primitives discuss replacing carpeting

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1158915

Oh my.

yardwork (32,343 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

Need advice on replacing carpet

It's time to replace the carpet on my stairs and bedroom floors. We're talking about 700 square feet, and I dread this because it means taking the beds apart and moving furniture, but it needs to be done. The underlying padding is falling apart and the carpet is worn, dirty, and has ripples in it now. I had it cleaned a few years ago and that's when the padding fell apart.

Should I work with a local carpet store, or is it safe to purchase from Home Depot or Lowe's, which seems to have cheaper pricing? What are the things I need to look out for in purchase and installation? I've been reading about the different types of carpet. I know that it's important to get good quality padding.

This needs to be reasonably priced, but I'm probably going to be living here for a while, so I want it to be good quality.

OffWithTheirHeads (7,707 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

1. Places like Home Depot who offer services like carpet installation, HVAC service, etc. are just acting as middlemen who then subcontract out the service. Better for you and your local economy to deal directly with the actual contractor.

Get SEVERAL estimates! It will shock you by how much the price varies. I once had a small real estate office re-carpeted and the prices varied by over a thousand dollars for the job.

As to the actual carpet and padding quality, you get what you pay for.

canoeist52 (1,355 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

3. I recommend commercial level loop carpet.

I installed carpet for 10 years. This is the carpet that was easiest to maintain and looked the best after years of wear and is what I have in my house.

No white or light colors.

The most dense padding you can afford.

Go with the locals and ask for references. (the store I contracted with had a great "letter wall".

Make sure the installers use a "power stretcher" to avoid ripples in the future

yardwork (32,343 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

4. This is very helpful! Thank you! How you feel about silvery gray colors?

Or should I go with something darker? I don't like beige.

canoeist52 (1,355 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

5. Multi-colors hide dirt best. I have a grey, blue and brown pattern in my house.

Also when the job is done, save some left-over pieces in case you need to do a repair. The best place to store the pieces is in a closet - not in a dry attic or damp cellar.