Wool Carpet Prices are More Affordable than Ever

Wool Carpet Prices are More Affordable than Ever

Ever since its introduction over 2,000 years ago, wool carpet has always commanded a premium from manufacturers because of its durability and its natural beauty. Wool carpet is still somewhat pricey compared to the synthetic alternatives, but it is well worth the money for those homeowners willing to make the investment.

It is long-lived – Somewhat surprisingly, natural wool carpeting is a remarkably durable product. In fact, if properly maintained, it can have a useful and attractive lifespan for up to three decades – longer than most people ever live in a particular house. In other words, a great investment.

It is easy to clean – Like most everything else, it is best to be proactive when cleaning a wool rug, but it is still fairly easy to do so. Clean up spills immediately, and then use a diluted vinegar mixture to remove any staining. The carpet should also be vacuumed on a weekly basis to avoid physical wear and tear. The result is smaller cleaning bills in the long run.

It is hypoallergenic – Wool is naturally hypoallergenic. In addition, it resists the infestation of dust mites, and the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. These facts all add up to fewer sick days and fewer doctor's bills. Not only will you be healthier but so will your bank account.

For more information on where to get the best wool carpet prices and on other carpet related topics, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. You can visit us online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reach us directly at 630-357-3331.

Getting Carpet Installed? Look for These Things in a Top-Notch Job

It is only prudent for any homeowner who is having wall-to-wall carpeting installed to know a thing or two about the process. This knowledge will not only ensure that they get a top notch job but also pay an affordable price. Here are a few things to watch for while your contractor completes the work:

First, examine the padding – Good quality carpet padding provides an insulating and comfortable layer between the hard sub-floor and the carpet itself. It also helps to reduce damage from moisture and provides a modicum of noise insulation. It should be at least one quarter inch thick to be most effective, but should not exceed a half inch or it will not do its job properly.

Next, watch the stretchers – Stretchers are actually a piece of equipment used by carpet installers to properly fit the carpet into a particular space. Watch the installers using these tools to get a feel for how competent and comfortable they are with their job. Installing carpet is not particularly difficult but it does take some degree of expertise and experience to do it right.

Finally, examine the seams – In any carpet installation, the seams will ultimately tell the tale of whether or not a good job has been done. If they are too far apart, the seams will be stretched and far apart. If they are pushed too close together, they will rise up in a phenomenon known as “peaking.” Both phenomena are readily identifiable – even to a novice.

For more information on getting carpet installed, or on other carpet related topics, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. You can visit us online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reach us directly at 630-357-3331.

Understanding the Basics of Textured Carpeting

By most ordinary folks, textured carpets are referred to by a variety of names - plush, Saxony and sculptured to name just a few. Though all are referring to textured carpets, there are some essential differences that a person should know about before buying one of these carpets. With that thought in mind, here is a concise guide for understanding the basics of textured carpeting:

Pile height – This factor is fairly self-explanatory. The length of the fibers - the pile height - can run from very short to very long. The first type is usually referred to as plush and will show shoe marks and vacuum cleaner lines, but offers a very elegant look. The latter is often known as shag and is ideal for dens and other rooms where the atmosphere is more relaxed and has a little more high traffic.

Pile density – Also referred to as face weight, this attribute refers to how much actual fiber is contained per square yard in the carpet. The tightest - that is, the most dense - weaves are quite elegant but require almost constant maintenance to look their best while less dense varieties are more suitable for areas that will receive a lot of use but little care.

Pile color – Textured carpet comes in a wide variety of solid colors but can also be found in bi- or multi-colored fleck tones. There is no reason to settle for second best when it comes to this factor. In fact, you can even have a textured carpet dyed to your exact color specifications.

For more information on the particulars of textured carpet, or on other general carpet related topics, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. You can visit us online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reach us directly at 630-357-3331.