If its one thing we explain daily, it would definitely be the difference between wool VS synthetic carpets. If you are undecided definitely refer to our 3 steps to choosing the perfect carpet… as this may also give you some guidance. However if you are undecided about what product to go for hopefully we can shed some light.

WOOL

We (Wall to Wall Carpets) have been laying wool carpets for since 1984 and is still our most common and preferred choice of carpet due to its longevity and robust nature. Wool is generally a little more expensive than synthetics however some of the top quality synthetics are just as expensive as wool. Wool is generally able to withstand more traffic and the pile has the ability to lift back up after a good steam clean due to the spiral and springy appearance of a wool fibre. A lesser priced carpet will generally mean less product (wool) and in turn reflect on the price. A lesser weight of carpet will wear quicker than a heavier weight wool carpet. As a rough price guide line a good quality wool product will set you back approx $55 m2 – $82m2 installed on underlay.

Wool is a fire retardant fibre so will meet all fire regulations for apartment living and commercial situations.

We find people love the choice of colours, textures and the feeling underfoot. Being a natural fibre it also has the ability to breathe so can reduce the humidity in the air or pull the air borne dust or pollen particles into the floor where is does not aggravate people with allergies.

The only thing to be mindful of with your wool carpet is that you have to know how to clean it properly. Your wool carpets cannot be cleaned with any old store bought cleaner. We have a Stain Cleaning Guide available for you to view. Most people think wool carpets stain easily but that is not true, in most cases it is the attempts at cleaning that damage and stain the carpet.

SYNTHETIC

Synthetic carpets have definitely come a long way since they emerged on the market. The quality available is almost on par with wool if you go for a good quality, so don’t be deterred by the notion of going for a synthetic carpet.

On the market there are 2 types of nylons that we recommend. Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) and White Nylon (WN). There is a big difference between the 2 options. We recommend going for a Solution Dyed Nylon if the budget permits as it is better for fading and stain resistant properties.

Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN): is a harder wearing fibre, the colour is added at a liquid state and before they extract the fibre making it more tolerable to sun exposure and reduces the risk of fading, also SDN carpets are easier for cleaning. Some manufacturers will even give you very generous warranties based on their ability to clean. You should be able to pick up a SDN starting from approx $40-45m2. There are also very upmarket SDN products that have been used in multi million dollar homes where the clients have been attracted to their extra soft feeling underfoot.

White Nylon (WN): carpets tend not to clean up as well as SDN carpets because the colour is applied after the fibre is extracted, however following the correct cleaning instructions you should have no problem removing a stain. WN carpets have a bit more of a sheen or shine to the fibre compared to a SDN so in most cases you will see more foot traffic and foot prints in the carpet. WN would be an entry level carpet suitable for first home buyers, budget driven investment projects and also short term requirements (0-5 years). You can purchase WN products below $45m2 and above that price point.

Depending on your own personal requirements will really be the deciding factor as well as the length of time you wish to get out of your carpet.

Approximate price summary

• Wool products approx $55m2 and upwards. Durable but needs a bit of care and “know-how” when cleaning.

• SDN products starting from approx $45m2 and a great all round fibre for cleaning and wear.

• WN products approx $45m2 and below. Will be entry level prices and suitable for short term installations.

Come for a visit our showroom so our staff can walk you through the carpets available on the market and help assist you in selecting the right carpet.

A: 275 Mill Point Rd, South Perth

P: 08) 9367 4211

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Choosing new carpet can be quite daunting. There is so much choice and so many different products out there… Where do you start?

To simplify your carpet purchase experience we have a few easy questions for you. Knowing the answers to at least one or a rough idea on direction will help you navigate through the maze of choices.

• Texture + Appearance
• Colour
• Price

These are the first questions that we ask our clients when trying to direct you through the maze of choices.

Colour

This is by far the easiest place to start. Most people that are building will have some sort of colour scheme in mind. If you can bring in any tiles, paint colours or already selected products it makes a huge help when we are trying to help direct you with colour selections. If you are renovating it can be harder as you might be trying to match to already existing items that you cannot physically bring into the showroom. We do lend out our samples for 48hrs so you can take home to check the colours in your house against your already existing items.

Some easy tips for selecting colours.

• Warm colour scheme = browns and beiges (orange, yellow, reds). If you are going “warm” then all your colour selections should be in the same scheme of things.
• Cool colour scheme = grey tones (taupe, blue, charcoal). If you are going for a cooler scheme then you don’t need to thing cold and sterile. There are some really nice browns with a grey base or greys with a warmer edge.

If this all seams to confusing come in for a visit and let our staff guide you. We have an in-house interior decorator that you can make an appointment with at no charge, it is just part of our service to go above and beyond your expectations and to make your selection process as easy as it can be.

Texture + Appearance

Texture and appearance is also a great place to start. It might look like there are thousands of carpets to choose from but once you narrow it down to the appearance or texture you eliminate a big portion of choice, which can sometimes be a good thing.

• Loop pile carpets will give you texture. Loop pile carpets are associated with a more casual or relaxed looing carpet. They are less formal looking. Loop pile carpets have a huge array of different textures and you will usually find that most have two colours in the design of the carpet. Loop pile carpets are generally the hardest wearing (compared to twist and plush) and a great option for heavy traffic areas such as staircases and hallways. Loop pile carpets work really well in costal and Hampton styled homes.

• Twist pile carpets have a slight twist in the pile and you get almost a stipple or two tone effect. Twist pile carpet show minimal foot prints and vacuum marks. They are really hard wearing, hardy and show minimal flattening, but obviously over a long period of time can show some tracking in hallways or staircases. Twist pile carpets are very simple looking and lend them selves to both formal and casual interiors.

• Plush pile carpets give a very formal and elegant look to your room or house. The pile can be brushed both ways similar to that of a velvet or suede fabric, so expect to see some movement in the floor from footprints, traffic and vacuum lines. When choosing a plush you must be aware of the possibility of Permanent Pile Reversal, because the yarn is very straight it can reverse creating light and dark patches, similar to the appearance of watermarking. This is the nature of the product and the overall appearance that you will get with a plush pile carpet. Plush pile carpets work well in formal or elegant homes.

Price

Unfortunately most of us do not have an unlimited budget. Having an allocation for carpet is also something to know before shopping for carpet. If you are limited to a certain budget talk to one of our staff so we can arrange a obligation free measure if you don’t have any house plans, or alternatively email us a set of your house plans so we can work out the quantity and advise what price range you can look within. This will save you a lot of time, reduce your amount of choice, which can sometimes be overwhelming and also prevent you from going over budget and falling in love with the most expensive carpet in the shop.

Hopefully by now you have a clear pathway to selecting the right carpet for you and your personal requirements. As previously mentioned we have an in-house interior decorator to help with your carpet selection process should you be struggling to make a selection.

Contact us at: 9367 4211 / 275 Mill Point Rd, South Perth (with parking at the front of the showroom) or contact us below.

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