I am truly amazed by the number of visitors to this little blog of mine, when all I really do is answer questions – seemingly about SmartStrand. Though I LOVE doing this, it does underscore the fact that consumers find carpet to be a very difficult thing to understand. Admitantly, I did as well before I entered into this industry, some 18 years ago. Though I do think we have improved the messages the consumer sees, it is still difficult to know whether you have made the right choice.
There are a few sites I like because the content is unbiased. I sure try to be but my experience is going to sway me one way or the other on certain things – sorry it’s human nature, but I really do try. www.carpet-rug.org is CRI – the Carpet and Rug Institute site. Great cleaning tips and other general information. The organization is an industry one so know that they LOVE carpet. Another is www.findanyfloor.com – this site is independent and I had the pleasure to work with some of the team to develop a bit of the green content. They know what they are talking about and are as close to unbiased as any group I’ve worked with. Damien Patton is a unique guy – be sure to read some of his posts.
Keep your questions coming. I know I am CARPETGIRL to you all but I can help with other flooring options too. I even have carpet (Wear-Dated, Stainmaster and SmartStrand Sorona), laminate, ceramic, solid and engineered woods in my home right now (…need to find a spot for cork somewhere).
CG
Posted by Lindsey on April 4, 2010 at 2:25 am
Hello! I am looking at buying carpet for a foreclosed house which had all the carpet torn out. I am looking at SmartStrand Command Performance II from Home Depot. What is your take on the quality of this particular style of SmartStrand? Also…I am looking at Home Legend laminate wood flooring in Sonoma Cherry. Do you know anything about this flooring?
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 5, 2010 at 1:13 am
Lindsey -
Unfortunately I don’t have a list of the Depot styles. I do know that CP II is one of the first styles introduced into Depot and I have never heard any negatives on it. As for the laminate…I don’t know that one specifically, but I know enough about laminate to be dangerous. Have even installed it myself:) What are curious about?
CG
Posted by George on April 19, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Hey Carpet Girl,
We have been looking at Mohawks style 1151 Organic Luxury carpet at a local carpet store and were wondering if Lowe’s or HD carry the same thing under a different name. Also, do you think this is a good choice for a well used living room with 3 boys, 2 cats and a dog?
thanks!
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 20, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Hey George –
Sorry kinda slow this week and it is only Tuesday. Unfortunately I do not have a list of styles at the Home Depot, but I would not be surprised if they have it. Lowe’s will not since HD has Sorona exclusively for home centers.
I think Organic is a great choice for your life. You might have seen this recommendation on one of my posts before, but do attempt to move furniture every so often (maybe once a year) to prevent traffic patterns if your boys run around rooms like most do. The switch in traffic flow really does do wonders. ALSO – have it steam cleaned every 12-18 months even if it doesn’t look like it needs it. It will rejuvenate the carpet and keep the traffic patterns at bay as well.
Luck – CG
Posted by janell janicki on August 21, 2010 at 8:17 am
carpet girl, Hello! I just had carpet installed yesterday and I am very unhappy with the feel and cushion of it. I had purchased a 50 oz nylon frieze with a true 6 lb pad (the man selling the carpet and installing it said that a “true 6lb pad is like the 8 lb pad most sell”??). I feel like I was taken advantage and I am very unhappy with the result. What do you suggest I do? Thanks
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 23, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Janell –
I asked someone knowledgable about pad what a True 6 lb pad is – since I had never heard of such. Apparently a true 6 lb pad is really 6 lb, versus the the slightly less than 6 that regular pads are. A true 6 does not equal a regular 8. Not even close. That being said….6′s are typically more cushy than 8′s. 8′s are more dense and firm. So I am not sure, in reading your post, if you would have liked that. But maybe you don’t mean cushy by cushion.
I’d start by having a heart to heart with the owner of the store…not sure if your sales person was the owner or not. Tell him your concerns and that you are not pleased. Be prepared to tell him/her what you’d like them to do. It is not realistic to think that they will replace the pad free of charge, but I think you are within your rights to ask for some sort of credit. My husband always threatens to report people to the Better Business Bureau – if you truly feel you’ve been wronged, you could do that as well.
