Wanted to let all the users know that I will be MIA for a few weeks starting Saturday June 19th. Headed over the pond for two weeks with the fam. So if you leave me a comment, you aren’t being ignored…but you will have to wait a bit.
CG
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Posted by DJ on June 28, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Carpetgirl, I posted a question last week (?) on finding an installer. I know you posted a great answer because I read it once. But today I am going to call some installers and wanted to refresh my memory by rereading the post. However, I can’t locate it anywhere on the blog. Could it have been deleted?
Your expertise has been very very helpful! Thank you.
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 5, 2010 at 4:06 pm
DJ –
Your comment and my reply were under the “About” post. I still see it there….but here is my reply again:
Hey DJ -
Visit http://www.cfi-installers.org. CFI has over 40,000 certified installers. That should narrow down the options. I’ll be honest – I am in the business and my carpet was very poorly installed. I’m embarrassed! Installation is the single biggest carpet complaint there is so your question is a great one!
Ask a few key questions…
1) do you have insurance? (I ask this of anyone working in my home or yard – might even ask if they are bonded)
2) how long have you been in business? (there are a ton of unqualified installers – frankly lots of people think they can install. Make sure they have a good bit of experience)
3) do you have references I can call? (if they can’t – hang up!)
4) do you use a knee kicker, a power stretcher, or a combination of both? (they should say a combination of both…you should insist on your carpets being power stretched or you can get wrinkles)
5) have you installed SmartStrand carpet before? (if they say yes – ask when and if they have a reference. there is no difference between installing smartstrand and any other fiber – it is a good sign if they know that!)
Good luck!
CG
Posted by DJ on July 6, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Thank you so much. I have some computer homework to do–how to post and reply! Thanks again for your advice!
Posted by wendy on July 15, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Hi CarpetGirl,
Your posts are so very helpful! I am deciding between Trimaran, Organic Luxury and Roaming Spirit for my family room and bedrooms. We plan to have children soon as well as a small dog. Can you tell me the difference between them as far as density/twist etc? The sales guy told me that they were all basically the same.
Thank you!
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 19, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Wendy –
Here’s what I know…Trimaran is 65 ounces, Organic is 60 and Roaming is 58. All are catagorized on my sheet as textures, which probably means they have a twist level of 5.5 – which is good. To your salesman’s credit, I don’t think there is a ton of difference between the 3, but I don’t have any more info on the styles than what is on my sheet and the person I usually ask is out today. If you ahve time to dig through the posts…Roaming is the same as WIndwalker and Trimaran as Simonton Beach. Seems like I had posted some info on Windwalker at least at some point.
CG
Posted by wendy on July 19, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Thanks carpetgirl!
I looked up Simonton Beach and it has the same color names as Sea Star. Does that mean that Sea Star is the same as Trimaran?
Thanks!
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 20, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Wendy –
In this case yes, but that is not always true. Sometimes grouped products have the same color pallete – like the color wall products.
CG
Posted by wendy on August 2, 2010 at 3:35 am
Hi again,
In my search for SS carpet in Los Angeles I have found Posh Origns and Organic Luxury on color walls. I took samples of both in my favorite color (Blondie in PO and Tortilla in OL) and they appear to be exactly the same. I am assuming they are? thanks!
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 2, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Wendy -
I can’t confirm that the colors are exactly the same. I simply don’t have that info. If they came from the same bay on the colorwall, they most likely are though. It was set up according to color groupings and to my knowledge the layout didn’t change from brand to brand. Apparently you are consistent!
CG
Posted by Wendy on August 11, 2010 at 3:19 am
Hi Carpet Girl,
Me again. Also looking into Thunderheart because it looks like it is the right color . Any idea what other names it goes by? I found it at a color center store but had a bad experience and would prefer to buy at a local floorscapes store that i like. Thanks!
Wendy
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 12, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Wendy –
Sorry for the delay…they finally found my files! Thunderheart would be similar to Roaming Spirit at a Floorscapes store.
