Everyday Cheapskate: What You Need to Know About Buying Carpet

Everyday Cheapskate: What You Need to Know About Buying Carpet
Taking care of your new carpet will be the biggest factor in your overall satisfaction. Shchus/Shutterstock
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It’s not something you buy every day. But when it’s time to buy carpet, you need to know your stuff. Make a bad decision and you‘ll pay dearly for a long time, and I am not just talking about the money. You’ll pay a significant price in dissatisfaction and disappointment.

Style of Carpet

Plush: Usually one solid color with even, smooth pile height. Varies from lightweight (apartment-grade) with fewer tufts per square inch to heavier weights that are very dense. Comes in a vast range of colors. Shows footprints and vacuum marks.

Frieze: Very tightly twisted tufts of yarn. More expensive than plush but wears much longer—15 years is not unusual. Frieze comes in a variety of pile heights, from short all the way to super shag. Durable and holds up to heavy use without matting or showing traffic patterns. Rebounds well.

Mary Hunt
Mary Hunt
Author
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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