CG
Posted by Carol on November 23, 2010 at 1:16 am
Hello CarpetGirl Are you still giving carpet advice?
I am replacing carpet in 3 bedrooms and like SmartStrand. But I am very confused…..so many styles and names I am comparing Preston SMT09 with a density of 3564, faceweight 59 oz and twist 5.5; Dowry Design density 2936, face weight 59 and twist 5.5; Dowry Living 49 twist; and from Carpetsmart 75 oz face weight, 5.5 twist – no density given and I just realized I only got the color name – Chamois. I am simply looking for the best! HELP
Thanks,
Carol
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 23, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Carol –
None of your style names listed are on my spreadsheet BUT, given what you have said here Preston sounds like the best option. Dowry living has to be 49 ounces not 49 twist and is likely just a lighter weight of a style similar to Dowry Design. Without more to go on for the 75 ouncer, I honestly think Preston is your best choice. High density and a good twist level…hope this helps.
CG
Posted by Carol on November 23, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Thank-you for your quick response.
I finally found the “Carpet Wall” that I have been reading about. Nice to find a store with so many options. I really like Unrivaled Elegance (twist 5.5 density 3547 and pile weight 73.5) and Posh Origins (twist 5.5 density 2936 and pile weight 58.8) Elegance is .95 more per sq ft. but soft and beautiful. Do you think the difference is worth the price?
Carol
Posted by Carol on November 23, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Also….what is your opinion of the “Smart Pad”?
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 29, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Carol –
Performance wise, no I don’t think Elegance is worth the extra $….Luxury wise, I do. It is completely a matter of preference for you.
Smart Pad is a moisture barrier pad we recommend that also increases your SmartStrand warranties. I think it is a smart move. If you choose to go with another pad, I do recommend one with a moisture barrier.
CG
Posted by Ann on December 11, 2010 at 7:31 pm
We’re ready to recarpet 3 bedrooms…and have found bid comparisons difficult to do. Part of the issue is that independent carpet stores seem to “re-brand” carpets under their own name. So comparisons need to made on spec…not carpet or series name.
We decided on Lowes Mohawk Smartstrand 59 face weight Preston with the premium pad. The lower installation cost and a special 3% in-house discount were the determining factors!
Posted by John on January 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Carpet Girl,
I too have found the style Organic Luxury at a Floorscapes store. I have a friend who works at a Carpet One dealer, but isn’t familiar with that style even though they have a full line of Mohawk Smart Strand Triexta carpet. Could it be called a different thing? Thanks for what you do Carpet Girl.
Posted by CarpetGirl on January 14, 2011 at 6:27 pm
John –
See if your friend has a style named Yours Affectionately…that’d be as close as I can get you.
CG
Posted by The Other Tom on January 23, 2011 at 12:47 am
We’re considering Smartstrand or Nylon carpet for our house. How do the two compare for wear resistance ? I’m particularly concerned about high traffic areas and “crushing” or resiliency.
Posted by CarpetGirl on January 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Other Tom –
Test results consistently show that the wear is the same or slightly better for SmartStrand than nylon….and to be specific – Nylon 6.6. which has long been the best for resistance to wear.
CG
Posted by Snowbound Chris on February 6, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Hi, CarpetGirl…we, too, are struggling to compare carpeting between Home Depot and our local carpet center. We looked at Command Performance III at HD, with a 58.8oz face weight, and loved it. Now, we have samples of Posh Origins from our local carpet center, but didn’t get the face weight (nor is it listed on Mohawk’s site). Any info you might be able to share on it would be awesome. Thanks!
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 10, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Chris –
Seems like everyone is snowbound nowadays…we even got more last night – though not enough to matter.
Unfortunately, I have no info on Home Depot styles. I can tell you that Posh is 60 ounces. So basically on weight, there isn’t any significant difference to point you one way or the other. I didn’t dig through other posts to see if there was additional info on Posh. It has come up a lot so there could be. Occasionally I am able to get twists and densities when the right people are online for me to ask as I am responding.