CG
Posted by Carla on August 25, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Hi CarpetGirl — I am thoroughly confused and I deal everyday of my working life with FDA regulations and they are easier to understand!!!
Anyway, I want to know if Mohawk Prize Winner II is still made and where I would find it or the same carpet under a different name. My builder put it in my home 5 years ago and it has been a good carpet even with 2 cats who occasionally upchuck the odd hairball. Also, could you give me the specs for it and suggest a fair price.
Carla
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 26, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Carla –
I’m sorry…it is a bit complicated, huh? I suppose I am simply used to it. Don’t get me started on the FDA!:)
Prize Winner II is a Portico style. Portico is our builder line so you won’t be able to find it in a store. Try Stealth in our Aladdin line. It’s really similar with updated colors.
I have no idea on pricing. I get asked if certain prices seem reasonable – to that I can comment, but to know what pricing would be is tough. Regional factors always come into play. The style you ae looking for is on the lower end of things so I would expect the pricing to be aggressive.
I would be remiss to not say that Prize Winner is as entry level as we get at 25 ounces. I’m impressed that you are impressed with it since I typically would never recommend anything that light to anyone. There is a chance that an independent retailer might not carry it. If they don’t have Stealth, ask if they carry any entry-level 25 ounce nylons.
CG
Posted by Carla on August 26, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Thanks CG.
Well after reading all of the posts on your blog I know I want SmartStrand and I’m happy to take off the color wall (now that I understand what that is — not a branded product is that right?). So if I go to Home Depot what should I be looking for? How can I know which carpets are SmartStrand and which are not? I know you prefer at least a 40 ounce weight but I’m okay with something lighter (obviously if I was happy with my builder’s grade!).
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 26, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Carla –
The colorwall is actually a collection of products that share the same color line…Think there are 70 different colors. For example – there might be three textures, a few friezes, a patterned style and a loop that have the same bank of 70 colors to choose from. We call it a colorwall because the display looks like a wall with color swatches on it. The products are most definitely branded and you will see SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona on each sample. Becuase of space needed, Home Depot does not have a wall but they have an entire display of just SmartStrand Sorona products on it. You can’t miss it. I THINK HD carries a 25 ounce product, but I don’t have a list for them either. I am certain they would have a 32, which is a logical first upgrade to what you have now.
Luck – CG
Posted by yoyo on August 31, 2010 at 5:42 pm
We are renovating our house, including the replacement of the carpet (total carpet area is 57 linear meters or about 60 yards). This includes a staircase.
Although at this stage only my wife and I are living here (and two young Russion Blue cats with the usual issues!). We may consider selling our house in 5 to10 years.
We are very interested in the Simonton Beach and Windwalker styles but do not have easy access to technical information. Is it possile to provide the following: weight, density, twist and pile height and any other relevant information for both? What are the differences between these two styles and how suited are each of them to our needs?
Is there any other comparable style in the Horizon colleoction?
This carpet range (Mohawk Triexta-DuPont Serena) is quite new to us here in New Zealand.
Regards
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 1, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Yoyo -
Simonton is 65 ounces, has 6.5 for twist and a density of 3357.
Windwalker is 56 ounces, also 6.5 twist and a density of 3080.
I don’t have the piles but I believe windwalker has a lower pile height than SB. I also don’t have the samples handy to give you a written comparision. Frankly from what you say, either of these will suit your needs just fine, so your choice is more aesthetic now than technical. Which do you prefer the look of and what color do you like best.
Luck – CG
Posted by YT on September 23, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Hi CarpetGirl!
Your blog and comments on GardenWeb have been so helpful. I’m very interested in the Karastan Artful Inspiration but can’t seem to find any specifications for it. Would you happen to know and what are your thoughts on this line?
