Renovating
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Carpet
Keep cosy with carpet this winter – but get familiar with your options before you shop with this expert advice
What’s the difference between Axminster and Wilton? And what’s the deal with pile? If you’re buying a carpet, you’ll need to know the basics. Step this way for some essential advice for furnishing your floor.
Professional advice from:
Natalie Littlehales of Brintons Carpets; Jemma Eayman of Carpetright; David Cormack of Cormar Carpets; Jeremy Wilson of Ulster Carpets; Mike Richardson of Kersaint Cobb
Professional advice from:
Natalie Littlehales of Brintons Carpets; Jemma Eayman of Carpetright; David Cormack of Cormar Carpets; Jeremy Wilson of Ulster Carpets; Mike Richardson of Kersaint Cobb
Is Axminster or Wilton best?
Woven carpets are either a Wilton (shown here in a wool/nylon mix) or Axminster weave. “On an Axminster loom, individual tufts are cut to the correct length then placed within the backing,” explains Jeremy Wilson of Ulster Carpets. “Wilton looms weave in a continuous loop, which is then cut to the correct pile height.”
Axminster weaving is more versatile and can cope with multiple colours, so these carpets are usually patterned. “Wiltons are usually plain or have a small number of colours,” continues Wilson.
Woven carpets are either a Wilton (shown here in a wool/nylon mix) or Axminster weave. “On an Axminster loom, individual tufts are cut to the correct length then placed within the backing,” explains Jeremy Wilson of Ulster Carpets. “Wilton looms weave in a continuous loop, which is then cut to the correct pile height.”
Axminster weaving is more versatile and can cope with multiple colours, so these carpets are usually patterned. “Wiltons are usually plain or have a small number of colours,” continues Wilson.
What’s a tufted carpet?
Tufted carpets are cheaper because they’re less labour intensive. “They’re produced on tufting machines – a bit like very large sewing machines – and it’s a very quick and efficient process,” says Cormack.
“Tufted carpets are made using a variety of different yarns, from wool, nylon and polypropylene to polyester and blends of these,” he continues.
Tufted carpet arrived in the UK in the 1950s, making fitted carpets affordable for the first time. It’s still a popular choice and, according to Cormar Carpets, makes up more than 70% of UK carpet sales.
Tufted carpets are cheaper because they’re less labour intensive. “They’re produced on tufting machines – a bit like very large sewing machines – and it’s a very quick and efficient process,” says Cormack.
“Tufted carpets are made using a variety of different yarns, from wool, nylon and polypropylene to polyester and blends of these,” he continues.
Tufted carpet arrived in the UK in the 1950s, making fitted carpets affordable for the first time. It’s still a popular choice and, according to Cormar Carpets, makes up more than 70% of UK carpet sales.
What is pile?
Pile is the part of the carpet that you stand on. Its quality is judged by its ‘weight’, which is the amount of yarn used to make the carpet. In general, the more pile you put into a carpet, the more wear you’ll get out of it.
However, it’s not quite that simple. Deep pile, while luxurious, flattens more easily, so it’s best for a bedroom, where it’ll get less wear. Short pile wears better but doesn’t have that deluxe feel.
Pile is the part of the carpet that you stand on. Its quality is judged by its ‘weight’, which is the amount of yarn used to make the carpet. In general, the more pile you put into a carpet, the more wear you’ll get out of it.
However, it’s not quite that simple. Deep pile, while luxurious, flattens more easily, so it’s best for a bedroom, where it’ll get less wear. Short pile wears better but doesn’t have that deluxe feel.
What are the types of pile?
You’ll find many varieties of pile material, weight and weave, each offering a different look. Ask for swatches so you can test out colours and textures before you make a final decision.
Twist pile This is made from yarn that has been tightly twisted and set to form a pile with a slightly textured surface. “Twist piles are produced in both plain and heather colours,” says Cormack. “Heathers are created using a combination of complementary coloured fibres to obtain a tonal effect.”
Twist pile is extremely hard-wearing and less likely to show footprints or vacuum marks.
Velvet pile “Velvet yarns are straighter than twisted yarn, with the cut ends at the top, giving a soft, velvety surface,” explains Natalie Littlehales of Brintons. Twist and velvet piles look very different, but are similarly hard-wearing.
Loop pile Replicating the look of natural flooring, such as coir and sisal, this features yarns that form loops on the surface of the carpet. Loops of differing heights will create a textured feel, while loops of uniform height will create a level loop pile.
“Variations include a rustic tweed-style loop known as a Berber, which contains highlight flecks,” says Cormack.
Be warned: a loop pile is not a good idea if you have a pet with claws!