Luck – CG
Posted by kim on February 21, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Hi Carpetgirl!
I have been reading your comments on Gardenweb about smartstrand. You are very informative.
I saw a Mohawk carpet at a dealer called Longview 1G20 and wanted to see if you are familiar with it.
It says it is made of smartstrand but is not on the color wall. I can get it for 3.29 /sqft installed.
We have 800sqft to carpet in our new basement family room and are trying not to spend alot.
If we could get something decent for less than that it would be good too. We have teenagers and 2
small dogs. Laminate was too costly for the size of the space.
Any advice would be appreciated,
Kim
FYI I am in CT
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 22, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Kim -
I am familiar with the style. It is a 30 ounce SmartStrand Triexta in our Portico builder line…not a Sorona brand which is fine. The only product offered that lighter in weight than what you are looking at now is a Portico product called Jeweled Isle or Desert Beauty. That one is 25 ounces. This is a very basic builder grade and not something I would typically recommend. Even the 30 ounce is lighter than I usually recommend. If this is an area that you intend to spend a lot of time in and will see a good amount of traffic, I would recommend going heavier than what you are looking at now. I tend to start at 40 ounces. My fear is that the what you save now, you will spend two or three fold later to replace the carpet. If you simply don’t have the budget to go heavier right now, go with the 30 ouncer but please don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t look good for as long as you’d like it to.
Luck – CG
Posted by kim on February 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the info. I am looking for an inexpensive carpet because of budget. I realize it won’t last for years. If we could get 4 or 5 yrs out of it that would be great. Any other suggestions?
Floortech on gardenweb suggested Mohawk powerplay but I can’t find info. on it. It must be a dealer name.
-Kim
Posted by kim on February 22, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Would you choose the builder’s grade (portico longview) over a Carpet One carpet that is made of resista polyester? They are around the same density and price.
Thanks!
Kim
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 22, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Kim – try the 30 ouncer. Powerplay is the same as the 25 ounce I mentioned.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 22, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Kim –
I would choose the SmartStrand over PET polyester every time…Resista is PET.
CG
Posted by Cathy on February 23, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Hi CG! love love love your blog! I am a research fanatic when I am about to make a major purchase — such as new carpet! I know more about carpeting now than ever and have finally decided that SmartStrand is a smart choice for me.
Here is my question – HD has Silk III on special for about half the price of a similar product at a local carpet store. Same face weight 58oz and 5.5 twist. Would Mohawk sell an inferior Smartstrand product at HD? I don’t understand how they can sell it so much cheaper…thank you!
Posted by kim on February 24, 2011 at 11:58 am
Thanks for your advice. I will get the smartstrand carpet. What type of pad should we get to go on the concrete basement floor? I hear a lot about pads with moisture barriers that help when you get a liquid on the carpet. Should the moisture barrier be up against the back of the carpet? Do you advise first putting down a barrier on the concrete floor and then put pad and carpet?
Thanks,
Kim
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 24, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Kim –
Moisture barrier should be up and I do recommend this type of pad. You’ll have to ask your installer whether the concrete needs a plastic barrier on it. I’m assuming you don’t have a moisture problem down there – if you aren’t sure, do have it tested. Moisture and flooring are not a good combo!
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Cathy –
I am kind of surprised no one has asked this question before. Home Depot is a master at the art of VOLUME. Mills that are given what we call “special buys” there…like the Silk product…really must ramp up production to keep up. Because we are able to consistently run the product and do less starting and stopping, we are able to reduce our costs and we also do reduce our profit margin in return for the volume we receive. Trust me – it is huge and worth it! Home Depot also reduces their margins on these products…so what you see is both parties giving a bit and you getting a great deal. HD also is very agressive on installation – more so than local stores – becuase they can. It is NEVER an inferior product – never! There have been many times that a special buy is so successful at Home Depot or Lowe’s that it becomes a running line product for us.
