Carpet Buying Guide

Buying a new carpet isn’t something you do every day, so when the time comes, you want to get it right. The right carpet can completely transform your home, adding warmth, comfort, and style. But with so many options out there, how do you possibly choose? At Frank’s The Flooring Store, we know a thing or two about carpets (we love them, after all!). That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate carpet buying guide to help you make the best choice for your home.

1. Consider Your Lifestyle

Before you even start looking at colours and textures, think about how you use the space where the carpet will go. Different carpets suit different lifestyles.

• Busy households with kids & pets? You’ll need something durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
• Love luxury and comfort? A deep, soft pile carpet will give you that plush feel underfoot.
• High-traffic areas? Hallways, stairs, and living rooms need something hard-wearing.

2. Understand Carpet Fibres

Carpets come in a range of different fibres, each with its own benefits.

• Polypropylene – Affordable, stain-resistant, and great for busy homes.
• Nylon – Tough, durable, and easy to clean, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Wool – Natural, soft, and long-lasting, with great insulation.
• Wool Blend – A mix of wool and synthetic fibres, offering durability and softness.

If you want something that’s easy to maintain, stain-resistant polypropylene carpets are a great choice. If luxury is your thing, wool carpets are hard to beat.

3. Choose the Right Carpet Pile

The ‘pile’ refers to how the carpet fibres are finished. Some give a soft, plush feel, while others are designed for durability.

• Saxony – Deep, soft, and luxurious, great for bedrooms and lounges.
• Twist Pile – A tighter, more durable finish, perfect for busy areas.
• Loop Pile (Berber) – Hard-wearing and practical, ideal for hallways and stairs.
• Velvet Pile – Smooth and elegant, giving a sophisticated look.

If you want something soft but practical, a twist pile carpet is a great middle ground.

4. Pick the Perfect Colour

The colour of your carpet can make a massive difference to the look and feel of your home.

• Neutral tones (greys, beiges, and creams) make a room feel bigger and go with everything.
• Darker shades (charcoal, deep browns, navy) hide stains well and add warmth.
• Bold colours (reds, blues, greens) make a statement and add personality.

Not sure what will work? Bring home some carpet samples to see how they look in different lighting.

5. Measure Your Space Properly

To get the right amount of carpet (without wasting money), you’ll need accurate measurements.

• Measure the length and width of your room, including any alcoves.
• Add 10cm extra to allow for cutting and fitting.
• If your room is an odd shape, break it into sections and measure each one separately.

Or, if you’d rather not do the maths, book a measure and we’ll sort it for you!

6. Consider Underlay – It’s Worth It!

A good underlay makes a massive difference to how your carpet feels and how long it lasts.

• Adds comfort – Makes your carpet softer underfoot.
• Improves insulation – Keeps your home warmer and reduces noise.
• Increases durability – Helps your carpet last longer.

We always recommend getting new underlay with your new carpet – it’s worth every penny!

7. Think About Carpet Maintenance

The best carpets are the ones that still look great years down the line. Here’s how to keep yours in top condition:

• Vacuum regularly to keep dust and dirt at bay.
• Clean up spills quickly to avoid stains setting in.
• Use doormats to reduce the amount of dirt brought inside.
• Consider stain-resistant carpets if you’ve got kids or pets.

8. Set a Budget – But Think Long-Term

We know price matters, and at Frank’s, we won’t be beaten on it! But when setting your budget, think about long-term value.

• A cheaper carpet might wear out quickly and need replacing sooner.
• A more expensive, quality carpet lasts longer and can actually save you money in the long run.

Luckily, we stock top-quality carpets at unbeatable prices, so you never have to choose between budget and quality.

9. Get Professional Fitting

Even the best carpet won’t look great if it’s fitted badly. While some people try DIY carpet fitting, getting a professional carpet fitter ensures a perfect finish.

Need help? We can recommend reliable local fitters to get the job done right.

10. Buy from Frank’s The Flooring Store

There are plenty of places selling carpets, but not all of them offer the same level of quality, service, or price. When you buy from Frank’s The Flooring Store, you get:

• A massive range of quality carpets to choose from.
• Unbeatable prices – we won’t be beaten!
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff who know their carpets inside out.
• Help with measuring, underlay, and fitting.

Next Steps

Choosing the right carpet doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right fibre, pile, and colour, you can find the perfect carpet for your home – one that looks great, feels amazing, and lasts for years.

If you’re ready to find your perfect carpet, visit your local Frank’s today.