A Guide to the Best Practices of Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Unlike a rug, wall-to-wall carpeting covers an entire floor. Carpet is made of tufted or woven fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, or wool. Professionals install wall-to-wall carpets using padding and tacking or adhesive.
Wall-to-wall carpeting offers comfort and warmth underfoot and helps absorb noise compared to hard floors. But, since it’s made of fibers, wall-to-wall carpeting is prone to stains and wear and tear.
Why Consider Wall-to-Wall Carpeting?
A few factors make wall-to-wall carpeting more desirable than hardwood or tile.
- Comfort: Compared to hardwood, wall-to-wall carpeting feels more comfortable and warm.
- Noise reduction: Carpet absorbs sound and is ideal for homes with children or pets or areas with high foot traffic.
- Maintenance: Wall-to-wall carpeting is easy to clean, especially if it has a shorter pile height.
- Energy Efficiency: Carpet helps to insulate a room and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Safety: Wall-to-wall carpeting is less slippery and safer for households with children or seniors.
- Aesthetics: Carpet comes in various colors and styles and covers uneven or imperfect floors.
- Cheaper: Synthetic fiber wall-to-wall carpeting may be more affordable than hardwood or tile.
What to Look for in a Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Fiber Type
The fiber type of carpet impacts its durability, stain resistance, and performance. You can choose between natural or synthetic fiber options.
Nylon, for instance, is a durable synthetic fiber that’s easy to clean and stain-resistant. Polypropylene is also durable and stain-resistant but less soft. Wool, a natural fiber, is luxurious, stain-resistant, and durable but more expensive.
Carpet Style
The three basic carpet styles are cut pile, Berber, and loop pile. Consider wall-to-wall carpets made of Berber piles when carpeting a high-traffic area. Berber fibers are short and thick, which provide crushing and matting resistance.
Berber-style carpets are suitable for high-traffic areas. Cut pile carpet fibers are long, fluffy, and silky. Cut-pile carpets are ideal for formal settings and bedrooms. The texture of loop pile carpets makes them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Pattern and Construction
Wall-to-wall carpets come in needle-punched, woven, or tufted patterns.
- Needle-Punched Carpets: To create needle-punched carpets, a needle interlocks the fibers rather than weaving them. It produces a durable backing without the need for any glue. These carpets are cheaper to make than woven or tufted types. They’re also resistant to water due to the punched holes.
- Woven Carpets: Woven carpets are flat because two sets of yarn or fibers are interwoven at right angles. A loom holds the warp threads (lengthwise yarns). Weft threads (crosswise yarns) are woven through them to make woven carpets. The carpet type is hand-woven, machine-woven, or hand-knotted.
- Tufted Carpets: A tufting machine pushes yarn through a backing to make tufted carpets. A needle moves yarn through the backing material and knots it during tufting. Trimming the yarn evens out the pile.
Durability and Stain Resistance
Durable, stain-resistant wall-to-wall carpets survive heavy foot traffic and other wear and tear. Stain-resistant carpets are also easy to maintain.
Wall-to-Wall Carpets vs. Carpet Tiles
Wall-to-wall carpets are cheaper to install in larger spaces than carpet tiles. They have no seams and feel soft underfoot since they have no hard edges. Carpet tiles are easier to install and replace. They have many styles, colors, and patterns to suit your home decor.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Wall-to-Wall Carpet?
Carpet installation costs $2–$4 per square foot, with a national average of $3. This pricing does not include the carpet, which might vary based on kind and quality. A lower-quality nylon carpet may cost $1 to $2 per square foot, whereas a higher-quality wool carpet may cost $5 to $8 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can you install a wall-to-wall carpet over the existing flooring?
It’s easy to install wall-to-wall carpet over a smooth and level floor. The carpet’s longevity and installation criteria also depend on the flooring. Underpadding softens carpet on hardwood, tile, or other hard surfaces. The carpet will be comfier and last longer. Any unevenness or faults in the floor will show through the carpet and dent it.
How do I choose the right type of carpet for my home?
Consider a carpet’s fiber, style, color, pile height, and performance characteristics. Different fibers, such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene, have unique features. They vary in durability, stain resistance, and cost.
Can I install a wall-to-wall carpet myself, or do I need a professional?
You need a certain skill and experience to install a wall-to-wall carpet. DIY installation is doable but hiring a professional carpet installer guarantees optimal results. Professional carpet installers bring the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise.