Please talk to us about carpets (brands, types, etc. - any recommendations?)

[ParentOfOne]

We don't really like carpets but have decided we'll put carpets because they are cheaper, lighter (we were told some kind of structural survey is needed before putting tiles on upper floors as they may be too heavy) and quieter, which is important when you have kids who are very, very light sleepers.

We admit our total ignorance on the topic! Any recommendations on where to start?

Fabrics? Is synthetic better than wool?

Types? Are there differences in the depth or the length of the threads?

Colours? Any recommendations on which kind of colours are easier to clean?

Brands?

Thanks!

Would you consider carpet tiles?

Here is a link: www.carpettilesnextday.co.uk/domestic-carpet-tiles

You can get creative with them and they're easier to manage if there are spills - you just replace a tile etc.

In the end, I've decided not to go with carpet at all. However, at one point I was seriously considering laying down carpet tiles.

I would probably look for Polypropylene carpet, its easy to clean and is resistant to wear. I haven't used them myself, but onlinecarpets.co.uk have good reviews (which you can read here), and they offer samples that you can get delivered so you can see what they will look like before you buy a roll. Depth (from my understanding), is how much you 'sink into the carpet'. You will need to get it 'deep cleaned' every 12 months or so, either by a professional, by hiring a carpet cleaning machine, or by buying your own.

all the best

Vynil? Lino?

Polypropylene is by far the most popular, it's comfy, hard wearing and an all-round good option. I'm going to be getting mine from onlinecarpets after they sent through some samples; there are hundreds to choose from so definitely get some sent over. Don't forget to allow for underlay and grippers in the costing.
If you go for a beigey slightly patterned one then dirt barely shows :) this is the one I picked out www.onlinecarpets.co.uk/cassius-70oz-heathers-invictus-carpet.html

@Loofah01 you will be most pleased to know I have that brand of carpet and it is excellent. So we have Invictus range by Associated Weavers.

I have Sirus and Orion? in Wheat Straw, I cannot remember which way round I have them, one is a slightly deeper pile which is in the lounge (Sirus?) the other is on the stairs, the landing and 3 of the bedrooms. The lounge one has been down the longest at 3 1/2 years and still looks amazing.

My Dad was a textile consultant and worked in a carpet factory as his first job and taught me well. Polyprop carpet feels so soft these days, doesn't stain, I have definitely split Pepsi on it at least 3 times and is not at risk of being eaten ny moths.

It looks different colours when you hoover it and I could not be more happy with it.

My hints would be decent underlay and stain guard.

@chunkyriverfish Good to know! Thanks

Don't buy wool. Difficult to clean and they just get eaten.