Luck – CG
Posted by kim on February 24, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Thanks! I have learned so much from your expertise!
Kim
Posted by Cathy on February 24, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Great, thanks, CG! Can you clarify some of the comments about what type of pad and how it should be installed? I am looking at an 8 lb with moisture barrier or a newer scotchguard padding that reminds me of a tempupedic mattress. Seems like it would be heaven to walk on and the clerk said it is totally waterproof. Also – I’ve read where some don’t like the hardness of the padding if the moisture barrier is installed on top, however, that is how the HD clerk said they install it. Pros? Cons?
Posted by Scott on February 24, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Hey CG. I’m looking at a couple of SmartStrand styles. Windwalker and Sevilla Island. I haven’t been too successful finding out too much about Sevilla Island, I know the wt. is about 54 oz. and the density about 2000 but not sure of the twist. With windwalker there seems to be a lot of info out there, not so with the Sevilla Island. Is it new, or just not that popular? What are you thoughts on it? It’s just me and a dog.
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 24, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Cathy –
The urethane foams typically are waterproof…that is what I happen to have in my house becuase we were still making it at the time. It does feel great, but mine is a 10 lb so it is not really plush. Honestly I had no complaints about the feel of my rebond pad either. I have heard a few people say they can hear a moisture barrier when they walk, but something has to be wrong there, like delamination. That should not happen. As for hardness, that is due to density. Denser pads do not feel as soft…a 10 lb for example will feel harder than an 8 lb…BUT the 10 pound is a better pad for the carpet. I think you will be fine with either of the two youa re looking at…it is a bit of a crapshoot.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 24, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Scott –
I show Sevilla as a 58 ounce frieze that was introduced in laste 2009…so it is pretty new. Windwalker is a 58 ounce texture intro’d in late 2007. So yes Sevilla is newer and probably part of the reason you don’t find as much info on it. Sales look good, so it certainly isn’t unpopular. I don’t have density or twist on my list but given the frieze designation, Sevilla likely has more twist than Windwalker. Densities of friezes are usually lower than textures…they are more flowy and casual…but the twist makes up for the density being lower. I honestly think you are in good shape with either option, given that they are both heavier than average styles. Let the pup choose:)
Luck –
CG
Posted by Scott on February 24, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Good to know, thank you! She picked Sevilla by the way.
Posted by Sharon on March 17, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Hi CarpetGirl!
Went back to the store ready to purchase Posh Origins and I discovered Unrivaled Elegance. Wow–it is awesome! Even though the performance may be the same, to me it is a superior density and looks and feels like a far more expensive product. I bit the bullet and paid the higher price. Can’t wait til it gets installed!!
Posted by Jessica on April 8, 2011 at 12:44 am
Hello Carpet Girl. We are considering Karastan Natural Desire in SmartStrand. Do you know how that performs in terms of resiliency? We are worried about the carpet getting matted down. This is for bedrooms and upstairs hallway of our home.
Posted by debbie fanning on April 8, 2011 at 11:08 pm
carpetgirl,
i got the mohawk spec sheet today on the smartstrand triexta bcf i really like, but i’m not sure it’s that good of quality. it’s in their “easy choice” “elite” line. Style: 7268 Heaven’s View. Yarn twist 6.5 x 6.5. cut pile frieze. gauge 3/8″. pile height 1.151. stitches per inch 4.67. certified pile weight 44.10 ozs. total weight 80.15. density 1378. FHA info: MEA #46666 Type I/Class 1/Texture F. PAR Rating 3.20. Do you think our family of 3 and one small dog can get 10+ years out of this carpet before it starts uglying out and/or matting. i really want a good quality Mohawk Sorona Smartstrand freize. is there one better that you would highly recommend?
THANK YOU!!!!
Debbie
Wichita, ks
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 13, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Jessica –
All I know about Natural Desire is that is is a cut and uncut pattern. Typically those perform quite well. I have noticed that the ones with more loop that cut do even better. Without seeing this style, I am not sure if it fits that category or not.
