I’m Alan Fletcher, aka The Carpet Professor, a 30+ year carpet expert…
But I don’t sell or install carpet anymore.
If you are in the market for new carpet or flooring soon, I have some free information for you that will surely help you make wise and informed choices.
As you will soon discover when you begin shopping for new carpet for your home, office or rental, choosing the right carpet can be quite difficult, confusing and complicated, not to mention costly!
Should you choose the wrong type, style or grade of carpet you stand to lose a lot of money and/or end up with a carpet that does not perform nearly as well as you might have hoped.
In some cases, new carpet can mat down quickly and start to look worn out in a short period of time, often in just a year or two. This is what happens when the wrong grade of carpet is selected.
It’s all about choosing the right grade of carpet for you!
Some carpets are designed for low foot-traffic applications. They cost less because they are made of lower quality materials. It would be a bad choice for a household with active kids and pets.
As a retired carpet expert, trust me when I say that homeowners need to take time to learn about selecting the right grade of carpet. A carpet that is designed to meet their needs and goals. Do you know enough about Carpet Specifications?
What are your needs and goals? Answer these questions; How long do you want your new carpet to last? 5, 10 15 years? What is your level of foot-traffic? Low, medium or heavy? Take my free carpet foot-traffic test.
I created CarpetProfessor.com to help educate homeowners how to choose new carpet wisely; how to avoid common retail carpet scams; and how to properly maintain your new carpet.
It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of locally owned carpet stores. They give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. Smart homeowners want to know…Are there any reputableCarpet Stores Near Me?
After 30+ years in the carpet business…I know first-hand how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in Montana using my own special set of strict business standards, rules and requirements.
Buy from an honest and reputable dealer! You deserve to get a fair and square deal and first-class customer service before, during and after the sale.
My Recommended Carpet and Flooring Stores in Montana
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Recommended Carpet Stores in Montana? I use the term “Carpet Stores” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
Don’t See Your City or Town? Get a Free Carpet Store Referral from The Carpet Professor!
Just fill out my simple form and I will go to work to locate the best places to buy new carpet and flooring near you. It’s quick, easy and it’s a free service! Don’t take chances… Request a Carpet Dealer Referral
Carpet Professor’s 2024 Top 10 Most Popular Carpet Styles
1. Residential Plush Style
The Plush style of carpet is usually one solid color and has a smooth, even pile height. During manufacturing, the tufts are sheared to make the pile perfectly level which can make foot prints and vacuum marks easy to see. Plush is still the most popular carpet style used in residential homes and apartments today.
You can find practically any color imaginable with this style. When made of nylon this Plush styles resist stains and clean easily. A quality Plush style carpet can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
The textured plush carpet style has varying tuft height, thus reducing footprint and vacuum marks. It comes in many colors and is about the same cost as an even pile height plush style.
The sculptured carpet style has cut and looped tufts creating a sculptured manicured appearance. Generally this style has a higher cut-pile yard and a lower looped pile to enhance the sculptured design. It’s a very elegant look.
This style is usually made using two or more colors which helps it hide dirt. It also shows less vacuum marks and footprints. The color usually varies in shade from light to dark and is very rich in appearance.
4. Frieze (Similar to Shag but not as wild)
“Some people pronounce this style “Freeze”, but I was taught it was pronounced Friz-zay. However you pronounce it, Frieze is a wonderful style of carpet and a great choice for almost any home.”
The Frieze style of carpet has very tightly twisted tufts and wears very well. The tufts are not straight up like a plush style, rather they are crooked, or wiggly in appearance.
I think Frieze makes any room look fantastic. It is often used in heavy traffic areas and provides reduced footprint and vacuum marks. Typically more expensive than plush styles, if made of nylon, Frieze would be a durable and elegant selection for any home with moderate to heavy foot traffic.
4. Residential Grade Shag Styles
Most Shag carpet styles have long thick wild and wiggly tufts and a tall pile height making this a fun and still very popular carpet style since its debut in the late 60’s. It feels great to wiggle your toes deep into the deep soft shaggy carpet pile. Lots of wild and crazy colors and styles to choose from makes this the perfect carpet style for your bedrooms!
It’s easy to forever lose small items that fall deep into the pile of a shag style carpet. It is also quite challenging to vacuum this style of carpet as any upright vacuum will be very hard to push back and forth. It’s like trying to mow a lawn with tall thick grass. You will have better luck using a suction only canister type of vacuum instead of a standard upright vacuum with a beater bar. Take my Free Carpet Foot-Traffic Test to see what grade of carpet you need to buy.
5. Saxony (Residential Grade)
Saxony is a cut-pile carpet style with a dense erect tuft configuration, it has well-defined individual tuft tips. This means it is easy to see each tuft tip on the surface of the carpet, giving it a rougher and bolder appearance.
