Nice, long lasting carpet advice and recommendations

moreofthegoodstuff

We have a two year old new build which had the lovely grey carpets which left foot and hoover marks only to find two years on, it’s really flat, really shabby in places and that’s without pets and is well looked after.

I want to replace the living room carpet but was looking for advice on what to go for (and where). It’s a well used room, we have a 3 year old so we play a lot so would need something hard wearing and not crazy expensive. The room is around 12’ by 13’ 6”.

I really want a nice grey carpet that’s not too tough but also bounces back and doesn’t go flat and shabby - any ideas? Also, would I need new underlay/grippers etc as it’s only 2 years old? 

[Deleted User]

I'd go for vinyl. Carpets and children don't mix and just get manky.
Vinyl is cheap and hard wearing and looks great now.

carly

It is generally synthetic fibres that flatten irreversibly.  A wool carpet or wool mix , say 80/20 wool/ synthetic , is generally easier to keep looking new., and will bounce back to a degree.  Not that they don't come with their own shortcomings, chiefly risk of moth damage to pure wool carpets, and shedding fluff etc.  Also some synthetic carpets can be bleach cleaned which is not possible with wool carpets, so as with most things there is a compromise to be made.

daveyjp

Keep what you have for a few more years until your child is older.  We had an older carpet when daughter was born, but decided to keep with it for a few years so we weren't worrying about stains etc.

Look at 80:20 wool mix, it will cost (£20-30 sq m depending on weight) but it will last years.  In my experience any stains can be removed using neat carpet shampoo.

Alter_ego

My tip would be don't buy carpet shop underlay. source your own good quality stuff. Underlay is as important as the carpet.

immy1

I also wonder how large hotels manage to keep their luxurious, deep carpets looking immaculate when they are subjected to heavy, daily footfall. Would love to know their secret.

EssexExile

immy1 said:

I also wonder how large hotels manage to keep their luxurious, deep carpets looking immaculate when they are subjected to heavy, daily footfall. Would love to know their secret.

They probably change them regularly.

MalMonroe

I'd go to John Lewis - but they have just closed down their store in my city!! They are still trading online though . . their carpets, in my experience, last for years and you don't have to pay a fortune. The last one I bought from JL lasted 20 plus years and the colour was silly, butterscotch! Very light. Too light? No - although it was light, it cleaned very well and was definitely worth what we paid for it. We had one young child. JL have pale grey, kind of mottled carpet (good for camouflaging any staining) that starts at £14 per square metre, I've been considering it for our flat and may just have it fitted throughout. Cheap carpet does not last. If you already have underlay then I don't think you need to buy more. Unless the builder of your home put down really cheap nasty stuff, of course.

I wouldn't wait until your child is older, I'd have nice things now. You want to be able to sit on good carpet and roll on it and play games with your child, you don't want to have to struggle on with horrible floor coverings. Some people commenting here seem to feel that your 3 year old is the messiest child ever born who will be determined to make a real pig's ear of any new carpet. I don't think that's true. 

Obviously just my own recommendation but I've always been pleased with JL carpet - and I haven't been paid to say that, sadly!

MalMonroe

immy1 said:

I also wonder how large hotels manage to keep their luxurious, deep carpets looking immaculate when they are subjected to heavy, daily footfall. Would love to know their secret.

Not all large hotels have luxurious deep carpets and some hotels have downright awful carpets. But they clean them daily and carpet manufacturers do recommend that to keep carpets looking new and fresh, it's best to clean them daily, or at the very least three times a week. I don't follow that instruction because there are more interesting things to do and life's too short. 

immy1

Yes not all hotels have quality carpets but you know by the feel  under the foot which ones are luxury. Just wondered whether the more expensive carpets had some ability to stay cleaner for longer especially the ones in the reception area.

JGB1955

We (generally) replace carpets/flooring every time we re-decorate a room, so 2 rooms every 5 years.  We go for Berber because they don't end up with those REALLY annoying lines when you hoover them.  I've never paid more than £10 per square metre (including underlay and fitting).  I think we've just got rid of the last of the original 1985 underlay....