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Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,947
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Go with a local store that sells only carpeting if you have access to one.  One that's been in business a long time, knows their product, knows how to measure and lay, and will install properly and back up their product.  Avoid big box stores if at all possible.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

I concur with those that say to go to a carpet store, and choose a good one. 

 

What I would consider first is how long I want the carpet to last (are you moving soon, do you plan to stay for many years, if staying how much use do these rooms get). It's a big job and costs a lot of money, so If I was staying, I'd want to buy higher end carpet. It isnt' something I want to do and pay for very often. 

 

I never vote for cheap carpet or even middle of the road, if I'm planning on staying somewhere. In the long run, replacing it will run more than just doing it well the first time.

 

Don't skimp on the padding either. Different kinds of carpet require different styles/kinds of pads, and the big box stores don't care about that. 

 

And really think about the kind of carpet. Do sweeper marks bother you? Do you have to have super plush and thick? Are you concerned about or bothered by paths that get matted/worn looking. I think Berber is the best bet for our lifestyle, so consider what is going on in those rooms, and what kinds of things you love or hate happening to carpet as it ages/wears.  

 

My mom just had a lot of carpet done, and is going to do her bedroom/master bath in the near future. That one room alone will be $3000 or more for top of the line carpet. It really is worth looking at all aspects, because again, it is a ton of work, mess and money to do it again in just a few years because you went 'cheap'.