Thanks, YT
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 24, 2010 at 6:35 pm
YT –
All I know abou Artful is that it is about 45 ounces and a texture. Your dealer should be able to tell you more. As far as the line goes, Karastan is our high end line with a great reputation. You really can’t go wrong with a Karastan style.
Luck – CG
Posted by Sue mck on October 17, 2010 at 12:05 am
Hi Carpet Girl,
I have been looking for carpeting for my family room. There are two i am interested in, but am still confused. The first one is by Shaw. It is a frieze called ClearTouch Coronado I, it is a polyster and very soft to the touch. The second is a Karastan SmartStrand (same as Mohawk SmartStrand?) called Naden. I have 4 young grandchildren who visit often and I want something durable, but comfortable. Any advise is appreciate.. Thanks, Sue
Posted by CarpetGirl on October 18, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Sue –
ClearTouch is a PET polyester. Though they do have their place, I am not a big fan of PET since there are better, more durable options. PET polyesters are not overly durable when it comes to traffic, and I typically do not recommend them unless someone has a limited budget and plans to replace in the next 5 years or so anyway. They are pretty stain resistant so that is a plus.
SmartStrand is going to be your best “kid-friendly” option. That Karastan style is a good 45 ounce texture that should meet your needs. There are also some soft nylons on the market that are durable, BUT not nearly as stain resistant…which makes me nervous with the grandkids. If you want durability and stain resistance – go with Naden.
CG
Posted by Deborah Wright on January 10, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Hi Carpet WonderWoman,
You are the best.
I hope I’m not repeating a question you’ve already answered, but here goes:
I am looking for a Smartstrand and or Triexta carpet that is light in color to use in a two-bedroom condo with a great room. I will use the carpet throughout. I want something that I can put area rugs on top of (i.e. a hallway runner, a rug under my dining table, a sheepskin to step on when i get out of bed). Is the “berber look” out of fashion and, if I use it,will I be dating myself and my new home? Are there level-loops with flecks available? If I don’t go with the “berber-look”, do you have suggestions for something else that would work well under area rugs? What weight and density would I need?
Thank you for any suggestions. And Happy New Year! Deb
Posted by CarpetGirl on January 14, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Deborah –
Deleted all but the WonderWoman posts. I got them all but have been stick in ice and snow and unable to reply until now.
I don’t think you’d be dating yourself with a loop…just don’t call it a berber – that dates you:)
There is one multi-level loop called Constant Charm that I am aware of it is all solid colored, no flecks. Horizon has another style called Campanello that looks like it has flecks. Karastan also has one called Marsella that you can look at.
There is a minimum thickness for pad that goes under loop carpet – ask for a warranty brochure – I am sure that it is in there. I just don’t have one in front of me. I did a 10# pad under mine…I think it was 7/16″.
CG
Most good loops start around 32 ounces.
Posted by Vicki on February 4, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I am looking at Mohawk Prestigious Manner to put in all my bedrooms living room and dining room of my ranch style house. I have had plush carpet for the last 20 years but going with frieze. Now I am having difficulty choosing colors between 117 Adobe or 134 Twine. Both are beige neutrals. Does carpet look darker or lighter from sample when it’s installed. Any input on which color you would choose. And do you recommend running this carpet throughout my house?
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 4, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Vicki –
My darker color looked lighter and my lighter was darker than I expected…so I don’t have a clear answer for you. I also don’t have samples here to look at. Ask the retailer to order you a larger sample – preferrably 27″ x 18″, if he doesn’t have them already available. Take them to your home, in your lighting and compare. That is really the only way to tell if reds or other colors will pop out of the beige. Beige differences are so subtle nowadays that I am not surprised you are struggling.
Luck – CG
Posted by Jo on February 18, 2011 at 3:44 pm
how many twists are a good twist? Is it better to buy direct than thru, say, Home Depot? what is rule of thumb on carpet weight? Can you tell anything from feeling the webbing when you examine the sample? All I really know about carpet is that you should buy the best pad you can. I am looking for a basement install over cement floor.
