Doing Carpeting “Due Diligence”: Better Than Google
If you know next to nothing about carpeting, you probably think there are two kinds: cheap and expensive.
If you know a little more — say, because you’re a Realtor — you may be aware that there’s low pile (berber) and high pile (shag would be very high pile); that the former is better for high traffic areas like stairs; that the cost ranges from $1 a square foot to more than $10 a square foot; that skimping on carpet padding (or skipping it altogether) is a “no-no”; neutral colors are always best; and that the answer to the client question, “Do you think this carpeting is a little tired, and should be replaced?” is always, “I would” (if not an emphatic, “Yes!”).
A New Carpeting Primer; Is Triexta Really “New & Improved?”
Ahh, but if you’re about to re-carpet your basement — see, “Basement Flood Mystery . . . Solved!” — it’s incumbent upon you to do a little more research.
My not-so-scientific findings:
–The two basic kinds of carpeting are polyester and nylon; the latter is better quality and costs more.
–A third kind of carpeting, “Triexta,” is new in the marketplace, and supposed to be superior to nylon in stain resistance and durability, while also being softer. But, it doesn’t have much of a track record yet.
–“Free installation,” “Free removal,” etc. aren’t so free if the carpeting’s price per square foot is inflated.
–Beware the gap between estimating (next day) and installation (in some cases, more than 8 weeks later).
–The “all-in” cost includes estimating (Home Depot charges $50 for this; it later credits you that amount if you buy); the carpeting itself; the carpeting pad; installation; and removal of the old stuff.
Calling Emailing Mary Amlaw
So, how do you get the scoop on Triexta?
Stopping by a few carpeting stores helped.
Somewhat surprisingly, googling “Triexta” didn’t: perhaps because it’s so new, there isn’t much info on it yet.
Most helpful of all?
Emailing my favorite stager, Mary Amlaw.
Here’s her take on Triexta:
“Triexta is as durable as nylon and looks like nylon (matte finish) but is softer in texture…it is stain and fade resistant, and most stains only need water clean up. The fibers are very non-absorbent. It is made with less fiber chemicals so it is safer to have in the home (there is less “off-gassing”). Pricing is less than nylon. The only negative is that it hasn’t been around long enough to confirm it’s wearability claims. But it sure is popular because it claims to be soft and durable and to be a more sustainable fiber.”
Thanks, Mary!!
