As with most things, the higher the price, the better the quality, so buy the best quality you can afford.

Use the hardest wearing quality for high traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, landings and family rooms. A low pile, high density carpet would be your best bet. Cheek the back of the samples for grade and performance ratings, as well as fibre content and method of construction.

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification. It's important to know what your purchasing, so make a point of finding out. As I've already mentioned, there's a wide variety of fibres and blends of fibres used in carpet construction. Many people are unsure of the differences. True, they all give their own distinctive character to the finished carpet and affect the durability and resistance to staining, but what are those differences?

Natural fibres include wool and cotton. Some carpets are made of 100-per-cent wool, others are a blend of wool and synthetic fibres such as nylon. Natural fibre carpeting is not a good choice for high traffic areas as it wears more easily, than synthetic blends.

However, mixing the wool with a synthetic fibre, adds the natural resilience lacking in many 100-per-cent synthetic carpets.

There's a wide variety of synthetic fibres used in carpet construction. They can be used alone, blended with natural fibres or with other synthetic fibres.

Nylon is very durable and easy to clean. It's also the most popular choice at the moment. A product called Stainmaster or Master Life Plus is frequently mixed in with the fibres, making the carpet highly stain resistant. For that reason, nylon is a good choice for families with small children.

Acrylic fibre has many characteristics that resemble wool. Acrylic dyes well, so you'll find a variety of colors to choose from. Be sure that the acrylic carpet has been treated for stain resistance, as untreated acrylic fibres will stain. Carpeting made from acrylic fibres is often found in bedrooms.

Polyester is usually used for light-weight and medium-wear carpets. Be aware that it soils easily. it's best used in a blend with other fibres such as nylon. Polypropylene, usually found in berbers, is fairly hard-wearing, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Alone, the fibre tends to feel harsh and tends to look shiny. Carpets made from polypropylene are commonly used in basement installations.

Once you've decided on the carpet, there are a few things you should know before installation. The Carpet Owners Manual, a booklet on carpet installation and maintenance for consumers, offers tips and also features sections on adhesives, removal of common spills and long-term carpet care. Look for your free copy at floor retailers.