Carpeting Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about carpet? Read our answers to frequently asked questions.

Carpet FAQ

This depends on a combination of the density and weight of the carpet, the amount of twist in the fibers and the type of fibers. Heavily twisted fibers resist crushing better, as do denser carpets. Berbers and other loop designs are also more crush resistant than plush. Different fibers also have different levels of stain resistance. When choosing a carpet, ask about both the carpet’s stain resistance and crush resistance. Choose carpets with high crush resistance in high traffic areas such as entries and stairs.

Carpeting and pets can be a good combination if you choose your carpet carefully. Carpets with uneven finishes (textures and twists) show foot traffic and other wear less easily, as do carpets with some variation in their colors. Loops and berbers are also good choices for areas that will see a lot of activity. Stain resistance is probably the most important consideration, however. There are many advanced carpet fibers today that offer very high stain resistance such as Mohawk’s Smartstrand, which is also environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for kids.

Installing wall-to-wall carpet requires specialized tools and skills to properly cut, seam, and stretch it. For that reason, we do not recommend installing it yourself.

Carpet can be installed over any subfloor, above or below grade.

Carpet padding gives carpeting better cushioning underfoot, but it is also very important for extending the life of the carpet because the extra “give” reduces wear on the fibers. Just because the padding doesn’t show, doesn’t mean you won’t notice it. It pays to invest in the highest grade of padding you can afford, both for the comfort and warmth of your floor and how well your carpet holds up over the years.