The Carpet Shoppe 970-879-1658

We've compiled these frequently asked questions about carpet and hardwood products to provide insight into the most common questions and concerns. If your specific question is not listed, contact us for expert advice tailored to your individual situation.
Carpet:

Q. What is twist?
A. Twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rule, the more twist or turns on a fiber, the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are twisted tighter have a different "feel" than those that are less tight.

Q. Does a rating system insure that I get the right carpet?
A. A rating system developed by a manufacturer is their own evaluation of products based on their set of standards and "testing" methods. These Rating Systems cannot be compared across manufacturers since most are based on people's opinion and not strict testing methods.

Q. If I know the weight or other technical specifications, can I compare products?
A. Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, but there are many other factors that can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.

Q. If I bend the carpet and see the backing does this mean the carpet is low quality?
A. No. All carpets, except woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts (ends). Remember, except for stairs, carpet is flat on the floor. You can feel the thickness or density of different carpets by sticking your fingers in the pile, but do it on a flat surface. As a general rule, thicker, tighter, denser carpets perform better.

Q. Which yarn is better, BCF or Staple?
A. Both BCF and Staple yarns are used to tuft carpets. BCF stands for "bulked continuous filament" yarn and consists of a given number of continuous strands that have been extruded and pulled together into yarn bundles. Staple refers to a fiber in a natural, unprocessed state that has not yet been turned into yarn. Bales of Staple fibers, each about eight inches long, are shipped to carpet mills where they are processed into spun yarns. Both yarn types will perform extremely well if a carpet is properly constructed with regard to pile height and density, twist and twist stability.

Q. I've heard that you can save money by buying an unbranded yarn as opposed to a branded yarn. Is it true that you get the same thing, but you don't pay extra for the brand name?
A. As a rule, similar products with unbranded yarns can be less expensive but that does not mean you get the same thing. Just like the difference between buying a Mohawk branded carpet and an unbranded carpet, branded fiber brands and treatments such as Invista Stainmaster®, Anso CrushResister®, Solutia WearDated®, and 3M Scotchgard® are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Using branded fibers can also give you extended warranties backed by the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer. By using both branded fiber and unbranded fiber, we can offer you a wide variety of styles, colorations, and price points.

Q. Can I save money by buying a less expensive carpet and putting the best cushion under it?
A. There is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that doesn't meet your needs, you'll have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet.

Q. How important is choosing a quality carpet pad in preserving my carpet investment?

A. Aside from picking the ideal carpet fiber for your home, choosing an excellent carpet pad is one of the most important decisions you will make in the carpet buying process. A thick, dense carpet pad will enhance the resilience and performance of your carpet and prevent the premature appearance of wear. Because of this integral role, most warranties are contingent upon you choosing a carpet pad with a certain level of thickness and density.

Carpet Maintenance:
Q. I don't have the time to develop and maintain a cleaning regimen for my carpet. Do you have any helpful hints for my home's carpet care?

A. Now that people are very busy and engage in more active, outdoor activities, establishing and maintaining a carpet care plan is more important than ever. Maintaining a carpet care regimen can be the challenging part. Try to schedule these activities so that they become a regular part of your week and delegate tasks to other family members as needed. When pressed for time, make sure you at least vacuum the most frequently used areas of your home; it will give your carpet the most immediate and long-lasting benefits.

Q. What is the best cleaning procedure for removing liquid stains?

A. As a general rule, first remove all excess liquid with several layers of clean, white paper towels. Apply a diluted hand washing detergent to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain until it is removed. While this technique is effective, the specific type of stain you have will determine the best way to treat it. Review your carpets specific website for detailed stain removal procedures.

Q. What is the most important thing I can do to prolong the life of my new carpet?
A. Vacuum! Regular vacuuming will remove particles of dirt and soil, that can not only leave your carpet looking dingy over time, but can even abrade the nylon, shortening its lifespan. And don't forget to schedule regular professional cleanings to remove dirt accumulation that your household vacuum cleaner cannot reach.

