Carpet for High Traffic Areas

When you buy carpet you want it to last. Carpet is an investment that can take a big chunk out of your bank account, so you want to spend it wisely. You want to choose the right carpet for your home, and you want to make sure you choose the right carpet types for the different areas of your home. So, let's take a look at the carpet you should purchase for the high traffic areas of your home.

Purchasing Carpet for High Traffic Areas (residential)

Obviously when purchasing carpet for high traffic areas in your home, such as the family room, hallways and stairways, it is important to select durable carpet. So, what makes carpet durable? Here are some tips for purchasing high performance (durable) carpet and cushion that meet the demands of a busy environment and can with stand those high traffic areas of your home.

Carpet

Your carpet is not the only thing to consider when looking at durability. The pad makes a huge difference in comfort and with how long your carpet will last. However, just the pad being high quality is not going to cut it either. So, let's make sure we realize this is a package deal, both the carpet and the pad needs to be quality to withstand the abuses of everyday life.

The following are the areas you need to consider, and what to look for in the high traffic areas of your home:

1. density - The density of your carpet refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the tufts. For your high traffic areas, the denser, the better. In fact, if you want your carpet to last, choose a dense, firm construction.

2. twist - The twist of the carpet describes the winding of the yarn around itself. Choose a tighter twist for enhanced durability and longer life. Your high traffic areas are going to start looking worn if you do choose a carpet with a tight twist.

3. pile/construction

o cut pile - Cut pile means that the pile, or tufts of carpet have been cut the top. The cut pile of the carpet can be very high (like a very plush carpet), or fairly low. So, for the best durability, and the longest life of the carpet for the high traffic areas, choose a shorter pile height.

o berber/loop - berber or loop carpet is carpet that the pile has not been cut, thus it is looped. For the best and longest durability, choose a shorter, tighter yarn loop.

Cushion/Pad

Part of having carpet for a high traffic area is having the appropriate carpet cushion, or pad for that area. Each carpet type has a recommended pad type that is based on the carpet manufacturer's requirements for type, thickness, and density. Carpet cushion is made primarily from polyurethane foam, fiber, or rubber. Obviously, the type and thickness of cushion needed varies according to the type of carpet, so to get the longest life for your carpet, get the right pad type for the carpet you choose for your high traffic areas:

1. For cut pile, cut and loop, or high-level loop carpet choose a resilient, firm cushion with a maximum thickness of 7/16 inch with a minimum FHA density.

2. For Berber, and other low-pile carpet, choose a thin, dense cushion with a maximum thickness of 3/8 inch.

Your high traffic areas are going to look better, and the carpet will last longer if you follow these simple guidelines and choose the best quality carpets and the corresponding pads for those areas.