A carpet can be an attractive and practical addition to any home. It provides some warmth underfoot that brings a luxurious touch to a property. Carpeting also offers other advantages such as sound insulation, energy savings and a safe non-slip surface. For those interested in installing this type of flooring there are a few things to consider, not least of which are carpet prices. There are a few factors which can have an influence on this.
The style of a carpet will affect the price that is paid and there are a couple of main options to consider. Carpet tiles tend to be the more affordable of the options. These are small
square tiles, usually around 8 to 20 inches square in size, although sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer. The tiles are basically stuck down to the flooring below and are generally bought by the box, with a box containing a set number of tiles. They are simple to install and most homeowners should be able to do the job themselves, which can also help to keep the price down. The second option is a fitted carpet. This is generally sold in a roll, which needs to be cut to size and shape depending on the layout of the room in which it is being fitted. This style of carpet is generally priced per square feet or square yard.
The price of a carpet will be affected by the material used in its manufacture. Options include both man-made and natural fibers, with man-made materials generally the more affordable option. Some of the common synthetic fibers used to produce carpets include
nylon, acrylic, polyester and olefin. Each has its pros and cons and it is sensible for a homeowner that opts for a synthetic carpet to look through the options to find the one that best suits their needs. The most common natural material used in carpet manufacturing is wool. It can add a luxurious feel to a property, although this comes at a cost as wool tends to be one of the most expensive options when it comes to buying a carpet.
As well as the material, the grade of manufacture can affect the price of a carpet. There is a typically a reasonable correlation between the price paid and the lifespan of a carpet and homeowners need to consider this when purchasing. For those that plan to stay in a property for only a short period of time, a lower grade carpet may be appropriate, although owners that plan to remain in their property for many years may find a higher grade carpet a more cost effective choice. Options typically start at apartment grade, which can be found for less than $10 per square yard and generally lasts in place for no more than 5 years. The options then typically run through builder grade, residential grade and high-quality grade. Prices at the higher end of the scale can run to around $40 per square yard, although the carpet can last in place for up to 20 years with the right care.
Use of Padding
Choosing whether or not to use padding below a carpet will affect the price paid. Depending on the quality of the padding it can add around $1 to $5 per square yard to the cost. However, padding can increase the lifespan of a carpet and therefore while it adds
to the up-front price, it can be cost effective in the long run. It also has the advantage of making the carpet more comfortable to walk on, as well as providing better insulation from cold and noise.
Size of a Room
The size of a room will obviously affect the price paid for a carpet and a homeowner needs to take this into consideration. It is important to measure correctly to ensure the correct quantity of carpet is bought. It is also sensible to buy slightly more carpet than required. This allows a homeowner to have a little left over when the carpet is fitted and this can be useful to deal with any future problems such as wear and tear or spills. Homeowners should always measure a room at least twice to ensure they are buying the correct quantity of carpet.
When looking into the price of a carpet, it is important to consider installation as well as purchase cost. This can add to the overall price paid. Homeowners that are confident they can lay a carpet themselves can obviously reduce the final price required to have a carpet in their property. Looking to do it yourself? Here’s a helpful video that may make it easier to get started:
However, it can be sensible to allow professionals to fit a carpet. They have the correct tools and experience to do the job properly, which can result in a better fitting carpet and a more attractive finish. For those that decide to use professionals, this should be factored into the final pricebefore making a decision on whether or not to buy.
Carpets can add to the beauty of a home and for the benefits they provide can be practical fixtures to install. Homeowners that want to do this should consider carpet prices carefully to ensure their final choice best suits their needs in terms of style and lifespan.