Picking out the right carpet is about more than simply choosing a color or pattern that appeals to you. You also have to take into account various life-style factors, and the amount of traffic you can expect in any given area to be carpeted.
This means assessing which areas receive the most traffic, and choosing a carpet that will stand up to the level of abuse to be expected from those areas. There are a few criteria to look out for when choosing carpeting with these factors. Here are the things you should watch out for when choosing carpeting for high-traffic areas and stairs.
Color
No matter how durable or stain resistant your carpeting is, it's going to show dirt and stains eventually. The best way to combat this, is to choose a color that won't show the wear and dirt as prominently between professional carpet cleanings.
Try to choose carpet tones that are in the middle range. If your carpet is too bright, it will prominently show wear and tear, too dark and fluff, hair, and dust will stand out.
Pile
Your best carpet options for high-traffic areas and stairs will have a low, thick pile, that is better able to hide footprints and vacuum lines. It will also be more resistant to crushing. The one exception to this rule is if you have pets with sharp claws in the home. In those cases, you would be better off choosing a carpet with a twisted pile, as opposed to loop. This will help you avoid damage from snags.
Padding
The quality of carpet padding you choose has a huge impact on the durability of your carpet, in high-traffic areas like stairs. While it might seem like an easy thing to skimp on, your padding is responsible for absorbing the vast majority of the beating your carpet takes. The better the padding, the easier time your carpet will have holding up to foot-traffic. It's as simple as that!
Still need a little help choosing your new carpets?
The best way to ensure you get the best carpets for your home's trouble spots, is to seek expert advice. These guidelines we've laid out are just that-- guidelines. The specific needs of your home will probably require a more in-depth assessment to find the perfect carpet to meet them.
If you would like to arrange for a free, no-obligation flooring consultation and estimate, simply contact our showroom in Houston to get started. Our flooring experts are always on hand to address any concerns you may have, and they can recommend the best flooring for your home and lifestyle!