Saxony pile Saxony carpets are longer-pile carpets that have a luxurious feel. Available in both wool and man-made fibres, they’re not recommended for heavy-traffic areas, because the pile will flatten. Instead, save Saxony for the bedroom.
You’ll find many varieties of pile material, weight and weave, each offering a different look. Ask for swatches so you can test out colours and textures before you make a final decision.
Twist pile This is made from yarn that has been tightly twisted and set to form a pile with a slightly textured surface. “Twist piles are produced in both plain and heather colours,” says Cormack. “Heathers are created using a combination of complementary coloured fibres to obtain a tonal effect.”
Twist pile is extremely hard-wearing and less likely to show footprints or vacuum marks.
Velvet pile “Velvet yarns are straighter than twisted yarn, with the cut ends at the top, giving a soft, velvety surface,” explains Natalie Littlehales of Brintons. Twist and velvet piles look very different, but are similarly hard-wearing.
Loop pile Replicating the look of natural flooring, such as coir and sisal, this features yarns that form loops on the surface of the carpet. Loops of differing heights will create a textured feel, while loops of uniform height will create a level loop pile.
“Variations include a rustic tweed-style loop known as a Berber, which contains highlight flecks,” says Cormack.
Be warned: a loop pile is not a good idea if you have a pet with claws!
Saxony pile Saxony carpets are longer-pile carpets that have a luxurious feel. Available in both wool and man-made fibres, they’re not recommended for heavy-traffic areas, because the pile will flatten. Instead, save Saxony for the bedroom.
Should I opt for wool?
Wool is a natural fibre, so it’s more environmentally friendly than man-made materials. It also offers superior insulation and durability. “Wool benefits from a natural crimp, which retains heat and therefore helps to reduce energy costs in the home. The crimped structure also means wool is naturally elastic, which helps it to recover from footstep marks,” says Mike Richardson of Kersaint Cobb.
Wool also resists moisture and dirt, and is less flammable than man-made fibres. “It’s hard to get it to burn, and it won’t give off toxic fumes when it does,” says Wilson.
There are some downsides to wool. It’s sensitive to chemicals and tough stains, and direct heat can also sometimes create distortions in the pile.
Wool is a natural fibre, so it’s more environmentally friendly than man-made materials. It also offers superior insulation and durability. “Wool benefits from a natural crimp, which retains heat and therefore helps to reduce energy costs in the home. The crimped structure also means wool is naturally elastic, which helps it to recover from footstep marks,” says Mike Richardson of Kersaint Cobb.
Wool also resists moisture and dirt, and is less flammable than man-made fibres. “It’s hard to get it to burn, and it won’t give off toxic fumes when it does,” says Wilson.
There are some downsides to wool. It’s sensitive to chemicals and tough stains, and direct heat can also sometimes create distortions in the pile.
How about man-made fibres?
Look to man-made fibres, such as polyester and nylon, if you’re on a tight budget. They’re as hard-wearing as wool, but less sumptuous.
Polypropylene is a particularly family-friendly fibre. It generally costs less per square metre than wool and, because it’s dirt- and stain-resistant, it’s perfect for children’s bedrooms or playrooms. On the downside, it may flatten more quickly than wool.
The best of both Wool-mix carpets contain both wool and man-made fibres. The carpet in this dining room, for example, is an Axminster weave with a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon; this sort of ratio typically gives a carpet with the beauty and warmth of wool, but in a more durable form.
Look to man-made fibres, such as polyester and nylon, if you’re on a tight budget. They’re as hard-wearing as wool, but less sumptuous.
Polypropylene is a particularly family-friendly fibre. It generally costs less per square metre than wool and, because it’s dirt- and stain-resistant, it’s perfect for children’s bedrooms or playrooms. On the downside, it may flatten more quickly than wool.
The best of both Wool-mix carpets contain both wool and man-made fibres. The carpet in this dining room, for example, is an Axminster weave with a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon; this sort of ratio typically gives a carpet with the beauty and warmth of wool, but in a more durable form.
How can I choose the right kind of carpet?
First, consider the area and amount of wear the carpet will receive. “Halls, stairs and landings are high-traffic areas and need hard-wearing, practical carpets with a good pile weight and density to maintain their appearance,” says Cormack.
“Bedroom carpets don’t receive such regular use, so there’s an opportunity to play around with different fibres and textures. Carpets with more luxurious qualities are ideal in this environment: there’s nothing more warming than a soft, luxurious carpet for feet to sink into in the morning,” he adds.
First, consider the area and amount of wear the carpet will receive. “Halls, stairs and landings are high-traffic areas and need hard-wearing, practical carpets with a good pile weight and density to maintain their appearance,” says Cormack.