Thanks!
Posted by CarpetGirl on February 21, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Jo –
I like a minimum of 5 turns of twist in a yarn.
By “buy direct” I am not sure what you mean. All carpet is sold through retailers or distributors, you can’t puchase directly from the mill. Home Depot sells a lot of carpet…the audience is a little split on working with them for installation, but they are probably just a split on independent retailers.
All you can tell if you can feel the backing is that you don’t have an overly dense carpet in your hand. Most friezes are loose enough to feel the backing when you hold it…it does not mean the carpet is a poor performer.
True on the pad…It will extend the life of your carpet.
CG
Posted by karen on March 6, 2011 at 3:04 am
hi carpetgirl!
I have decided on smartstrand for my upstairs and a commercial carpet for my entry, my stairs, and in floor heated basement on a house we are building this spring.
Originally I wanted a plush feel downstairs there but I was told I can’t with in floor heat. I got a sample of a beaulieu commercial carpet as I was told at carpetland that there isn’t a mohawk commercial carpet. The sample did not bleach out with bleach in my test ( and was impossible to stain except with a paint pen!), so I’m guessing it is a solution died nylon? I can’t find anything on this product. The label says rosenwald 26 oz
I heard beaulieu was only so- so on the web. So I am wondering if this is a good investment? We were thinking about glueing straight to the concrete to avoid the “rise” pad expense and whatever amount of heat it might block( I was not told what that cost of the pad) But another store had mohawk alladdin products and a pad for this infloor heat for 50 cents/foot.
Thought appreciated on: in floor heat pad, beaulieu, if mohawk/triexta/PTT/sorona/ does have a commercial line that could work for in floor heat, and what this sample might be made of.
Also, the new line of smartstrand like “intelligent style” ( 3. something) for example, does not have as good a wear rating as their older lines like andalusia ( 4.2) a 45.1 oz face wt, , and courtland (4.0) a 50 oz face wt, Why is that?
Lastly, is there any aladdin smartstrand options besides Avington park? I was at 2 alladdin stores and neither had this or any triexta in the alladdin line.
Posted by dmak on March 6, 2011 at 9:01 pm
My husband & I are planning to replace the carpet in 3 bedrooms and a hallway. We have been very impressed with SmartStrand. However the 3 retailers that we have visited each have different Mohawk Brands. I want to be sure that we are comparing prices for the same basic carpet. The 3 carpets that we are looking at are Posh Origins, New Sensations and Organic Luxury. Can you tell me if these 3 are the same carpet under different names? We also found another Mohawk carpet that we like. It is called Iconic Design and is Wear Dated Soft Touch BCF Nylon. How does this compare to SmartStrand?
Thank you for any guidance you can give us. Your blog is EXTREMELY helpful!!
Posted by CarpetGirl on March 9, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Karen -
I have very little experience with “in floor heat”. Instinctively I don’t know why a carpet would NOT work with it, plush or otherwise. Mohawk does have a full commercial line. The most readily available at retail is under the aladdin brand. It is possible that the carpetland dealer simply does not carry our line…does not mean there isn’t one. I’d guess that the style you are looking at from Beaulieu is either polypropylene (olefin on the label) or a solution dyed nylon. By law the sample should have the type of fiber in the carpet somewhere on it. It’s odd that you don’t have that info on the sample.
No pad is not a great idea – my opinion. The padding does help extend the life of the carpeting and it will feel like concrete otherwise.
I hate to comment on other manufacturers and I really can’t say anything negative about Beaulieu. They are the 3rd largest carpet manufacturer, so you hear less about them than either Mohawk or Shaw but that doesn’t make them bad. Slightly smaller offering too so that plays in with opinions.
You will not find smartstrand in commercial YET. It’s coming but not quite yet.
There is a ton of SmartStrand in the Aladdin line – display is called complete confidence.