Similar to a textured plush style.
6. Residential Cut and Loop Style
Cut and Loop carpet styles use a combination of cut and looped tufts to create a multitude of elegant and practical patterns and textures.
This photo shows 9 different patterns to give you a small idea about how many different Berber patterns and styles are available. A very elegant and durable carpet style.
7. Berber Carpet (Looped Style)
Homeowners today have many choices and options with Berber Carpet styles, colors and grade.
Berber Carpet became popular in America in the early 1980’s and has grown in popularity ever since!
The Berber style has become quite popular in recent years because of its elegant appearance. The tufts are looped and aligned in rows for a clean uniform look.
When choosing this carpet be sure to select one with smaller loops to get the best wear, like the one shown above. Large looped Berbers tend to collapse quickly and look worn-out sooner.
The Berber shown is a low quality carpet made of Olefin (polypropylene). You can tell this because the loops are large and look like they are leaning over.
Low quality Berbers are made of Olefin and typically have larger loops. Higher quality looped Berbers are made of Nylon, have smaller loops and are much more durable.
I don’t recommend Looped Berber styles in apartments or homes with small children or pets because the loops can snag and run easily and is difficult and expensive to repair.
This style of Berber is not a looped Berber like most of you have seen, in fact it is more like a Frieze. It does not have any loops because the loops have been cut which is why they call it a “Cut” Berber. It usually has a multicolored appearance or a speckled egg look.
Buying a Cut Berber made of Nylon is the best way to go if you want your carpet to last long time. Usually the main color is off white with earth tones. Some have flecks of colors like deep blues, bright reds and vibrant greens. A Cut-Pile style is an excellent choice for most homes and it hides footprints and vacuum marks well. Learn more about Carpet Fibers
Commercial Grade Carpet Styles:
9. Commercial Grade Level Loop Style
Commercial Grade Carpets are generally used in offices and commercial applications where there is very heavy traffic.
There are two types I want to mention. Commercial Level loop has small loops and Commercial Cut Pile is a short napped plush type of carpet.
Both styles are usually made from Polypropylene also known as Olefin. Nylon is usually a more costly option.
Commercial carpets are designed to tolerate heavy traffic. Even when made from Olefin, looped styles tend to wear like iron. Why? because the loops are very small and tightly packed together. The low pile height and high density is what makes commercial grade carpet last such a long time and tolerate heavy foot-traffic.
On the other side of the coin, larger looped Berbers that are not very dense tend to mat down in a hurry and look worn-out much faster than those styles with smaller loops and higher pile density.
10. Commercial Grade Cut-Pile Style
Here’s a photo of commercial grade “cut-pile” carpet.
Notice how the border carpet (in brown) is smooth compared to the level-loop styles shown next to it. You can also choose a “Cut & Loop Style” to get the best features of both styles.
Commercial grade carpets can be installed over padding or glued directly to the floor without a pad. Gluing in down without a pad will yield the best results if you are looking for a carpet that will last a long time and take a beating.
It’s getting harder everyday to find an honest and reputable carpet dealer! That’s why I have been putting together my own special hand-picked list. My recommended Carpet Stores are locally owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. See who I recommend near you!
I installed carpet and flooring materials for over 30 years before retiring in 2007. I know that finding a qualified independent carpet installer is not easy these days, but it is very important. Here is some helpful information for homeowners looking to have new carpet installed in their home. Can You Help Me Find a Qualified Carpet Installer Near Me?
Carpet Installer Near Me?
The original term when I was a kid was Carpet Layer but that morphed into Carpet Installer and in the UK they say Carpet Fitters. No matter what you call them, most carpet installers today do a lot more than just install carpet.
Most of the money they earn is from installing a variety of flooring products in any given week. Installing Carpet used to be enough, but homeowners today want more than just carpet installed in their home.
Experienced Carpet Installers also lay other flooring materials such as Sheet Vinyl, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT). These products are very popular today and waterproof flooring seems to be all the rage right now.
Independent Carpet Installers Near Me?
Most locally-owned carpet retailers have a longstanding relationship with their in-house carpet installers. They are not usually willing to share them with homeowners who acquire their new carpet and padding elsewhere.
Retailers try to keep their installers busy enough so they don’t have any need to take on side jobs. Still it never hurts to ask. You can call any of the flooring stores I have listed in my directory to see if they have a carpet installer recommendation for you.
Locating an independent carpet installer near you may take some time and effort. Currently there is a shortage of qualified carpet installers nationwide and especially in areas that have a lot of new construction and home remodeling going on. How much does Carpet installation cost?
Who To Call?
There is a company called CFI that specializes in certifying carpet and flooring installers. You might be able to find a carpet installer near you through their website: https://cfiinstallers.org/
Other ways to locate a qualified carpet installer are not so simple.
