M. Jakeman wrote:
I need a new fitted carpet for stairs, landing, hallway and bedroom.
But I note there is a lot to choose from: wool, synthetic,
hessian-backed, felt-backed, foam-backed. Which is best? Price is a
consideration, however I do want something that will last at least ten
years - preferably more. Any tips on what to go for?

As far as looks go, I prefer the type that has a looped pile rather
than the more common type.
You won't be dissapointed by the durability of real wool. I got bored with
ours before they wore out (20+ years)

"M. Jakeman" wrote in message
...
I need a new fitted carpet for stairs, landing, hallway and bedroom.
But I note there is a lot to choose from: wool, synthetic,
hessian-backed, felt-backed, foam-backed. Which is best? Price is a
consideration, however I do want something that will last at least ten
years - preferably more. Any tips on what to go for?

You will find that the carpets are graded into different groups according to
the type of use they will get. The stairs, landing and hallway will get the
greatest amount of use in the whole house, so you need a heavy duty carpet -
rated for heavy domestic or light commercial use. I doubt you will find foam
backed carpets in this group, but I would steer clear of them if you do. The
foam has a distinctly limited life. The bedroom carpet gets the least wear
in any house, so you can choose almost anything you like for there.

Wool will last well, probably at least 20 years, but is relatively
expensive. Synthetics can last well, but static electricity can also be a
problem. With carpets, if you are comparing apparently similar carpets
(different backings can affect the price) you do tend to get what you pay
for.

If you have a local carpet shop, not one of the big carpet stores, you
should get all the advice you need in there.

Colin Bignell

M. Jakeman wrote:

I need a new fitted carpet for stairs, landing, hallway and bedroom.
But I note there is a lot to choose from: wool, synthetic,
hessian-backed, felt-backed, foam-backed. Which is best? Price is a
consideration, however I do want something that will last at least ten
years - preferably more. Any tips on what to go for?

As far as looks go, I prefer the type that has a looped pile rather
than the more common type.


Yes. Good quality looped pile 'haircord' or similar made from wool is a
reasonable compromise between nasty plasticky feel, huge expense, and
reasonable wear resistance.

Go to a GOOD carpet wholesaler - usually to be found on an industrial
estate rather than in a town center - who does contract carpeting for
offices etc, and have a long and frank discussion.



Thank you

Jake

In message , The Natural Philosopher
writes
M. Jakeman wrote:

I need a new fitted carpet for stairs, landing, hallway and bedroom.
But I note there is a lot to choose from: wool, synthetic,
hessian-backed, felt-backed, foam-backed. Which is best? Price is a
consideration, however I do want something that will last at least ten
years - preferably more. Any tips on what to go for?
As far as looks go, I prefer the type that has a looped pile rather
than the more common type.


Yes. Good quality looped pile 'haircord' or similar made from wool is a
reasonable compromise between nasty plasticky feel, huge expense, and
reasonable wear resistance.

Go to a GOOD carpet wholesaler - usually to be found on an industrial
estate rather than in a town center - who does contract carpeting for
offices etc, and have a long and frank discussion.

Well, I found Carpet Right and their fitter to be very good, although
I've also heard of people with not such good opinions of them. I am
someone with a religious aversion to letting tradesmen past the front
door, but since it was an insurance job ... It was really nice to watch
a competent professional at work, especially doing the hall / stairs.
--
geoff