Luck – CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 13, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Debbie –
Since you had a few posts, I’ll attempt to answer all in one. Painted is a 45 ounce frieze (should be 6.5 turns of twist as well)…sounds like Heaven’s View is about the same. I think you’d be just fine with either. It is hard for me to tell you if you’ll get 10 years out of it, but I will say that if you properly maintain it, you should be able to.
In terms of pricing, So many variables go into the pricing that I tend to stay out of that conversation. Sometimes installation is included…sometimes not…sometimes pad…sometimes not…and there are regional differences in pricing as well. What I can say is asking for a different price can only result in a yes or a no answer – so why not try?
Luck- CG
Posted by Sally Levengood on April 16, 2011 at 2:35 am
Dear Carpetgirl,
I have been doing my best to pick carpet for our new home and have narrowed it down to three or four choices. Square footage for three rooms is approximately 516. The choices are as follows:
• Lowes Mohawk Preston (SMT09-12-L022) at $3.04 per sq ft.
• Home Depot Shaw/Martha Stewart Burghley I (48.5 oz face weight) at $2.99 sq ft and the Burghley II (58.5 oz face weight) at $3.59 sq ft – both 100% ANSO BCF Nylon
• Home Depot (Mohawk?) Seductive I (50 oz face weight) at $3.59 sq ft and Seductive II (65 oz face weight) at $4.09 sq ft.
All prices are for the carpet only. Padding and install is additional. You input would be greatly appreciated.
-Sally
Posted by Sally Levengood on April 16, 2011 at 3:04 am
Sorry…No way to edit my previous post. It should read:
P. S.
How does the memory foam pad with lifetime warranty compare to the typical 8 lb. pad which also sometimes comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s about $0.31 more per square foot for the memory foam pad
-Sally
Posted by amy on April 24, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Hi we are looking at mohawk horizon smartstrand fort sach it seems like it has good weight but density seems low i am worried abount its durability any advice
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 26, 2011 at 1:25 am
Sally –
Not going to be much help unfortunately…I have no info on Home Depot or Lowe’s styles:(
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 26, 2011 at 1:27 am
Sally –
I can’t say there is a huge difference…assuming it is also 8 lb…
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 26, 2011 at 1:52 am
Amy –
Don’t have my product list handy but I think FZ is a pretty good mid-weight frieze. These tend to be looser (less dense) but the higher twist makes them very good for wear.
CG
Posted by amy wilson on April 30, 2011 at 12:32 am
Hi thanks for the info it is GREATLY appreciated i was given a sample of Longboat key it seems to be more dense but i don’t know any more info have you heard of this style i cant find any info i wonder if it is being discontinued thanks
Posted by CarpetGirl on May 2, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Amy –
Hasn’t been dropped. 58 oz frieze. Nice choice.
CG
Posted by Heather on May 3, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Thank you CarpetGirl! Finally, a place to get straight information about carpet. I’m considering Smartstrand Kentic Contrast for our family room, living room and dining room. We have kids and dogs – lots of traffic in these areas. Would this be a good choice? How bad will footprints be with this carpet? Thanks so much for your help!!!
Posted by amy on May 6, 2011 at 3:20 pm
CG we are carpeting a little over 3000 square feet the fort zach is about $1000 less than the longboat key is it worth the extra money to go with longbaot key thanks you are a god send!!!!!
Posted by CarpetGirl on May 12, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Heather –
Friezes are usually really good at hiding footprints. All that twist makes them hard to find. You should be good.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on May 12, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Amy –
FZ is 48 oz…LK is 58oz. Pretty big difference, but both are friezes not textures. If it were a texture, I’d say that the extra weight would be an advantage…maybe not a $1000 advantage, but some. Since the twists are the same and 48 is still relatively heavy, save the $$$ and buy a new couch!
CG
Posted by karen on May 18, 2011 at 6:16 pm
CG,
We thougth we were going to build when I last talked to you – but instead we bought a home last week:)
I am replacing the carpet and have a question on carpet pad/ I decided to go with 60 faceweight smartstrand at Home depot. I can’t try out teh 1/2″ scotchguard pad as it isn’t in the store but mentioned on the website after they measured my home. The store says they can’t get a sample for me to step on.
