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Carpets - Buying Guide

When purchasing a new carpet there are a number of considerations to take into account which goes beyond simply choosing the right colour. So to help you find the carpet that perfectly matches your needs we’ve compiled a checklist to have in the back of your mind when browsing our great range in-store.

1.Area of use
You should take into account the area in which the carpet will be used. Are you after durability or luxury? If the carpet is in a hall or living room and there are lots of muddy feet marching back and forth perhaps you need something that’s a little more hardwearing and one that can take being cleaned every now and then.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a cosy pile to lay on by a toasty winter fire, you’ll naturally want something thick, comfortable, soft and luxuriant.

So our best advice is to give due consideration to the space in which your carpet will be laid and think about the life it’s going to have. Take into account factors such as the volume of traffic, pets, children and whether you’re carpet is laid near external doors.

2.Budget
Decide on your budget and find the perfect carpet to suit it. Deciding on a budget can help you narrow down your choices and keep your costs on track. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of fitting and underlay. Thankfully Leekes has an extensive range of carpets that are priced to suit your budget but never the less have an idea of how much you’d like to spend before you shop.

3.Colour & Style
The shear range of carpet colours, patterns and weaves on offer today is huge. The modern market caters of everyone’s tastes so you’re certain to find what you need but the choice also presents you with a great many dilemmas – the agony of choice.

Carpet styles broadly come in three distinctions - Plain, Berber (flecked) or patterned. Each offers its own benefits and drawbacks. For instance plane carpet is more likely to blend into a room but stains and marks will often stand out. Whereas patterned carpets have the benefit of hiding signs of wear, staining and pile flattening.

When choosing your colour take into account your current décor. If you’ve got neutral walls and furniture then perhaps you’d like to make a statement with a carpet that’s daring and brash. The current trends are leaning towards using your floor space to make as much of a statement as anything else in your room and with such an array of colours and patterns you can certainly achieve a look that makes a statement underfoot.

Alternatively if you’re looking for mellow tones throughout then why not choose a slightly deeper or lighter shade to the predominant colours in your room. Remember that dark colours can give depth and warmth whilst brighter colours bring the carpet to the fore and offer a clean, fresh feel. So our advice when it comes to colour is to look around your room and consider the look you’re trying to achieve.

Along with the more luxurious carpets comes the hardwearing. These weaves can offer a great deal of durability and also come in a huge range of colours and patterns. Best applied to areas where there are high volumes of traffic such as hallways, living rooms and kitchens. As previously mentioned if you’re choosing a patterned carpet it’s also worth noting that these can be handy in hiding signs of wear, staining and pile flattening.

4.Underlay
As well as considering the top of your carpet it’s not advisable to forget the underside. New underlay is a necessity even if you’re old underlay appears in good condition. New underlay can increase a carpet’s life span by up to 40 per cent. It also improves the feel underfoot and increases sound and heat insulation. Some manufacturers may even refuse complaints if old or no underlay has been used, so factor this into your costs and accept it as a given.

Our recommendation is to use Ball & young underlay’s (Cosi & Cloud 9 Cirrus). This brand of underlay offers optimum durability and is extremely comfortable underfoot.

5.Pile
Loop pile
Loop pile is both durable and practical and is the right choice if you’re looking for a carpet that will maintain it’s appearance throughout it’s lifetime. Made from loops of yarn, loop pile can be made in a uniform fashion to create a carpet that is plain and flat or the loops can be cut at different levels to create a much more dramatic and textured look.

Twist pile
Twisted pile comes in the widest variety of colours, shades and prices. Made from two or three yarns twisted like wool. These twists act like a spring and the pile pops back to life well.

Cut pile
Cut pile carpets are sheared and offer a smooth finish often seen on velvet carpets. These piles are perfect for bedrooms offering style and comfort underfoot.

Saxony
Saxony pile tends to be constructed from a polypropylene twisted yarn which is longer than other styles. They often have a denser pile that’s perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.

Shag pile
Shag pile is made in the same way as twisted pile but has extra long loops of yarn which make for a highly luxurious and deep pile.

Top Tips Summary

1. Consider the area the carpet will be laid in
2. Set a budget and stick to it
3. Choose your colour and style carefully by looking around at your decor
4. We recommend Ball & young underlay’s (Cosi & Cloud 9 Cirrus)
5. We recommend using aluminium or brass effect door bars
6. We recommend gripper rods be used around the edge of a room to secure the carpet when fitted.
7. However, should you have a computer chair, wheelchair or other agitator; we recommend a direct stick installation
8. Stairrods add the finishing touch to your stairs
9. And lastly if you have any questions our team of carpet experts will be happy to help, so don't be afraid to ask
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