The differences between the par ratings are likely due to twist levels. Has nothing to do with when the products were introduced.
Think I covered everything…some better than others.
Luck – CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on March 9, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Dmak –
Posh and Organic are the same. New Sensation is not…it is oldre and not quite as soft as the other two. Still good but not as soft.
Nylons have similar wear performance to SmartStrands but are treated to be temporarily stain resistant. SmartStrand have buiilt-in protection that doesn’t go away with wear or cleanings.
Luck – CG
Posted by Vicki on March 14, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Is Prestigious Manner a good choice to run throughout the home? What type of pad would you recommend for this carpet?
Posted by Karla Paulsen on April 6, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I am considering Mohawks 7083 Thunderheart smartstrand in my living room, dining room and family room and would like to know the weight, density and twist of it. My local retailer can’t find the information for me. They have priced it to me at $32.50/sq yd. In your opinion, is that in line? Would there be a similar version of this available at Home Depot at a lower price?
Also what type of pad would you suggest for this? We have a cat in the house, children are grown, grandchildren live far away
I was wondering about a water proof pad. I would like my carpet to last 20-25 years.
I appreciate your expertise, your blog here and at other sites are so informative. I feel educated with the information I’ve gained from you, Thank you!
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 7, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Karla –
I only have weights on my list. Thunderheart is a 58 ounce texture. I have no info at all on Home Depot styles, but there’s a good chance there is something at least close at HD. It’s hard for me to tell you whether your pricing is good becuase I do not know what it includes. Is that with installation, rip-up and haul off, pad, furniture removal??
For pad – I always recommend a moisture barrier pad with SmartStrand. Denser pads will help your carpet to last longer, so if that is your goal…go 10 lb. 20-25 years is possible with annual steam cleanings, low wear and altering of traffic patterns, but it is certainly not the norm so please don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
Luck – CG
Posted by Rhonda on April 19, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Hi Carpetgirl, many thanks for your helpful site!! I am recarpeting my stairs and want to use the Mohawk Smartstrand sorona . I am considering the 1K62 Unrivaled elegance in 525 Sweet Potato it has a pile height of 0.76, face weight of 73.5, density of 3547 and tuft twist 5.5, we could also use the same color in 1152 Posh Origins which has a pile height of 0.721, face weight of 59-60,density 2936 and tuft twist of 5.5. My concern is matting – is unrivaled elegance pile height too much? (we are two adults, 1 child and 4 dogs-and yes we will be using your recommended pet pad!) and will the unrivaled elegance look too thick since it will be wrapping around spindles and in waterfall steps which is what you see as you enter the foyer. What would be best for long term wear? We plan on keeping this carpet forever so I don’t want to skimp if thats not in my best interest. Thanks so much for your help!!!
Posted by CarpetGirl on April 26, 2011 at 1:37 am
Rhonda –
Unrilaved is not significantly higher, so I wouldn’t worry about that. I can’t visualize “wrapping around spindles”, but for the steps…get a sample and bend it to simulate a step…if you see backing, you’ll be annoyed. Given the specs, I don’t think you’ll have a problem.
Luck – CG
Posted by Rhonda on April 26, 2011 at 2:15 am
Hi Carpetgirl,
Many thanks that is a terrific point. We have samples of both carpets and I just did the bend test. I can not see backing with the Unrivaled Elegance but you do see, for lack of a better word, fissures between the fibers toward the backing which is not attractive. With the lower pile height, the Posh Origins just seems to flow without the fibers parting. As long as you think Posh Origins is durable enough for stairs, I agree, I think aesthetically it will look better. Many thanks for that terrific advice!! Rhonda
Posted by CarpetGirl on May 2, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Rhonda -
Posh should be fine…
Luck – CG
Posted by John on June 2, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Hi CG,
We are considering re-carpeting our house with Mohawk Thunderheart. Unfortunately, this appears to be a private label so it makes it very difficult to comparison shop (I guess that is the whole idea). Can you tell me what is equivalent to Thunderheart in Mohawk’s “public” labels?