Word of mouth is always a possibility. Maybe someone you know is connected to a good installer. Ask friends, co-workers, relatives…
Wholesale Flooring Distributors. This is the place where installers buy their tools and supplies. If you call or visit an outlet like this you will find installers who may be available for hire. The people who work in the sundries department may have some helpful suggestions if you ask.
Here is the website for T&A Supply, a wholesale flooring distributor serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska & Hawaii.
All State Flooring Distributors serves the needs of flooring contractors in NJ, NYC, Long Island, Southern Connecticut, and NE Pennsylvania.
You can also do a search with the Online Yellow Pages to find Wholesale Flooring Distributors in your area.
After You Find One…
A big problem homeowners face is determining which installers are qualified and experienced enough to do a good job. To help homeowners make sure to ask all the right questions during an interview with a potential carpet installer, I created a free printable Carpet Installer Questionnaire (pdf).
10 Questions to Ask Every Carpet Installer
(Click on image to view or print)
Home Depot Free Carpet Installation
When Home Depot first started selling carpet they tried hiring their own installers. That did not go as well as they hoped because finding and keeping qualified carpet installers is not easy.
Home Depot found that the number of carpet installation complaints they received was overwhelming. Many of the installers they hired early-on had moved on to greener pastures. In order to try to satisfy all the homeowner complaints they had to pay other installers to go out to fix the problems.
Today Home Depot relies on private installation companies to fulfill all their carpet installs. Any complaints they receive about carpet installation are redirected to the installation company.
Home Depot no longer has to worry about the quality of their installations. If there is an installation problem or a complaint, it is no longer their problem. You have to contact the installation company to get a remedy.
When homeowners qualify for free carpet installation at Home Depot, the installers that are sent out to do the job are hired by another company. They may be employees of the company or they may be hired on as independent contractors. Home Depot and Lowe’s Free Carpet Installation Explained
Does My Carpet Installer Need To Be Licensed, Bonded and Insured?
(Click image to see your state requirements)
Every state has its own set of rules and licensing requirements for independent contractors, including carpet installers, that may include obtaining a state issued contractors license, a surety bond and business liability insurance.
Having a Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy may be required if they have employees.
Personally, I always suggest that homeowners buy carpet, padding and installation from a reputable locally-owned carpet and flooring retailer.
I would rather go for a package deal that includes installation and all the extras for one fair and square price. If anything goes wrong, there is just one number to call and that will get you the fastest remedy possible.
I have a list of local carpet storesnear you that I believe are the best of the best in the business. It has taken me 14 years to compile my preferred list, just one store at a time. See who I recommend near you.
How Long To Install Carpet?
How long does it take to install new carpet? If working alone, a carpet installer can easily install new carpet in a living room or bedroom in one day.
Some carpet installers have several helpers and can complete a large job very fast and efficiently like a well-oiled machine.
Installing a whole house full of carpet could take longer, maybe several days or a week or more. This is most often true if there is a lot of prep work to be done or if there is a lot of furniture to be moved.
Moving Furniture
You can’t just move your furniture to one side of the room, it all has to be moved out of the room completely. Only after the carpet has been stretched in properly can the furniture be moved back in.
In some situations where space is limited, furniture has to be moved from one room to another. That may require furniture and other items to be moved around back and forth several times.
Moving heavy items such as pianos and pool tables require using specialized equipment to prevent damage to the item, damage to the new carpet or to the persons moving the item.
Never push, pull or slide anything across your carpet. You need to pick it up and set it down. Sliding furniture or anything can severely damage your carpet.
Most carpet installers do not like moving furniture and would rather the homeowner make necessary arrangements for the furniture to be moved out of all areas to be carpeted prior to installation day.
Carpet Seams
It takes longer to install heavier carpets like Berber style carpets or carpets with a pattern match. Larger rooms take longer to install because of the need for seams. Any room wider than 12 feet will require seams.
Installing new carpet on stairs takes a lot of time and effort too. Especially if there is upholstery work to be done or if the stairs have spindles to be wrapped.
Prep work can take more time to complete. Removing the old carpet and padding takes time and you never know what types of floor damage you might uncover. Tackless strips often need to be replaced if they are no longer effective. Replacing tackless strips on concrete floors requires added time and effort.
I have a special list of local carpet stores near you that I believe are the best of the best in the carpet business. It has taken me over 14 years to compile my preferred list, one store at a time. See who I recommend near you.
As a Consumer Advocate and 30-year veteran of the carpet business, I know how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in Vermont using my own special set of strict business standards and requirements.
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Vermont
(Select Your Nearest City Below)
Burlington
New England Floor Covering 257 Pine Street Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 658-9336Map
Essex
Main Street Floorcovering 95 Pearl Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 348-2250Map
What Makes Your Preferred Dealers Special?
