Selecting a carpet type for your home depends on several factors such as your lifestyle (e.g. do you have kids or pets? Do you enjoy entertaining?), the room where the carpet will be installed, and your budget.

Here are some common carpet types and their characteristics:

• Nylon carpet: This is a very popular and durable type of carpet. It is great for high-traffic areas and is stain-resistant.
• Polyester carpet: This type of carpet is soft, eco-friendly, and affordable. It is ideal for low-traffic areas and bedrooms, but it is not as durable as nylon.
• Polypropylene carpet: This is a low-cost, stain-resistant carpet that is perfect for basements or outdoor areas. However, it is not as durable as other types of carpet.
• Wool carpet: This is a natural, eco-friendly option that is soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. However, it is generally more expensive than other carpet types and requires more maintenance.

For assistance on selecting the ideal carpet for your home or business, talk to a flooring specialist at your local Solomons Flooring store.

There are a number of excellent reasons to choose wool carpet:

• Durability: Wool is a durable natural fiber that can withstand heavy foot traffic and last for many years with proper care.
• Softness: Wool is naturally soft and luxurious, making it a comfortable and cozy option for bedrooms and living areas.
• Stain resistance: Wool is naturally stain-resistant, thanks to its natural lanolin coating, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
• Eco-friendly: Wool is a renewable resource and is biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to minimize their environmental impact.
• Insulation: Wool is a good insulator, which means it can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, leading to energy savings and lower utility bills.
• Natural flame resistance: Wool is naturally flame-resistant, making it a safer option for homes.

While wool carpet can be more expensive than other carpet types, many homeowners consider it a worthwhile investment for its durability, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Browse our range of wool carpets here.

Try our user-friendly Room Visualiser to see how your chosen carpet might look in your room. You can upload a photo of your actual room!

By clicking on the Room Visualiser panel on the Carpet detail page, the application will be populated with your chosen carpet, ready for you to upload your image.

Also, be sure to talk to the experienced team at your local Solomons Flooring store. They will be able to offer advice on selecting carpet types, colours and alert you to any important things to note with your chosen carpet such as colour variation due to lighting, the size of your room, the pile type and even the colour of the surrounding decor.

Choosing the right colour and style of carpet to match your decor can be a bit overwhelming, but there are a few things you can consider to make the process easier:

• Consider the existing colour scheme of your room: Look at the colours of your walls, furniture, and accessories. You may want to choose a carpet colour that complements or contrasts with these colours to create a cohesive look.
• Think about the lighting: The lighting in your room can affect how the colour of your carpet looks. If your room doesn't receive a lot of light, allow for the fact that the carpet may appear darker than you expect.
• Consider the style of your room: The style of your room can also play a role in choosing the right carpet. For example, a more traditional room may look better with a patterned or textured carpet, while a modern room may look better with a solid colour carpet.
• Think about the function of the room: The function of the room can also affect your carpet choice. For example, a high-traffic area like a hallway or living room may benefit from a darker, more durable carpet.
• Test out samples: It's always a good idea to test out carpet samples in your room before making a final decision. This will give you a better idea of how the colour and style will look in your space.

Ultimately, the right colour and style of carpet for your decor will depend on your personal preferences and the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your space. For expert advice, pop in to your local Solomons Flooring store and speak with a flooring specialist.

The simple answer is to book a free measure and quote. Your local flooring specialist will be more than happy to provide a free consultation to accurately measure your rooms, assist with flooring selection and provide a quotation.

However, if you enjoy a DIY project, here are some steps to properly measure the area for carpet installation:

• Start by sketching a rough diagram of the room and labelling each wall. This will help you keep track of your measurements.
• Measure the length of the room by running your tape measure along one wall from one end to the other. Write down the measurement.
• Measure the width of the room by running your tape measure along the wall perpendicular to the first wall you measured. Write down the measurement.
• If the room is not a perfect rectangle or square, divide it into smaller, rectangular sections. Measure each section separately and add the measurements together to get the total square meterage of the room.
• When measuring doorways, measure the width of the opening and add a few inches to the measurement to ensure that the carpet will extend slightly beyond the doorway.
• Don't forget to account for any closets or alcoves within the room. Measure these areas separately and add the measurements to your total square meterage.
• Once you have your total square meterage, add 10% to 15% to account for any waste or extra carpet needed for cutting and seaming.

It's always a good idea to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy before purchasing your carpet. If you're unsure or need additional help, reach out to the friendly experts at your local Solomons Flooring store.

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning are important to keep your carpet looking new and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining and cleaning your carpet:

• Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your carpet at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and pollutants.
• Clean up spills immediately: Blot spills with a clean, dry cloth as soon as possible. Do not rub the spill, as this can spread the stain.
• Use a carpet protector: Consider applying a carpet protector to help repel spills and stains. This can be done by a professional or with a DIY product.
• Deep clean periodically: Have your carpet professionally deep cleaned at least once a year. This will help remove embedded dirt and stains that cannot be removed with regular vacuuming.
• Use the right cleaning products: When spot cleaning your carpet, use only cleaning products specifically designed for carpets. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach.
• Rotate furniture: Move your furniture around occasionally to prevent wear patterns from developing on your carpet.
• Use doormats: Place doormats at entrances to your home to trap dirt and debris before it enters your home.

By following these tips, you can help keep your carpet looking new and extend its lifespan. It's also a good idea to check your carpet manufacturer's instructions for any specific care recommendations.

Underlay is an important component of carpet installation. It provides several benefits, including added comfort, insulation, noise reduction, and protection for your carpet.

• Density: The density of the underlay will affect how much cushioning it provides. A denser padding will provide more support and extend the life of your carpet.
• Thickness: The thickness of the underlay can also affect the comfort and durability of your carpet. Thicker padding can provide more cushioning, but it may not be suitable for all carpet types.
• Material: Padding can be made from various materials, such as foam, rubber, or fibre. The material you choose will depend on your budget and specific needs.
• Carpet type: The type of carpet you have will also influence the type of underlay you need. For example, a looped carpet may require a thinner, denser underlay, while a plush carpet may require a thicker, softer underlay.
• Installation method: The installation method of your carpet will also affect the type of underlay you need. For example, if you are installing your carpet over a concrete subfloor, you may need a moisture barrier underlay to prevent moisture from seeping into your carpet.

It's important to choose the right underlay for your carpet to ensure it provides the right level of comfort, support, and protection. Consult with a flooring specialist at your local Solomons Flooring store to help you choose the right underlay for your specific carpet and installation needs.