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.

Where Berber Carpeting Works Best in a Home

Since time immemorial, handwoven Berber carpets have graced the homes of the rich and famous. These days, however, the mass-produced versions of this durable carpet have become so affordable that they can be used in the most modest of homes. In fact, its versatility makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of applications in a residential setting. Here are three of the more common spaces where it is especially useful:

In hallways – Manufactured from the most modern materials – nylon and olefin most common – and with its loop pile construction, the latest generation of Berber carpets can withstand an enormous amount of wear and tear. In addition, the finished carpet is coated in high-tech polymers that significantly withstand staining. For this reason, Berber carpet can be used in hallways, entryways and even mud rooms.

In the breakfast nook – As mentioned, the coatings on a Berber carpet are quite stain resistant but not actually stain proof. In fact, no manufacturer can guarantee the latter. Still, Berber carpets that are maintained properly and cleaned up promptly will withstand stains to a greater degree than ones manufactured from natural materials like wool. So, if you want to forego tile in your breakfast nook for a different look and warmer feel, try Berber carpet.

In the great room - This particular space in the home offers a multitude of challenges. It will be used extensively, food and drink will be spilled, and the carpet will still be expected to last a long time as well as provide a feeling of comfort for both the family and guests. No carpet other than Berber can be expected to perform well in this particular environment. Plush carpet will show the stains, shag will get tangled and cut loop will not hold up to the traffic.

For more specific information on the advantages of using Berber carpeting in your home or other flooring options, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly at 630-357-3331.

Some Carpeting Ideas for a Child's Room

While your children are undoubtedly the greatest joy of your life, they can be little tough on the furniture and other décor in a home - especially the flooring in their bedrooms. For this reason, it is important to choose a carpeting that not only pleases their aesthetic sense but that is also durable and stain resistant. Here are a few suggestions on what carpeting to choose for a child's room:

Darker Colors

It is almost inevitable that a child – no matter the age – will eventually spill something on the carpet in their bedroom. Darker colors hide these stains and dirt in general far better than the lighter alternatives. In addition, consider adding a small area rug near desks and other sitting areas as they can absorb a stain and easily be replaced if necessary.

Abstract Patterns

Carpeting with an abstract is another excellent choice for use in a child's room. The variations in color and texture can easily hide dirt – and stains to some extent – while adding a lot of visual interest to their room. Many abstract themed carpets are manufactured in bright colors but they are almost as bad as white carpeting for showing stains. It is much better to choose a neutral tone for your child's room.

Practical Matters

Modern technology has developed a number of stain resistant chemicals that significantly protect carpets from stains. They are not foolproof, but they will give you time to deal with a stain before it sets permanently. In this instance, a homeowner should definitely consider upgrading this type of protection if given the option by the manufacturer or vendor.

The possibilities for carpeting your child's room is endless but you should still seek some expert advice before choosing. For more suggestion on which carpet to choose for you children's room, please visit us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly at 630-357-3331.

Neutral Colored Carpeting - Boring or Brilliant?

Neutral colored carpeting gets a bad reputation as being dull and easy to dirty. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether the carpet is gray, beige or off-white, the newest coatings make these tones as impervious to dirt as any other color. In addition, the ability of neutral tones to complement any décor makes them some of the most versatile carpeting colors around. Here are just three reasons why:

To set the overall tone – In this case, one man's “boring” can be another man's “brilliant.” If you are trying to establish a relaxing feeling in a family room or a home library, neutral tones are ideal. Start with a darker floor covering – either carpet or wood – and then cover the walls in a similar but lighter tone. Highlights on the ceiling will complete the look. The result is a room that is easy on the eyes and easy to enjoy a nap, a little conversation or some reading.

As a backdrop – Neutral tone carpeting can serve as an excellent backdrop for everything from a traditional Mexican rug through brightly colored Scandinavian furniture to intricate Oriental room dividers. Neutral colors are also quite appealing in spaces where a lot of artwork is displayed. In this case, the eye of the viewer is drawn to the focal point of the room – the art – instead of the rest of the décor.

When looking to sell – If you feel the need – or you real estate agent recommends – to upgrade the carpeting in your home before selling it, definitely go with a neutral color. Your taste may not match a potential buyer's and your investment will simply be a waste that will not be recouped. Even worse, it may sour the deal altogether costing you even more money.

For more information on the benefits of neutral colored carpeting and other flooring options in your home, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly at 630-357-3331.

For that Cozy Feeling Underfoot, Plush Carpeting is the Answer

For that Cozy Feeling Underfoot, Plush Carpeting is the Answer

One of the main reasons that homeowners choose carpeting over other, “harder” types of floor coverings – like stone and wood – is to gain that soft and cozy feel under their feet. Believe it or not, though, some types of carpet are actually superior at creating that feel over others.

In particular, textured plush carpeting is one of the best at making your feet feel as comfortable as possible. It is a great choice for bedrooms, family rooms and or any other space in your home where relaxation is the goal. Here's why:

Comfort – Textured, plush carpeting has its pile cut to a smooth, relatively high, level height. The result is an elegant looking carpet that feels extremely “cushiony” underfoot. One small disadvantage to this increased height of the pile, however, is that plush carpet shows footprints and other indentations to a fairly large degree.

Durability – Plush carpet can be wholly manufactured from natural materials like wool or blends, to a variety of synthetic materials. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, but the manufacturing process ensures a dense pile with multiple twists. This results in a carpet with exceptionally high durability – with a useful life of a decade with minimal care.

Affordability – Due to its popularity, there is an enormous amount of plush carpet manufactured in the United States. This means it is usually the most inexpensive to initially install. Still, care should be taken to not install it in high traffic areas or you will be replacing it on a regular basis. Plush is best used in bedrooms, libraries and other relatively lightly used rooms.

Textured plush carpet is an excellent choice for many homeowners but there are some situations where it should not be used. For more guidance on this point and whether or not textured plush carpeting is the right flooring choice for your needs, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. Visit us online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reach us directly at 630-357-3331.