So it’s that Scotchguard vs the 3/8″ memory foam. I have a snoring issue from the room below mine so which would be better as overall good pad AND snore noise reducer? I’m wondering if memory foam loses it’ s bounce faster?
Posted by CarpetGirl on May 19, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Karen –
Each pad should have an R Value associated with it. R values are insulation factors. That is the only thing I can think of that could rate your “snoring factor”. I am thinking you’d rather have the 1/2″ for comfort. The two foams have no difference is how long the bounce will last.
CG
Posted by Jan on June 9, 2011 at 2:14 am
Lowes has already measured our home for carpet – I want Mohawk Smartstrand but none of their colors or weights jumped out at me. On a whim I went to Home Depot and within a day I had the color and style I had been looking for. I decided on Command Performance III Champagne Bubble – would Lowe’s be able to get this carpet under their name based on density and weight? None of what they had in the store was higher than 58 for weight.
Posted by Jan on June 10, 2011 at 1:20 am
PS. I have found the information on your blog so very helpful Thanks for helping us carpet buyers I know it’s appreciated
Posted by Brent V. on July 12, 2011 at 2:01 am
Wow carpetgirl…you sure know your stuff. I have been reading over posts that you have written over the last couple of years and have really learned a lot. You mentioned before that you really like the Beach Basics collection, so I went out today to take a look at it and it is absolutely beautiful. I love the almost shag look and feel to it. Is there another carpet that is like this one that might have a little higher face weight to it?
Posted by mamadelapaz on July 12, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Need some CG help-fast!
Have had a stainmaster carpet for many years – not unhappy with the wear at all, but unhappy with the politics of the company. Looking now at Mohawk Smartstrand with Sorona – cut piles (Simonton Beach/Atlantic Shores) vs. Smartstrand without Sorona (Penhurst Place). The use of corn-derived glucose in the Sorona is a bit of a snag for me. Can you advise on the differences? Thanks so much for helping us all navigate this world!!
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 27, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Brent –
Karastan has some heavier weight shags and I see one frieze on the list at 58 in Horizon called Sevilla Island. I don’t know how it compares in look to Beach, but it is worth looking at.
Luck – CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 27, 2011 at 7:46 pm
MamaDel –
Sorry – I am way behind. In all honesty the polymers used are the same, it is simply one is branded with better warranties and the other is not. Your “snag” is there regardless, but let me say a few things there. I understand the food vs fuel debate – deal with it all the time. Today the Sorona process does utilize corn as it’s base, but all it needs is a glucose molecule…which can come from switchgrass or waste by-products, #5 dent corn is readily available here in the US and the process at full capacity uses less than 0.01% of domestic corn production, to offset what would have been at least 10 million barrels of oil.
I truly think that we have to allow bio products to grow so that they have the economy of scale to get to the point where the volumes will drive a movement toward use of waste fuels instead of where they are today. There are bio-based alternatives today that can be used for over 92% of the products currently made with petro today. Much of this technology is based on biomass. But we have to give this technology room to grow and mature which will bring down the cost, improve the environmental footprint and drive the use of biomass from which demand little or no major land changes or net water additions. Renewableenergyworld.com has a great article that I cite often and have here…”Biofuels: Putting Pressure on Petrol”. Give it a read.
Luck – CG
Posted by Brent V. on July 27, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Thanks CG…we went with Karastan Coastal Elegance. What a beautiful carpet.
Posted by Lita B on August 9, 2011 at 7:52 pm
All of your answers are sooooo very educational! We are going with Mohawk Smartstrand from Lowe’s, but would like to have your opinion on one thing…. We have chosen Voyager (textured), 50 oz, density of 3005, twist 5.5 for the majority of our rooms (living room, stairs hallway, master bedroom). It costs $2.48/sq ft. I am considering for our kids bedrooms and bathrooms (dressing areas) the Fantasian – also textured, but 40 oz, density of 2806, twist 5.5, with a cost of $2.18 to save a little bit of money. Would you consider the Fantasian to be sufficient for those areas, or should I spend the extra to do the Voyager everywhere? I don’t know enough about carpet to know if the extra 10 oz of weight and the extra bit of density will make THAT much difference, especially in lower traffic areas?
