Home Makeover Diva

Home Design Makeover Ideas

Best Carpet For Stairs

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Today Cindy asks:

Diva, what is the absolute best carpet for stairs?

The best carpet for stairs depends on a lot of variables.  I hate making a blanket statement on what works best because it depends on the kind of the traffic, if you have kids or pets and what your personal preference is.  But there are few points that carry over from one style or situation to another:

Density – Choose a dense carpet, whether it is loop or cut, you need a carpet that isn’t going to crush down right away, so look for something with a higher density.

Best Carpet For Stairs

Fiber type – Choose nylon or one of the new PTT polyester’s.  Stay away from Olefin or Polypropylene fibers because they do not wear as well as nylon or PTT.

Twist – Whether you are going with a Berber (looped) carpet or a cut (texture/plush/frieze) the higher the twist the better, for steps don’t go with anything below a twist of 5.0.  You can find this number on the back of the carpet sample or by asking your salesperson to call the manufacturer.

Bend it – Bend the carpet like it would be bent to cover a step and make sure that it doesn’t gap on the curve. You do not want to see a straight line of the backing.

And remember what carpet works best for you depends on those unique variables in your home. Notice I did not mention any specific brands, whether you are choosing Stainmaster, Shaw or any other brand these are 4 points that will carry over from brand to brand and help you select the best carpet for stairs.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Now Is A Good Time For New Carpet

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If you watch TV, browse the web or read the newspaper, there is no doubt you’ve been seeing the lower price wars on carpet installation that more and more companies are participating in lately.  Now is a good time for new carpet.

The two “big box stores” are both offering whole house carpet installation for only $97.  Considering most carpet installers charge over $5 a square yard, this is a good deal.  For example if you had 100 square yards of carpet your old install price would start at $500, but with the new lower prices it is only $97.  That’s a savings of over $400!

new carpet

One thing to remember is that these advertised prices are for basic labor only.  Basic labor means that is the price if your place is bare subfloor ready for new carpet.  They will remove and haul away your old carpet and pad for an additional fee, furniture moving and stair labor are also additional. As is just about anything else considered “custom” labor.   So if you are preparing a budget for what you can spend on new carpet make sure to ask what is included and what is not, so you don’t get any surprises at the end.

Also big box stores are not the only one’s competing for your business, small mom and pop flooring stores also have lower prices on labor and may even have a quicker lead time. So shop around for the best deal and the carpet you want before making your commitment. Your bank account will thank you!

Smartstrand Carpet For My Living Room

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Today Sandy writes:

Dear Diva, I’m considering Smartstrand Carpet for my living room and dining room.  I have three small kids and a large dog.  The guy at the flooring store recommended this carpeting hands down for my space, but is it the best carpet for me? Thanks

While it’s difficult to know exactly what carpet will work best for you, I think the salesmen was correct.  Mohawk Smartstrand is a great carpet for stain resistance.  I’ve seen mustard  stains come clean with just water and mild soap when SmartStrand carpets were in question.  So if your kids and dog get messy, Smartstrand can take just about anything they can dish out.  Smartstrand is also an eco-friendly carpet that has the Green Label Plus certification.

SmartStrand

This certification is for Low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) which means it does not effect the air quality in your home with harmful off gassing.   So if you are looking for a carpet that is like having a stain fighter on steroids and you care for the environment Smartstrand is a great choice.  Not to mention they have some of the best carpet videos I’ve ever seen.  Check this one out for example:

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!