How to shop for carpet

When you walk into the Good's Floor Storecarpet store in Decatur, IL, you’ll be amazed at all the styles and fibers, not to mention all the in-stock remnants and rolls we carry. The best defense is to have a little knowledge so you can choose the right one for your needs. A rug, or any flooring for that matter, isn’t something you buy often, but it is a major investment, so you want to get it to be right the first time.

Broadloom refers to the rolls of carpet, as opposed to carpet tiles, remnants, or area rugs. Density means how closely the fibers are tufted together, and this, not face weight, determines quality. Twist, a numbered rating system from one to five refers to the number of times the fiber is twisted per one-inch length; the higher the number, the more durable the rug. PAR Rating is a one to five number system rating a rug on performance, appearance, and retention. The higher the number, the better.

Texture comes from the style and whether the fibers are cut, looped, or twisted.Pile refers to yarn height, such as the shag with long, loose fibers or the frieze with long, twisted threads. The iconic Saxony is a cut pile that’s neither high nor low and can be either plush or textured. Berber styles are low pile rugs with short, tightly woven fibers. Cut and loop are exactly as it sounds, and the varying lengths create different patterns.

Whether you choose natural or synthetic fibers depends on your personal preference. Wool is the most common natural fiber, and it’s plush, soft, white, and a little pricier. It is naturally soil-repellent and absorbent, so wipe spills immediately, so they don’t set.

Synthetic or man-made fibers have better stain resistance and can also be soft and plush. Nylon is the most well-known fiber, being ultra-strong, resilient, and stain-resistant. Polyester is non-absorbent (hydrophobic) with inherent resistance to stains. Olefin is budget-friendly, non-absorbent, and most often associated with the Berber carpet, while relative newcomer triexta is strong with permanent stain resistance built into the fiber.

Since 1956, the experts at Good's Floor Store have been guiding people to the right flooring choice. Come in to learn more about carpet rolls and remnants and get some inspiration and a quote at our Decatur, IL showroom. We serve residents in Decatur, IL, Springfield, IL, Bloomington, IL, Champaign, IL, Forsyth, IL, Clinton, IL, Maroa, IL, and Monticello, IL. We have a friendly, no-pressure retail environment so you’ll be glad you came in.