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This is a collaborative post.
Whether you currently have old carpeting installed in your home you’d like to replace or you wish to swap out one type of flooring for this cosy, classic flooring option, there are many considerations to take into account before having new carpeting fitted. This includes what type will work best for you and your home. Let’s take a look!
There are many types of carpeting to choose from, with varying average costs. Here, we’ll look at some of the top options, their pros and cons and average prices.
Level Loop Carpet
Level loop carpet comprises loops of equal height leading to a level surface. A similar option is that of multi-level loop carpets that come with a degree of height variability.
With a relatively low price tag, level loop carpets are known for being super durable, offering a high level of stain resistance and coping well with high foot traffic areas.
With that being said, level loop carpets don’t feel as soft to walk on as many other types of carpeting. Also, if you have a cat, level loop carpets are not a good choice since cats can get their claws caught in them. Moreover, in general, level loop carpets are susceptible to being damaged by pets.
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive option
- Highly durable
- Solid level of stain-resistance
- It can last a long time
Cons:
- Cats can get their claws stuck
- Not suited to a home with pets in general
Saxony Carpet
Saxony carpeting too, tends to be relatively inexpensive. Beyond that, Saxony carpets offer plenty of durability, a comfortable underfoot and a strong ability to help keep the heat in.
What’s more, Saxony carpets are recognised for their stylish, classic appearance. On the other hand, this option is not especially high quality, and while it is uncomfortable to walk on, it is not the softest choice. Also, Saxony carpets are prone to softening with time and showing foot marks.
Pros:
- Classic appearance
- Durable
- Cosy underfoot
- Fairly low-costing in most cases
- Good for insulation
Cons:
- Softer types of carpeting can be found
- Not the highest quality option
- It can soften over time
Berber Carpet
Moving to Berber carpets, this is once more one of the more affordable choices out there. Along with being low-cost, this type of carpeting is durable, relatively easy to clean, very hardwearing and good for hiding dirt.
Berber carpeting is also known for having a wide variety of styles (including patterns) to choose from on the market.
With all that said, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, particularly considering many find Berber carpets to be outdated. Also, Berber carpets are challenging to repair and lack the softness provided by other options.
Pros:
- Durable
- Fairly affordable
- Relatively easy to clean
- Very hardwearing
- Can hide dirt well
Cons:
- Not everyone’s cup of tea (e.g. some will deem it outdated)
- Difficulties with repairs
- Not as soft as many other types of carpeting
Woven Carpet
As for woven carpets, these are generally more on the expensive side. However, advantages of woven carpeting include high levels of durability, stain-resistance and bounce-back properties.
On the other hand, woven carpet’s downsides include (of course) its cost and the fact that it isn’t as soft as many other types of carpet on the market.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Stain-resistance
- Ability to bounce back
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Twist Carpet
This option is also highly durable and comes with bounce-back properties. What’s more, twist carpet is fairly easy to maintain and keep clean. It is, however, relatively costly and lacks the softness of other choices.
Pros:
- Ease of maintenance
- Easy to keep clean
- Highly durable
- Bounce back properties
Cons:
- More on the expensive side
- Not as soft as other types of carpeting
In summary, here are the best types of carpet for different purposes/criteria:
- Budget-friendly: Level Loop or Saxony
- Comfortable Underfoot: Saxony
- Durability: Level Loop
- Classic Style: Saxony
- Easy to Clean: Berber
- Stain-resistance: Level Loop
- Large Room: Frieze
Of course, the right type of carpeting (in terms of the material used) and the best colour for you and your home will depend on preferences, how the space(s) you want carpeting added to would look with a given type and colour of carpeting and any budget limitations?
If unsure as to what type of carpeting you should opt for or what will work well, consult with a professional or hire one outright to supply and fit a good type of carpeting for you (while discussing some of your preferences with them before they go out and make any purchases.
Cost of New Carpeting Installation
Carpeting fitting costs can vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as whether you want underlayment with carpeting, carpeting only or even underlayment only for an existing carpet.
It generally costs somewhere in the region of £150 to £650 to have carpeting and underlay added to a mid-sized room in the UK.
For a smaller room, total prices can drop to as little as £40 to £60 (approx.) should you opt for budget-friendly options. However, on the other extreme end, it can cost as much as £1,700 or more to have high-quality but expensive carpeting (plus underlay) added to a large room of about 25 square metres or so.
Also, briefly returning to price factors, the cost can differ depending on the type of carpeting being used as well as the size of the area where the carpeting is being installed. Also, the price of labour can differ throughout the UK.
Hiring a Carpeting Fitter
Lastly, when looking for someone to hire, it’s a good idea to secure quotes from 3+ carpet fitting services near you. Of course, you may want to undertake this work DIY. However, you should only do it if you’re absolutely sure of what’s involved and take any necessary safety precautions. If in any doubt, hire a professional.
When opting to hire a carpet fitting contractor/service and securing quotes from three or more individuals/companies, you’ll then want to look at the details of each quote to make an informed choice. You should compare aspects like pricing and their levels of experience as well as any online reviews or ratings they might have.