quality carpet

[butterfly76]

What do I look for in a quality carpet, should it be 100% wool? I have seen so many, twists etc, I don't mind paying out as I want it to last a long time.
Anyone any ideas
Thxs

[peanut]

Personally, I think burbor is the best way to go. Its very tightly woven, wears like a tank, looks good and lasts for many years

[KARL]

Pure wool is said by some to last less well than ones that are, say, 20% synthetic, but Persian carpets are often pure wool (or else a wool with silk pattern - never any synthetics) and last extremely well. In my experience, once the pile becomes longer than the classic type, then the carpet looks tired sooner. Genuine Axmister is very good - we have a light coloured one (80/20, I think) in our lounge which is now over 3 years old and it looks the same as it did when it was laid. Mind you, we never wear outdoor shoes in the house and insist no-one else does - no brushing vacuum only suction. We also have Persians which have had a lot of use (25 years plus) and the cheapest ones are showing wear but look nice all the same, while the most expensive one looks as good as when we bought it. Finally, there is some old woolen carpet (60 years or so old) where we are in the process of refurbishing - while it certainly shows wear, it has held up extremely well. I recommend high wool content and a choice of densely woven standard pile length - you will be charged for this but it is well worth it. But for the longevity choose a coulour (fairly soft, unstriking) and pattern (none really) which is not going to tire your sight of it.

[Dollie]

Hi Butterfly - don't forgot to use a really good quality underlay - it may add to your cost, but the difference you'll feel when you walk on it will be unvbelievable. p.s. I agree with Karl - a 80/20 mix is about the best and will look good for a long time.

[butterfly76]

thank you all

[ruthann58]

dont buy a quality one you will be fed up with it long before its ready to be changed i know this from experience bought a really good one when we moved here but i was ready for a change about 5 years ago but couldnt justfie throwing it out

[Colortec]

I worked in a carpet factory for eight years. Don't buy foam back - the tufts are not anchored as well and the foam crumbles eventually. 80% wool 20% nylon is the best combination of fibre mix. Look for double or triple twist. If the area will be subject to a lot of traffic then you should choose a carpet with a short pile. This will not flatten as quickly. If it is tufted (not woven) choose one with a good heavy hessian backing. Ask the sales assistant what weight the pile is. When i made carpets we made them in three wieghts. 33 oz was for bedrooms - 40 oz was for light use living rooms and 50 oz was for hall/stair and high traffic. In the shop, bend a sample - can you see the backing? Don't accept polypropylene just because its woven - it will not be as warm underfoot. The rule is New carpet/New underlay. The underlay is the foundation of the carpet...get a good one (fairly firm to the touch). If you skimp on underlay you WILL pay later, either in dull looking carpet or replacing a few years early.