Whether you are buying a new Austin home, selling a home, or you just need to replace the carpet in your existing home, new flooring can make a positive difference. For home sellers, new carpet can set your home apart from the competition by improving the appearance therefore the first impressions of the home. This can result in a quicker sale and more money with the sale. For existing homeowners, new carpet can not only improve the appearance of your home but also improve the air quality and therefore your health.
In Austin Texas, carpet is found in many homes whether across an entire house or in areas such as bedrooms and play areas. As a more affordable option compared to stone, tile or wood, carpet is the best choice for many homeowners. While the right texture of carpet is personal preference, the texture impacts the appearance of your home and therefore should be chosen carefully.
There are many types and levels of quality in carpet when you go to make the choice for your home. So let's take a look at what's on the market today, how well it might hold up and a tip on how you just might find the lowest price.
Cut Pile
We start with the best selling type of carpet in Austin and that is a version called cut pile. It is popular because it stands up well to heavy traffic and resists what they call in the industry "crushing", basically that flattened look you get in areas that are walked on frequently. It's called cut pile because of the process that is used to make it which is cutting the looped carpet fibers right at the very top.
Cut and Loop Pile
This type of carpet actually combines two fibers, both cut and looped. This carpet is very common but note that it comes in a wide range of quality levels so be careful when choosing just based on price. It has medium durability and does a pretty good job of hiding footprints.
Level Loop Pile
This type of carpet is actually made by weaving loops of yarn into the carpet and produces a variety that is very durable that hides track marks; this is all because of the strong loops. This is a great choice for high traffic areas.
Multi-Level Loop Pile
Just like the name sounds, this carpet is produced by combing loops of different heights. This gives the carpet a unique appearance and makes it hold up extremely well in high traffic area. One drawback though is that because of the smaller loops it can sometimes hold more dirt than other choices.
Berber
This is one of the most popular carpets in Austin areas homes and the reason is durability. Berber has thicker yarn which increases its resistance to high traffic which can cause "crushing" and is good at repelling dirt. This carpet is usually inexpensive as well. The downsides are that is not a luxurious type of carpet and it is prone to snags.
Saxony
This type of carpet can bring an upscale, beautiful look to your home but it has its faults with the foremost being that is does show every foot print or vacuum marks. It works well in areas that are meant to look luxurious but will not be a high traffic area.
Texture
This carpet is another big seller in the Austin area with the reason for many people being that fact that it is incredibly soft. It works well in areas where kids spend a lot of time on the floor like their bedrooms or playrooms. This carpet is heavily twisted during manufacturing so that it holds up well. It's also common to find texture carpet in multi colors which hides dirt and footprints well.
Plus
This carpet has the perfect name for what it is, luxurious. Most often found in formal dining rooms or perhaps master bedrooms it provides an upscale look in your home. But keep in mind that plush will show the tracks where you walk or vacuum. This carpet is lightly twisted when manufactured and usually comes in light solid colors.
Frieze
Frieze is a great choice for high traffic areas and when you need the utmost durability. This type of carpet is highly twisted when it is made so it can withstand a great deal of use. Because it has short fibers that will curl under it also does a great job of hiding vacuum marks or footprints.
So now that we have the most common choices of carpet for central Texas homes, what about price? As you can imagine, this can vary widely especially with the amount of sales this industry is famous for. It is unusual to purchase carpet that is not on sale. In many cases if you find what you are looking for and it is not on sale, the salesman may be able to tell you when it will be.
The big box home improvement stores have recently gone to a new tactic of selling carpet and it has made it hard for the smaller stores to compete. They are often offering installation for a flat fee, for instance $100, when you buy the carpet from them. This is known in the business as a loss leader with the store losing several hundred dollars on installation. Their goal is simply to get you in the door and to make that loss back with other purchases you will hopefully make while you are there.
By:Brian Talley
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