Why Wool Berber Carpet for My Home?

For a thousand years and more, the natural fiber of wool has been used to create handcrafted Berber carpets of unsurpassed beauty. It is a credit to the durability of this natural fiber that many of these carpets still exist.

These days, the manufacturing of wool Berber carpet has been automated to a tremendous degree, but it is still as aesthetically pleasing as ever and even more durable. Here are a few of the more pertinent facts to know about it:

It is still all natural – There are dozens of synthetic variations of carpet available. Still, wool carpeting is the choice of those homeowners who prefer an all-natural, hypo-allergenic, environmentally friendly and extremely comfortable fabric for covering their floors. In addition, wool carpeting repels moisture quite well thus making it both mold and mildew resistant.

It is incredibly durable – While wool is very soft underfoot, this comfort belies the fact that it is also extremely durable. After all, if you think about it, wool actually does a pretty good job of protecting sheep from the weather and other environmental factors. No wonder it lasts so long while protected within a home or office space. Wool also repels common dirt particles and is easy to clean – another reason for its durability.

It can be truly affordable – With the proper care, wool carpet will last for years - keeping its luxurious look even under the rigors of the heaviest foot traffic. If a homeowner considers the long term, this means less replacement costs and a better overall return on investment. In short, it pays to invest in wool carpeting for your home.

The best way to understand the benefits of wool Berber carpet is to experience it. For more information on it and to experience it first-hand, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly at 630-357-3331.

A Quick Reference Guide to the Various Types of Carpet

When deciding upon the best wall-to-wall carpeting for your home, there are a number of materials to consider. Each has its benefits and disadvantages. Here is a quick rundown on the most common types and some suggestions for purchasing the best one for both your aesthetic tastes and your functional needs:

Wool – Wool was one of the original floor carpets and is still widely used in homes today. Although a little pricey, it does afford an exceptional feel under your feet, cleans up well and is naturally fire-retardant. In addition, wool is an all natural material that is hypo-allergenic and environmentally friendly.

Nylon – Since nylon is one of the hardest of all synthetic fibers, it is exceptionally resilient and durable. In fact, a nylon carpet will usually last longer than one made from any other type of fiber – natural or synthetic – under similar circumstances. While nylon is easy to clean, unfortunately it also stains quite easily and should be chemically treated for stain resistance before installation.

Olefin – More technically known as polypropylene, this synthetic fiber is renowned for its colorfastness, stain resistance and affordability. It is extremely resistant to exposure to sunlight, water and harsh chemicals making it ideal for indoor/outdoor applications such as spas, pool houses and basements.

Polyester – This fiber is certainly the most affordable from a short-term perspective and is quite comfortable to walk on. Unfortunately, these benefits are negated to some extent by the inability of polyester carpeting to withstand any significant amount of wear and tear. It is best used in low traffic areas such as extra bedrooms.

These are just four of the more generic terms for carpeting available to the 21st century homeowner. There are literally thousands of other carpet types. For more information on them and on choosing the right type of carpet for your home, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly a t630-357-3331.

Retail Carpet Stores – They are More than Mere Showcases

For the past few years, the Internet has relegated retail carpet stores to the back of the bin, so to speak. These days, however, they are no longer just showcases for the hundreds of types of carpet available. Instead, they provide a wealth of information about carpeting that cannot really be found on the Internet. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit a retail carpet store before making any carpet flooring decision:

The Carpet

When decorating your home, there are literally thousands of different carpets to choose from. Each has its distinct benefits and disadvantages. Without a little advice from an experienced professional, the average homeowner could get to feeling a little overwhelmed, but not at Great Western Flooring. Once you inform our knowledgeable in-house staff about your needs and your budget, they will expertly guide you through the process.

The Padding

Rarely seen, but integral to the proper functioning and durability of a new carpet, is the padding that is installed underneath it. The right padding not only adds a more comfortable feel to the carpet, but also protects it from moisture, adds sound insulation and increases its useful life. With padding, it may seem that more is better but this is not the case. Each type of carpet has an ideal padding counterpart and the staff at a retail carpet store can advise you on exactly which one you should use.

The Installation

There are a dozen different places where a carpet installation can go awry. If it is installed too tightly, “peaking” may occur at the seams. Similarly, a carpet that is stretched too far may “seam” and leave obvious signs of where the different carpet pieces meet. The superior retail carpet store will either supply its own installation crew and guarantee their work, or point you in the right direction to a reputable installation company.

For more information on finding the best carpeting solution for your home or office, please consult our in-store experts online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reach us directly at 630-357-3331.