Weight (or face weight) indicates how many fibers are present in the carpet. The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the higher the quality of the carpet. Density is the amount of fibers in the pile and how closely they're packed together. The denser, the better.
In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.
Builder grade carpeting is the most basic option, while residential grade offers better quality and durability. High-end residential grade carpeting provides luxury and comfort, while commercial grade carpeting is the most durable option for high-traffic areas.
Bedrooms & Low-traffic areas: Consider a density rating around 3000-4000 for a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Living Rooms & Hallways: Aim for 4000-5000 density or higher for maximum resilience in high-traffic zones.
Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.
Wool: A Classic Luxury Choice
Wool carpeting is highly durable, maintaining its plush feel and vibrant color over time. For an extra touch of elegance, consider New Zealand wool, known for its superior quality and soft, luxurious finish.
The face weight of a mid-grade carpet ranges from 30 to 40 oz. and will cost you $1.50 to $6.00 per square foot. High-quality carpets are from designer or higher-end brands. They are made to last 12 to 20 years, and the price can vary from at least $6 to $21+ per square foot.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
Nylon and polyester fibers are known to be some of the most durable and long-lasting options. Wool is also durable but tends to be more expensive. Conversely, olefin and triexta fibers are not as durable as nylon and polyester and might not hold up as well to heavy traffic areas.
A good carpet face weight for high-traffic areas is 40 ounces to 60 ounces per square yard. Thirty ounces to 50 ounces per square yard is a good carpet face weight for low-traffic areas. Comparing face weight, along with density and pile, matters when looking at two carpets of the same material and type.
Synthetic Chemicals
Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.
Carpet prices start at $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for cheap, builder-grade nylon, polyester, or olefin. Medium grade to high-quality carpet costs $2 to $10 per square foot on average. Carpet installation costs $1 to $3 per square foot more for labor, for an average total cost of $2 to $8 per square foot installed.
Bathrooms or kitchens. Any area where water or moisture is constant issue. Carpets will absorb any moisture and will remain there which will cause mold and mildew.
Carpet quality is determined by a variety of factors including: the weight, fiber type, fiber construction, and density. There are some manufacturers that refer to carpet by grade, but there is no universal grading system in place for carpet.
Look for nylon carpets with high twist levels (indicating tighter fibre structure) for maximum resistance. Polyester: Another strong contender, polyester carpets offer good resistance to flattening and are generally more stain-resistant than nylon.
Light Carpet Weights
Light carpets, also called low-density carpets, have the fewest tufts per square inch and usually weigh between 10 and 25 ounces. They are typically less durable than other types of carpet but have a plusher feel. They are also easier to install because they don't require as much adhesive.
Nylon carpet fibers are popular among homeowners because they offer an ideal combination of affordability and stain resistance. The key to nylon's effectiveness is the protective chemical coating used on the fibers, which provides substantial protection against both liquid spills and oil-based stains.
The most expensive carpet fiber is typically wool. Wool is a natural fiber that offers a range of benefits, including a luxurious feel, excellent durability, and natural stain resistance. It's also environmentally friendly, as it is a renewable resource and biodegradable.
If you have warm walls, stick with earth-tone colors (beige, cream, etc). If you have cool or grey walls, stick with a cooler-colored carpet. If you want a carpet that can work with both cool walls and warm walls then check out greige colored carpets.
Choose a firm, resilient cushion with a thickness of 1/2-inch or less for residential cut pile carpet. This includes styles with textures and twists. Most carpets call for 7/16-inch padding. Choose stiff, stable padding with a thickness of 3/8-inch or less for a low-pile carpet.
Basically, measuring for carpet is just a matter of measuring the length and width of the room, then multiplying them together to get the square footage. If your bedroom is 10 by 15 feet, you'll need 150 square feet of carpet for that room. But most carpets aren't just installed in a single, rectangular room.
You can find bargain carpeting that costs less than $1 per square foot from online discount suppliers but be sure to ask for a sample so you can judge the quality before you buy. The least expensive carpets are made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene (also called “olefin”) and acrylic.
You will find the average carpet cost varies depending on where it comes on the scale from budget to luxury: Budget carpet – £5-£15 per m. Mid-range carpet – £15-£30 per m. Luxury carpet - £30-£50+ per m.