Thanks, John
Posted by CarpetGirl on June 13, 2011 at 6:56 pm
John –
Check out Windwalker…CG
Posted by tom on June 14, 2011 at 10:17 pm
I am wondering what is a good price to pay for Smart Cushion pad … the thicker one offered by Mohawk? Thanks
Posted by Losingsleepoverthisquestion on June 27, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Carpet Girl,
Love your work! We have 3 young boys and will be carpeting a large part of the house in Smartstrand. We are looking at a Mohawk premier Aladdin collection called Aspen Heights (aka Colorado Dreaming) which is a frieze. It is 100% Triexta Smartstrand, has a density/durability of 3.5 and a yarn weight of 29.4. It says it has 5.33 stitches per inch. I am concerned about the low yarn weight (far below recommended 40), but the dealer says it will not be a problem since it is a frieze and has Smartstrand’s premier warranty. I do like the ‘wormy’ look of it and the next ‘wormy’ looking denser carpet would be a significant jump in price. Should we keep looking or do you think this will suit us?
Posted by CarpetGirl on June 30, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Tom –
Not sure about pricing…varies from market to market and product to product.
CG
Posted by cheers on June 30, 2011 at 3:38 pm
On the carpat pad question. I just lost a paragraph of this post hope what’s left will help:
I ended up getting a memory foam 3/8 inch that sells for 99 cents foot.
Due to a screw up with my order .The carpet company HD contracts with had trouble keeping things straight- anyway, they delivered the wrong one ( they brought the 99 cent memory foam) and I measured the depth ( 3/8 inch) and the installer told me it was the correct one- but it was not 1/2 inch, I called HD and checked. ( yes the light green was the stuff in the store not the scotch guard product)
To make a long story short. I let them install it anyway. I had furniture getting delivered the next day. I’m happy with it. It was 10 cents more per foot than the scotchgaurd which is 89 cents/foot. Their mistake so I didn’t pay the difference. The installer , who later admitted he had made the mistake with my order and didn’t notice I had switched to scotchguard later on, , said he has the 3/8 inch memory foam in his own home ( after 10 years in the business he ought to know what’s good) and he thinks it is the best.
Posted by Losingsleepoverthisquestion on June 30, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Oh, I forgot to add that we will install the SmartCushion. The carpet will be on stairs as well.
Posted by Carrie on July 1, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Hello Carpet Girl, or should I say “Carpet Guru”? Thanks for providing this much needed service! Like the poster above me, I’m looking at some lower weights, as we have so much square footage to replace all at once that the higher weights are unfortunately out of our budget. Our dealer showed us some Triexta carpets in a 28 oz (Summer Camp), 40 oz (Favorite Memories), 32 oz (Long View), and 35 oz (Bancroft Garden). We need something with super stain resistance, as we have a barfing cat and a teenage boy, and we’re expecting to be in our home for five to seven more years…though of course anything could happen. The dealer said he would also do some research on entry-level Stainmaster carpets for us to work with our budget…but we really don’t know which, if any, of these options are good for us. Hope you enjoyed your trip and thanks tons for your thoughts!
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 27, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Cheers –
I am a bit behind but the 3/8 will be fine. No worries!
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 27, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Sleep –
I see I approved the comment but can’t see my response but I swear I did. Go heavier! Even a little bit. It will be worth it long term.
Luck – CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on July 27, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Carrie –
Stainmaster won’t give you the stain resistance you want. It has a topical treatment. I can’t recommend the 28 oz…just can’t do it. If you are only looking for another 5-7 years, you’ll likely be ok with the 32 or up. If your teenager was like ours, he will rarely remove himself from the couch, if he is home at all, so traffic should be no issue!
Luck – CG
Posted by Judy on August 2, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Dear Carpetgirl,
I have a question and don’t know how to post it… but will just attempt to do so in this window.
