Carpet frequently asked questions

What are the different types of carpet fibers?

Available at a medium price point, nylon carpet will provide reliable performance, remain easy to clean and resilient, handle heavy traffic, resist stains, and remain attractive. Perfect for newer families looking for quick replacement, polyester carpet fiber offers style, value, and even sustainability, along with durability, stain protection, and fade resistance at a valuable price point. Triexta fiber presents an incredibly stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and durable carpet fiber, that’s an exceptional fit for active households that require low-maintenance carpet. Polypropylene fiber, better known as olefin, boasts outstanding moisture and stain resistance which makes it a great fit for indoor-outdoor carpet use and entranceways.

What are the different types of carpet constructions?

When you see the terms “loop pile” and “cut pile” when shopping for carpet, this refers to the carpet’s construction and how carpet fibers are attached to the carpet backing. Loop pile construction features fibers that are bent into small loops, which creates durable, stain-resistant, low-profile carpets. Level loop carpets are excellent for resisting foot traffic and make a great fit for entryways, hallways, and stairs. Multi-level loop piles vary in height to create patterned texture that adds visual interest while aiding in the easy cleanup of dirt, mud, pet accidents, and spills.

Cut pile carpets feature yarn tips that are cut so there aren’t any loops, resulting in a carpet pile that is softer, thicker, and more fashion-forward. Friezes, Saxony carpets, shag carpets, and cable carpets are all cut pile varieties that provide comfort, style, and extra softness. Although these carpets are not a great fit for high activity and foot traffic, a cut-and-loop carpet construction features cut pile and loop pile fibers to bring all-around performance with softness, texture, and medium to moderate durability.

How is carpet installed?

We always recommend hiring licensed installation professionals to handle your carpet installation. Carpet can be glued down directly to a concrete floor, or glued to a carpet pad that is glued directly to the floor. Stretch-in carpet installation is a popular, efficient method for residential homes and this process involves strips of wood with protruding angled nails secured to the edges of a room, attaching the carpet to the nails, and then stretching the carpet tight across the room. Your carpet installers can recommend the method that will produce the best long-term performance.

What are the best carpet care and maintenance steps?

The best general carpet care starts with investing in the right vacuum cleaner that matches your carpet type and vacuuming your carpet weekly to remove damaging particles. If you have pets in the home, you should trim pet nails and claws to avoid snagging the carpet and creating scratches, brush your cats and dogs regularly to reduce pet dander, and make sure to complete house-training before your pets can spend time on carpet.

How do I clean spills on my carpet?

Always treat spills as quickly as possible with warm water to prevent permanent stains from forming and moisture absorption. Remove any solid material with a spoon, starting from the outside of the spill and working in. Blot the liquid stain with paper towels or a white towel, using warm water to remove the stain. If warm water does not remove the stain, always consult your manufacturer’s guidelines to find a gentle approved cleaner that will maintain your carpet warranty.

What’s the average cost of carpet?

The average cost to purchase carpet will likely be 4 to 8 dollars per square foot of carpet. This price per square foot will vary depending on the type of carpet fiber, softness, density, and pile height. Synthetic fibers will be less expensive than natural fiber carpets. The thicker, denser, and higher the pile height, the more expensive that carpet will be per square foot.

What is the best carpet for kids?

When selecting carpet for kids, invest in a carpet fiber that features excellent stain resistance and is on the value end of the price scale. SmartStrand and nylon carpet offer reliable performance, resiliency, low maintenance, and will help resist stains. For families with tight budgets, polyester carpet provides style, durability, and stain protection at an affordable price. A low-profile construction such as a level loop pile carpet and multi-level loop pile carpet will offer greater durability, stain, and wear resistance, and be easier to maintain when it comes to cleaning up spills. A textured or patterned carpet will add visual interest to a kid’s bedroom and disguise wear better over time. For more color protection, explore blended and heathered styles that show less wear and stains over time.

What is the best carpet for pets?

A home with pets will experience many unexpected spills, tracked-in dirt, and assorted messes. SmartStrand and nylon carpet are a smart choice for a home with pets since these fibers provide resiliency against heavy playtime, as well as stain resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance. Triexta fiber brings superior stain protection and enhanced durability for top performance in a home with pets.

How long does carpet last?

The life of your carpet will depend on the carpet type, where the carpet is within the home, and the household activity level. Generally, carpet will last between 10-15 years against normal wear-and-tear and with proper care. Installing a high-quality carpet cushion will help reduce the adverse effects of foot traffic and enhance your carpet performance. You can preserve the life of your carpet with regular vacuuming, professional cleanings every 12-18 months, and by properly following your manufacturer’s care guidelines.

At Kelly's Carpet Omaha in Omaha, NE, we’ve got all of the answers to your carpet questions! For more information on our carpet offerings, we invite you to browse our selection today.