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from, I do however receive revenue from ads placed on various places on my website.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Not Just Carpet… Carpet and Flooring!
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Vermont? I use the term “Carpet Stores” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
As a Consumer Advocate and 30-year veteran of the carpet business, I know how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in South Dakota using my own special set of strict business standards and requirements.
My Recommended Carpet Store in South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Simple Floors
3400 S Sheldon Lane
Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 553-9077Map
What Makes Your Preferred Dealers Special?
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from, I do however receive revenue from ads placed on various places on my website.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Not Just Carpet… Carpet and Flooring!
My Recommended Carpet Stores in South Dakota? I use the term “Carpet Stores” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
As a Consumer Advocate and 30-year veteran of the carpet business, I know how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in Rhode Island using my own special set of strict business standards and requirements.
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Rhode Island
(Select Your Nearest City Below)
Providence
Domenic & Sons Floorcovering 255 Greenville Ave. Johnston, RI 02919 (401) 231-1885Map
Massud & Sons Floorcovering 772 Dexter St. Central Falls, RI 02863 (401) 400-8121Map
What Makes Your Preferred Dealers Special?
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from, I do however receive revenue from ads placed on various places on my website.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Not Just Carpet… Carpet and Flooring!
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Rhode Island? I use the term “Carpet Stores” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
As a Consumer Advocate and 30-year veteran of the carpet business, I know how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in Mississippi using my own special set of strict business standards and requirements.
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Mississippi
(Select Your Nearest City Below)
Jackson
Jimmy Lyles Flooring 2660 Lakeland Dr Flowood, MS 39232 (601) 932-2926Map
What Makes Your Preferred Dealers Special?
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from, I do however receive revenue from ads placed on various places on my website.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Not Just Carpet… Carpet and Flooring!
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Mississippi? I use the term “Carpet Stores near me” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
Looking for the best places to buy carpet and flooring? Carpet Store Referral Request – Recommended Carpet & Flooring Stores. Fill out this form and I will search for a carpet store to recommend near you.
How To Buy Carpet Like a Pro!
Are you ready to buy new carpet? Read all my free articles before you begin shopping for new carpet. Check out my Table Of Contents
Not All Carpet Sellers Are Honest and Reputable.
It’s hard to tell which retail Carpet Stores should be avoided. It’s easy to be lured in by TV advertising sales gimmicks like Free Carpet Installation or Three rooms of carpet for the price of one!
You surely don’t want to buy new Carpet from any Carpet retailer who is trying to trick you with sensational advertising sales gimmicks like these. Learn more about common Retail Carpet Sales Scams and Rip-offs.
I never recommend shopping for carpet at…
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco or Empire, as they all fail to meet my minimum customer service requirements.
Smart homeowners get at least 3 free estimates
I always suggest getting at least 3 free estimates from local carpet retailers. Then you can compare products, prices and services to help you determine which Carpet dealer has what it takes to earn your business!
Best places to buy carpet and flooring? Carpet Store Referral Request – Recommended Carpet & Flooring Stores Near You.
I have already searched for and located over 400 locally-owned carpet stores that I trust nationwide. Visit My Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory to see the best places to buy carpet and flooring Near You.
As a Consumer Advocate and 30-year veteran of the carpet business, I know how difficult it is to choose new carpet wisely and get a fair & square deal. That’s why I personally hand-pick each one of my Recommended Carpet Stores in Wyoming using my own special set of strict business standards and requirements.
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Wyoming
(Select Your Nearest City Below)
Casper
Don’s Mobile Carpet 1210 W Collins Dr Casper, WY 82604 (307) 335-3330Map
Cheyenne
Absolute Flooring 3573 E Lincoln Way Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 778-3173Map
Laramie
Specialty Flooring 1379 Cedar Street #107 Laramie, WY 82072 (307) 399-1864Map
What Makes Your Preferred Dealers Special?
Inclusion in my directory is strictly by invitation only. No carpet or flooring retailer can buy their way onto my preferred dealer list at any price. I make no money from your carpet or flooring purchase no matter who you choose to buy from, I do however receive revenue from ads placed on various places on my website.
Don’t Want to Drive All Around Town?
Many of my preferred carpet dealers provide a free shop-at-home service. You just need to call and set up a convenient time to have them bring samples to your home for you to consider. There is no obligation to buy.
Not Just Carpet… Carpet and Flooring!
My Recommended Carpet Stores in Wyoming? I use the term “Carpet Stores” but all my preferred carpet dealers also carry a full line of popular flooring products including hardwoods, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, waterproof flooring and more.
It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of locally owned carpet stores. They give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. Smart homeowners want to know…Are there any reputable Carpet Stores Near Me?
Notice how the border carpet (in brown) is smooth compared to the level-loop styles shown next to it. You can also choose a “Cut & Loop Style” to get the best features of both styles.