How does one deal with the awful new carpet smell from SmartStrand???? We are gasping.
Thank you…
Judy Martin
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 15, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Judy –
New carpet smell is new carpet smell regardless of whether it is SmartStrand or any other type of fiber. The odor is in the backing used. It typically dissipates in 48-72 hours and if you can opne windows it will help. I realize I am probably answering this a bit to late to be helpful at all! Sorry
CG
Posted by hanesj75 on August 18, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Hi CarpetGirl,
Your blog is so fantastic, thanks for taking the time to educate us on important/expensive decisions that we make so infrequently.
We’re definitely looking at Smartstrand/Sorona carpet.
I’ve been to a local Mohawk Floorscapes dealer and was originally looking at Kinetic Contrasts but they have in-stock rolls of SP167 (which I can find nothing about on Mohawk’s site or anywhere else, although I understand it’s similar to Sundancer) for about 50 cents a square foot cheaper. Although it’s fairly lightweight, is this still a decent carpet for 7-10 year usage with some fairly high-traffic areas?
Installed price per foot for Kinetic Contrasts is about $4 (includes 8 pound moisture barrier pad, 14 stair treads, and removal/haul away of old carpet). That makes SP167 about $3.50. This seems high to me, but I really don’t know – any comments on that? I’m in the midwest part of the country.
Thanks for your help!
Posted by Lisa on August 31, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Hi CG,
Thank you so much for helping everyone out. Your past replies have been very helpful. We are replacing carpet in our high traffic family room an stairway/hallway as well as lower traffic master bedroom and study. It seems like it would be most cohesive to get the same carpet for all. We have a 15 and a 10 year old as well as a large dog(Bernese Mountain Dog) and 2 cats.
We are sold on getting the Startstrand with or without the Dupont Sonora and the Smart Cushion.
We have looked at the carpet in the local carpet store and are currently looking at ..
Posh Origns ($4.09/sq ft) – seems a little pricey and having difficulty choosing a color and may be a bit too… posh (or high pile?)
They also had Modern Ease ($2.60/sq ft for four colors in stock/ ~$3.55? otherwise) but not as dense and lower hight. Seemed not quite dense or high enough.
They also had a new one in called Quiet Glamour that is not on the Mohawk website. It seems to have similar height to Posh Origns but clearly not as dense??? Not sure about the twist. This was priced at $2.60/sq ft ??? Why so much cheaper?
Do you have advise or numbers that would help us compare these carpets? Any others that we should look at?
Thanks for any help you can give.
-Lisa
Posted by FriezeFrenzied on September 17, 2011 at 3:45 am
Hi Carpet Girl,
A lot of good reading here from you and others.
I finally am replacing the carpet in my bedroom and need your expertise. I have tile in my bathroom, living room, hallway (I tore up all the carpeting & replaced it with tile, but would like to put carpet in the bedroom) I checked out Lowes and Home depot’s Frieze already and also went to one of our local Carpet stores, so I’m sure you understand my confusion. No children, just a cat and me and heavy oak furniture in the bedroom .
I found an Alladin by Mohawk in the San Bernadino Style that is a 40 oz. However I cannot locate anything anywhere about this carpet on the net! Also, I was looking at the Mohawk Wise Collection LB026 that is supposedly a smartstrand carpet in 50 oz and a density of 2285. Does that sound right to you?
The carpet store quoted me on a Mohawk City Life Style in a Triexta. The possible colors are Raisin Cake #862 or Parchment #832. Again, I cannot find this style anywhere on the net. The other one I looked at is a Mohawk Smartstrand in Essential Nature. The colors I looked at are #748 Light Harvest; #727 Almond or #842 Earth or Earthtone. Again, I cannot find any information on either of these carpets. The salesperson kept saying he would “bring” the sample boards when he came to my house to measure. I’d like to see those sample boards without a salesperson. I need to check the colors against my golden oak furniture and the tile and with NATURAL light!