Q. What type of vacuum cleaner do you recommend to remove the most dirt from my carpet?

A. Use a vacuum that has a rotating brush or beater bar, which will vigorously stimulate the carpet tufts to loosen caked on dirt and soil. To remove tough stains, the hot water extraction method is most effective - schedule a professional carpet cleaning to have this done.

Hardwood

Q. Are hardwood floors expensive?
A. Hardwood floors are very competitively price and represent an excellent value when compared to other flooring options. Hardwood floors never have to be replaced and will enhance or even increase the value of your home should you decide to sell. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting value, as Real Wood Floors are "Beauty that last a lifetime".

Q. Is it cost effective to select wood flooring over less costly materials?
A. Yes! According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) & Residential real estate agents, say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by the trade organization. By a three-to-one margin, real estate agents said that a house with wood floors would sell faster than a carpeted house. Some 58 percent said a house with wood floors would bring a higher price.

Q. What species and color should I choose?
A. There are several species, colors and grain variations to consider. Other than the walls, the floor represents the largest expanse of color or pattern in a room. Your floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the room as a whole.

The most popular color: red oak natural, maple natural running second, but with today's eclectic decoration styles, anything goes.
Darker colors - Formal or traditional interiors,
Lighter colors - country, casual and contemporary settings.
There are many choices when selecting the right floor for the rooms in your home. There are several many species, colors and grain variations to consider.

Q. Engineered floor versus solid hardwood product?
A. Engineered products, available in Planks, Strips are manufactured of hardwood using a cross-directional laminated construction (3 to 5 layers), with a top layer of premium hardwood. This construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, making engineered products inherently dimensionally stable. Solid products, available in Planks, Strips or Parquet, are manufactured from a solid piece of wood.

Q. Is there an advantage to an engineered product over a solid product?
A. Yes. In general, engineered products can be installed in any room in the home, whether on-grade, below-grade or above-grade. Engineered products can be nailed down, glued-down or stapled down, depending upon the situation. Engineered products can be glued down, stapled down or some can be “floated” over most subfloors without the use of nails or adhesives, making it ideal for remodeling. Solid products are not recommended for below grade installations and must be nailed down or glued down.

Q. Which types of of hardwood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems and are some wood species better for radiant heat than others?
A. Engineered hardwood floors--in planks, strips are the best floors to use with radiant heating systems. These floors are manufactured of hardwood using a three-ply or five-ply laminated construction, making them inherently dimensionally stable. This means they are less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Of the engineered flooring options, with a floating installation as the best choice, because it can be "floated" over the subfloor, without the use of nails or adhesives for a permanent installation.

Oak is an ideal species for in-floor radiant systems. We also recommend ash and merbau. We do not recommend that you use maple or pecan for an in-floor radiant heat system.

Hardwood Maintenance:

1. Sweep wood floors often with a soft, fine bristle broom.

2. Vacuum once or twice a week to remove dirt and sand. Use a soft brush attachment to minimize scratching

3. Since water is one of a wood floors worst enemies, get rid of water right away! Remove wet spills ASAP with soft towels or a wet/dry vacuum, then dry thoroughly.

4. Use a very dry damp mop when mopping polyurethaned wood floors, since excess water can seep into seams and ruin a wood floor.

5. Consider using carpet runners (with non-skid pads) over wood floors in high traffic areas.

6. Vacuum area rugs and runners often so dirt doesn't filter down through the weave and scratch the wood underneath.

7. If possible, do not wear heavy shoes or high heels on hardwood floors, as some heels can cause dents.

8. Never drag furniture or other objects across a wood floor. Instead, clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust and grit, then use "gliding" furniture pads underneath the piece to aid sliding it across the floor.

9. Install floor mats at each entrance so you don't track in dirt from the bottoms of shoes.

10. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations to treat flooring scratches and dents. If an area of the finish is damaged by water, it may be difficult to fix it.

11. Use furniture pads to place under table and chair legs and on the feet of dressers and armoires. They can be purchased at a local hardware store or home center.

12. Some floors may require periodic waxing and buffing. Get recommendations from the manufacturer for the specific procedures for your floor.