4 of the most common ‘carpet regrets’

Buying a carpet?

Here’s a word from the wise – do your research before parting with your cash.

According to a recent survey by which.co.uk, 40% of carpet owners were dissatisfied with their chosen carpet and wished they’d done things differently.

From poor colour decisions to errors in the fitting process, there’s plenty that could go wrong. So to help with your purchase, here we take a closer look at some of the main ‘carpet regrets’ and the pitfalls you should try to avoid when choosing and laying your own.

 

Regret #1: Skimping on the underlay

It’s easy to forget just how important this layer is, hidden away below the surface. And when you’ve just spent a small fortune on new carpet, settling for a cheaper product – or not buying underlay at all – can be very tempting. But it certainly isn’t recommended.

For almost all projects, carpet underlay is an essential purchase.

Not only will it enhance the final look of your carpet, it will significantly improve its performance – increasing the level of underfoot comfort, protecting against daily wear and tear and extending its overall lifespan by up to 50% or more. 

12% of the carpet owners surveyed said they regretted their decision to not buy underlay. So our advice? Don’t make the same mistake. In fact, we suggest opting for the highest quality product you can afford instead – even if that means offsetting the extra cost with a less expensive carpet.

 

 

Plushwalk 12mm is currently the industry’s ‘gold standard’ and more information on this can be found in our previous blog. But if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, Cloud 9 Cumulus, Tredaire Dreamwalk and Super 8mm PU Underlay are all good alternatives.

 

 

 

 

 

Regret #2: Choosing carpet in the first place

Around 7% of participants said they regretted their decision to install carpet at all – and wished they’d opted for a ‘hard flooring’ alternative instead.

Before committing, be sure to think about whether it’s definitely the right choice for you.

A plush carpet may be soft and cosy. But laminate and vinyl are both much easier to clean and maintain. They’re also scratch-resistant, water-resistant and generally more durable. Therefore, if you wish to lay new flooring in a high-traffic area (such as the hallway) or have children and pets in the house, they may be a more practical option.

 

 

 

 

Regret #3: Hiring a professional fitter

Floor fitters can be expensive to hire. Typically, they charge around £120 – £150 per day. And in addition to this installation fee, they may also bill you for clearing the room, removing old floor coverings and repairing any damage or imperfections in the subfloor.

The overall cost can soon rack up. Which is why, in hindsight, many homeowners wish they’d taken the DIY route instead. Most people can do the job just as well themselves, saving a lot of money in the process. And there are plenty of online tutorials and step-by-step guides available to help. 

You’ll also have greater control over when the carpet is fitted – without having to adhere to the fitter’s timeline – and there’s no need to worry about potential shoddy workmanship.

It’s certainly something to keep in mind before making the call…

 

Regret #4: Not looking after the carpet properly

One of the biggest ‘regrets’ reported, was failing to give the new carpet the TLC it deserved. For example, around 15% of those surveyed wished they’d banned shoes – especially in high-traffic areas, such as the hallway and staircase.

Not only does wearing shoes on the carpet lead to dirt, grime and stains, it can also crush the pile – leading to a flattened look over time and adding to its general wear and tear.

Of course, carpet underlay can help with this.

The extra layer acts as a fantastic shock absorber, protecting the carpet against everyday foot traffic and significantly extending its lifespan. Therefore, if you do plan to lay new flooring in a particularly busy part of the home, it may be worth spending a bit more and investing in a high-quality underlay.

 

 

 

 

Buy your carpet (and underlay) with confidence

There’s plenty to consider when buying a carpet, from the pile type and style to its colour and pattern. And before you add anything to your basket, it’s really important to do your research – and try to avoid at least some of the pitfalls outlined above.

Here at Carpet Underlay Shop, we can help with that.

All of the underlays recommended in this blog are available on our website for a competitive price.

If you’re considering alternatives to carpet, we have a fantastic selection of laminate and vinyl click flooring for you to choose from. What’s more, we’ve even created several handy guides to help you fit your new flooring by yourself – including ‘How to lay carpet underlay’, ‘How to fit stair carpet’, ‘Levelling a floor – a beginner’s guide’, ‘How to measure a room’ and many more.

That’s all four of the most common ‘carpet regrets’, successfully dodged.

For more information on any of our products, or advice on the best flooring and underlay for your requirements, you’re also welcome to contact us at any time. Our in-house experts are knowledgeable and experienced and more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Just give us a call on 0203 887 0994 or send an email to sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  

 

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