Another I was looking at is a Poly called Peace of Mind in a Toffee color. The store said it is 10yr abrasive wear, life on stain resistance and life on texture and in addition is Anti-Static! I don’t know the weight, the density or anything else about it.
I like the Multicolored Frieze, but have to be careful about too much gold or too pink or too gray. Also, some of them look cheap to me when the strands are too long and mixed with shorter strands. Any chance you can aim me in the right direction?
Posted by FriezeFrazzled on September 18, 2011 at 4:02 am
I wrote a long lengthy description of the carpets I am considering for my bedroom, but that was 2 days ago, and I still don’t see the post!
I just found a Shaw carpet for Martha Stewart Living in a twist, in the Clivenden Tonal style in Brown Alpaca. It is a 100% ANSO BCF Nylon and is supposedly 39 oz. I don’t know the twist and can’t find anything more about it. Any ideas?
I also like the Mohawk Wise in Indian Buff that is a smartstrand in a 50 oz. Again, I cannot find any more info on this carpet.
A carpet store showed me a Triexta in the City Life style which again, I cannot find info on. The colors I looked at were Raisin Cake #862 and Parchment #832. Those colors are a lot lighter than I would like, as I would prefer something in the brown tonal colors.
The carpet will go in the bedroom and I have medium oak finish bedroom furniture. I like the looks of frieze but I would like something that will hold up and is soft to touch.
Can you help?
Posted by Alison on September 18, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Hi Carpet Girl,
Do you have any info on these or any preference between the two?
love your blog, we are currently in the market to replace about 2300 sq ft of carpeting in our home. I’ve pretty well narrowed it down to either a karastan trastevere or a Mohawk organic luxury. I can’t find any info on the weight or twist for either though may not be looking in the right places!
thanks so much!
Posted by Alison on September 19, 2011 at 1:44 am
me again – one more to throw into mix – my costco guy just sent me a quote for a Mohawk smartstrand – don’t know the name but he says it’s 73.5 so I’m assuming it’s comparable to unrivaled elegance (?) – his price, with a 10 lb pad is considerable lower than the other two bids I have. So – karastan trastevere, mohawk organic luxury, mohawk unrivaled elegance – any clear winners? Thanks, I have found your blog to be SO very helpful!
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Hanes,
The SP product is a special and typically short term, that’s why you don’t find it anywhere. It is around 37 ounces. Kinetic is 45. I lean toward Kenetic for the slight difference in price. That extra weight is probably worth it.
As for pricing, given all the inclusions, it sounds reasonable to me.
Luck,
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Lisa-
Modern is 40 ounces…quiet is 47 and posh is 60. So you really aren’t looking at anything similar to posh. I can’t say why quiet is less expensive…could be the dealer bought stock or that we have a sale going right now. Quiet does look to be a pretty new style, so that could be part of it too. I am finding it hard to give you a reason to not go with the 47 when it is less than the 40.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Frenzied-
Comments don’t show up until I have had a chance to approve them.
Unfortunately all the styles you’ve listed appear to be store labels. I have no info on them other than city life…that one is 25 ounces. Very low weight.
I am not a fan of poly due to it’s lack of resiliency, especially in low weights. Heavier products have been built to compensate for that.
If you do not want the sales person around, just have them leave the samples or go get them yourself. If that isn’t an option…maybe find another store.
Sorry I’m not much help on this.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Frazzled,
Know nothing about Shaw styles.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Alison,
Organic is a 60 oz texture…tras is 80. Twist should be the same. Tras is a chunk of carpet very luxurious but sometime more than you need. Organic is still a very high end. I am a fan of both.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 20, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Alison…
Probably a good guess that it is similar to unrivaled. I’d expect it to be less than tras, but if it is less than the 60, I’d probably go with it.
I know very little about Costco installation and such so you might want to do some digging there and see what people are saying.
CG