Carpet Installation questions, answered by experts
When choosing whether to install carpet in your home, consider the pros and cons of this change:
Pros
More affordable than laminate flooring
Gives the room a warmer feel
Softer on feet
Wide variety of textures and colors
Hides dirt easily
Faster and easier to install
Cons
Shows wear and tear more quickly than laminate flooring
Shows stains
Soaks up liquids
May not work well in some areas, such as a bathroom
Less durable than laminate flooring
Susceptible to water damage, mold, and mildew
Carpet is most often affixed to the floor by tacks in tack strips rather than nailed or glued directly to the subfloor. The tack strips are nailed to wood subfloors. Even if you want to install carpet over concrete, you’ll adhere the tack strips to the concrete with masonry nails or a liquid adhesive.
Carpeting lasts between 10 and 15 years in most cases, but keep an eye out for common signs that it's time to replace it. Persistent smells despite deep cleaning, faded color, worn-down carpet padding, and general wear and tear are signs that it's time to tear it up. If you are experiencing allergy issues indoors, this could also be a sign that new flooring is the key to a fresher home.
Carpet density refers to how closely together the fibers of a carpet are stitched into the carpet backing, with values ranging from 1,000 to 7,000. A carpet density value of 3,000 or higher is considered best for most homes, especially in high-traffic areas, such as a living room or dining room. If you’re comparing two carpets made of the same material, a higher carpet density can indicate better durability and longevity. However, carpet density is only one of many factors that can help you determine a carpet’s quality.
In most cases, laminate flooring is better for people with dust or other allergies as laminate is easier to clean. Carpet can trap pollen and other allergens, allowing them to be kicked up into the air again with foot traffic. Consult your flooring specialist about the best types of carpet or laminate flooring to use based on your household member’s needs.
The Stephen, MN homeowners’ guide to carpet installation
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Not only are carpet tiles easier to install than carpet, but they’re often more affordable. So, how much does carpet tile installation cost? Let’s take a look.