Shopping for carpet (flooring, window, vacuum, paint) - House -remodeling, decorating, construction, energy use, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, building, rooms - City-Data Forum

descovy · 08-20-2016, 05:16 PM

We are in the market for new carpet for our stairs and upstairs. We are new to shopping for it. Research online is pretty clear, nylon is best, stay away from polyester.

However at the 2 flooring places we were able to visit this weekend, both tried to sell us on polyester (such as Smart Strand, https://www.mohawkflooring.com/floor...d/SmartStrand/). Stating that it is tops in durability and price. Was told it used to be Nylon was better, but now some polyester brands compete.

What's the real deal? For us, we don't have pets or young children (we have teens) My biggest concern is that it holds up well on the stairs. The upstairs is the teenager domain,but the steps in the staircase are easily visible on the front of the house.

Let's face it, changing flooring is a pain. We plan to be in this house another 6-10 years and would rather do it right once than have to replace because it looks like crap when we want to move.

Any insight? We are at the beginning of the shopping. No hurry. Want to do it right the first time.

Brian_M · 08-20-2016, 05:45 PM

Can't weigh in on the material choice, but Berber is Easily more tolerant of traffic/wear and will look "new" for way, WAY longer. Having put it in my last house, I kick myself for not putting it in the prior homes too (no kids, one old dog) because cut-loop is just impossible to keep looking nice. Even with daily vacuuming it looks trampled minutes later.

ShaneSA · 08-22-2016, 08:23 PM

Second on the Berber. I redid the bedrooms and hallway, no stairs and am very happy. The traffic in the hallway does not show, easy to keep clean, long wear. I don't remember what material it is made with.

Universe93B · 08-22-2016, 08:25 PM

You can't go with the nylon vs polyester arguments anymore. They are much more advanced than back in the day. It probably doesn't matter what material you get, but you need to get the higher quality of what you get.

Remember, maintenance is what will make the carpet last longer. This includes vacuuming thoroughly every 1-2 weeks, and definitely every week on those stairs. AND DON'T WEAR SHOES ON THE CARPET IN YOUR HOUSE! This is how everyone ruins carpet. Like Brian_M said, Berber carpet will look the newest, but I don't like the hard feeling.

Nylon vs. Polyester Carpet: Which is Better? | Pucher's Flooring, Paint and Window Coverings