Carpet is one of the least expensive floor covering options when compared to other popular choices such as hardwood or natural stone floors. However, it’s undoubtedly a large expense for many homeowners and tenants, especially when carpeting most of the rooms in the house. The good news is that there are several ways to drive the cost of new carpets down whilst still getting the type of flooring that suits your needs. We’ve put together some top tips for buying carpet when you’re working within a tight budget.
#1. Consider Cheaper Fibres:
For many buyers, nylon is the first fibre that comes to mind when heading out to choose a new carpet for their home. However, although nylon does have a long and reliable history of proving itself to be hugely resilient and durable, it’s also one of the more expensive options on offer. Instead, consider going for a cheaper option – for example, polyester is a great alternative, with middle-of-the-range prices. Thanks to innovations during the past several years, it’s now become one of the most durable options, too. Lastly, olefin or polypropylene is one of the least expensive carpet fibre options to choose from. It’s most resilient to foot traffic when in a looped form such as Berber.
#2. Choose a Durable Style:
Although you may want to save as much as possible initially, consider the cost of replacing your carpet if it becomes too worn quickly. The good news is that even if you’re working within a small budget, you can find many carpet options that are highly durable and long-lasting. Two examples of carpets that tend to give good durability at a lower price-point include Berber and Frieze. This is because longer or looped fibres mean that the side is exposed; this is the strongest part of the fibre and can withstand more foot traffic. The more durable your carpet, the better investment has been made. Your carpet is an integral part of your home, so ensuring you make the right decision will mean you are happy with your choice for many years to come. As well as durability it is best to also chose a suitable and fitting colour. Consider the space you are working with and try not to enclose the space if you are working with a small area. Lighter colours may work best for a living area, for example. More subtle or darker tones may suit a bedroom space. It is worth thinking practically as well. Lighter colours may work for you in terms of the design you are going for, however it is important to remember that light colours will naturally be more susceptible to stains. Picking a flecked design may be the answer for you, in this case.
#3. Upgrade Your Underlay:
You may be wondering, ‘do I really need underlay?’. Unless your carpet comes with it already included, the answer is most definitely yes. In fact, it’s a good idea to invest as much as you possibly can, within your budget, into a high-quality, durable underlay which will offer your carpet the support that it needs. A good underlay can help a lower-quality carpet both perform and last a lot longer than it would on its own, so it makes sense to purchase the most durable one that you’re able to afford. Spending the time preparing your floor for carpet may seem time consuming in the event, however it is worth it in the long run in terms of the long-standing benefits. If you are fitting carpet in a particularly central part of your home, then underlay is even more essential.
#4. Hire a Separate Fitter:
If you want to save money on getting carpets fitted, it might be a good idea to shop around for an independent carpet fitter, rather than simply going with the service offered to you by the carpet shop. You can get a much better deal by hiring a professional to fit your carpets; many fitting packages provided by carpet shops and warehouses are at the higher end of the price scale. Ensuring you use a professional can be worth it in the long run, as you will avoid any potential problems or mistakes in terms of the quality of the fitting process as well.
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Helpful thank you