Thanks so much for your help….
Posted by Lita B on August 13, 2011 at 8:14 pm
OK, sorry… I have more to add…the more I’ve been looking/comparing, the more the frieze look might be growing on me, especially one that’s not quite so “wormy”. I am still finding that the best prices are at Lowe’s, and I still think I’m gonna buy from there. They have what might be considered a “near” frieze that is called Bartley – it’s 55 oz, density 1976, twist 5.5 – and is the most expensive of what we are considering at $2.88/sq ft. What concerns me is that the density is so much less than the others we were looking at, and the twist is only 5.5 – I thought friezes needed a higher twist to be considered great quality? We are replacing carpet in high traffic areas (family room, stairs, hallway) as well as three bedrooms, so we definitely need something that will wear well, and I would prefer to not have visible footprints/vacuum marks. Unfortunately this Bartley is not from the “color wall” and thus we can’t get a slightly lower grade for the kids bedrooms like I mentioned above – not and get an “exact match” on color – so going with the Bartley will mean doing it in the whole house and will mean a good bit more money.
This is such a big investment… I’m so anxious I won’t make the right decision….
Posted by Lita B on August 13, 2011 at 11:31 pm
How about one more post?!? I have found, after much digging on the internet, that the “near frieze” is called “Discovering Paradise” in other stores, and is sometimes called a frieze, sometimes a cut-pile cable. What is the difference, really? I really do like the feel of it but want to make sure it will hold up long-term. Sorry for the three posts… I keep finding out more info and I need your educated input/opinion on all of it, if possible! Thanks so much!!!!
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 15, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Lita –
Honestly, I think your first choice of Voyager and Fantasian would be my choice. For two reasons – 1) you don’t want to chose something that is growing on you – you should love it to begin with and 2) the 40 is fine in bedrooms so why not save some $$$. I have not put my hands on any of these so I can’t comment on vacuum marks – if you can see your finger marks when you swipe the sample you will likely see vaccum marks.
Luck – CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 15, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Lita –
Even with this, I stand by my other answer…scroll to it.
CG
Posted by Lita B on August 15, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Thank you so much for your feedback. Honestly, the more I have read, looked, researched, looked, researched, etc…. the more I am actually coming to prefer the frieze. It is MORE than growing in me! And my husband and kids prefer it, as well. So… now I’m leaning THAT direction! If you could be so kind as to indulge a couple more questions for me…..I will try to be as brief as possible….
I believe my top choice for most of the house is “Prestigious Manner”, with a pile height of .898, weight 47 oz, density 1884. I am considering Cohesive Blend with a pile height of .770, weight 37 oz, density 1739 for the kids rooms, if you think it’s good enough quality? My primary dilemma right now is deciding if I want to spend a little extra to put “Bonita Springs” (same as the Bartley mentioned above) with a pile height of .982, weight 53.90 oz, density 1976 in the living room. I like the more plush feel of it, but from what I’ve read, the higher pile height may be a little more prone to crushing/matting, especially in a high-traffic area like the living room? Your thoughts/opinions on that? All of the above have a twist of 5.5×5.5.
My second primary dilemma relates to the pad in the living room. We are going with a 10 lb pound on the stairs and hallway, 8 lb in the bedrooms. My understanding is that the heavier weight pad will extend the life of the carpet, especially in the higher traffic areas, but will not feel as soft/cushy under foot. We would really like to have a very soft, comfortable feel in the living room, but it’s also the highest traffic area in the whole house. So I’m at a complete loss as to which combination of the above carpets/pads would be our best bet in that room for our needs/wants.
Thank you soooooo very much for your time and expertise!!