“Bedroom carpets don’t receive such regular use, so there’s an opportunity to play around with different fibres and textures. Carpets with more luxurious qualities are ideal in this environment: there’s nothing more warming than a soft, luxurious carpet for feet to sink into in the morning,” he adds.
How should I measure up?
Measure the widest and longest points of the room first. Then look at the shape of the space. “Take into account any indentations, such as bay windows or alcoves, to minimise wastage. Don’t forget to measure to the back of the door frame to allow for the carpet to fit under the door,” advises Jemma Eayman of Carpetright.
Keep the measurements on hand when you’re shopping. “Always write down a plan and the dimensions of the room and take them with you when you’re looking for new flooring, so that you can budget accurately,” Eayman adds.
Most carpet companies will take their own measurements, too. Double check your measurements against theirs to avoid costly mistakes or disagreements down the line.
Measure the widest and longest points of the room first. Then look at the shape of the space. “Take into account any indentations, such as bay windows or alcoves, to minimise wastage. Don’t forget to measure to the back of the door frame to allow for the carpet to fit under the door,” advises Jemma Eayman of Carpetright.
Keep the measurements on hand when you’re shopping. “Always write down a plan and the dimensions of the room and take them with you when you’re looking for new flooring, so that you can budget accurately,” Eayman adds.
Most carpet companies will take their own measurements, too. Double check your measurements against theirs to avoid costly mistakes or disagreements down the line.
What’s the best way to shop?
Flooring looks different depending on the light, so take samples home before you commit.
Always make room in your budget for underlay and fitting costs, too. The Carpet Foundation recommends getting a written quote before you place your order to make sure there are no hidden costs. Pay your deposit with a credit card, as this will give you extra rights if things go wrong. (If you’re buying from a Carpet Foundation member, your deposit is automatically protected.)
Flooring looks different depending on the light, so take samples home before you commit.
Always make room in your budget for underlay and fitting costs, too. The Carpet Foundation recommends getting a written quote before you place your order to make sure there are no hidden costs. Pay your deposit with a credit card, as this will give you extra rights if things go wrong. (If you’re buying from a Carpet Foundation member, your deposit is automatically protected.)
Do I need underlay?
“Even the best carpet isn’t at its best without underlay,” says Eayman. “We always recommend underlay, as it helps to create an even foundation if there are irregularities in the subfloor. It also acts as a sound-reducing barrier and reduces energy waste. Plus, it helps your flooring last longer, as there’s less friction and wear and tear between the carpet and the subflooring.”
You’ll need to choose the right underlay for your floor. Seek professional advice from a reputable retailer who can outline your options.
“Even the best carpet isn’t at its best without underlay,” says Eayman. “We always recommend underlay, as it helps to create an even foundation if there are irregularities in the subfloor. It also acts as a sound-reducing barrier and reduces energy waste. Plus, it helps your flooring last longer, as there’s less friction and wear and tear between the carpet and the subflooring.”
You’ll need to choose the right underlay for your floor. Seek professional advice from a reputable retailer who can outline your options.
Should I buy a new underlay when buying a new carpet?
In a word – yes. Old underlay is much more likely to show signs of wear, especially in a high-traffic area of your home. This will cause ridges and make your new carpet wear unevenly.
Speak to a professional carpet installer to find out more.
In a word – yes. Old underlay is much more likely to show signs of wear, especially in a high-traffic area of your home. This will cause ridges and make your new carpet wear unevenly.
Speak to a professional carpet installer to find out more.
Can I have carpet and underfloor heating?
It’s perfectly possible to use carpet and underlay over most underfloor heating systems. “Research from The Carpet Foundation has shown that a carpet and underlay with a combined thermal resistance not exceeding a 2.5 tog allowed the underfloor system to operate efficiently,” says Cormack.
Ask your underlay manufacturer for advice on what will work best with your heating system.
Considering underfloor heating? Here’s all you need to know
What carpet tips do you have to share? Or do you prefer a different type of flooring? Let us know in the Comments below.
It’s perfectly possible to use carpet and underlay over most underfloor heating systems. “Research from The Carpet Foundation has shown that a carpet and underlay with a combined thermal resistance not exceeding a 2.5 tog allowed the underfloor system to operate efficiently,” says Cormack.
Ask your underlay manufacturer for advice on what will work best with your heating system.
Considering underfloor heating? Here’s all you need to know
What carpet tips do you have to share? Or do you prefer a different type of flooring? Let us know in the Comments below.
Woven carpets have crossing threads that interlace one another. It’s an ancient and complex art. “The yarn and backing are integrated through weaving, which means it’s labour-intensive,” says David Cormack of Cormar Carpets. This can affect the price and woven carpets are generally the most expensive.
Not ready to commit to carpet? Check out 10 cosy ideas for adding rugs to your home