Coming Up Roses
by
Good Housekeeping
Q: What is the advantage of carpet over other types of flooring?
A: Almost too many to mention! Carpet is soft underfoot, comes in a nearly limitless selection of styles and colors, it absorbs sound to make your room quieter, it can be installed over almost any existing floor, breakthroughs in fiber technology mean today’s carpets are easier to maintain, and it’s an economical flooring choice!
Q: What is carpet actually made from?
A: While other types can be found, most home carpets are made from one of four fibers:
Nylon – the long-wearing and most stain-resistant of all
Olefin – usually the most cost efficient
Polyester – known for its softness and excellent color clarity
Wool – nature's own soil- and moisture-resistant fiber.
Q: Do I have to install padding under my carpet?
A: It's not a requirement, but considering how little extra cost is involved, and how much it will improve the life and performance of your carpet, installing a cushioning underlayer really pays off. It helps both with sound and heat insulation and can help keep your carpet from stretching or buckling.
Q: Can I install carpeting myself?
A: Well, yes, but keep in mind that carpet comes in rolls (which can be quite heavy) and the proper installation of carpeting requires some specialized tools. This is a moderately difficult task, and should probably not be attempted by the casual do-it-yourselfer.