Frequently Asked Questions
What is broadloom carpet?
Broadloom carpet is traditional wall-to-wall carpet manufactured in wide rolls, typically 12 or 15 feet wide, and cut to fit the dimensions of a room. It is installed by stretching the carpet over a pad and tacking it to the subfloor around the perimeter. Broadloom is the most common carpet format for residential spaces and is available in a wide range of fibers, pile styles, densities, and colors.
What carpet fiber is best for my home?
The most common carpet fibers are nylon, polyester, triexta, and wool, each with different performance characteristics. Nylon is the most durable and resilient fiber available -- it bounces back from foot traffic and is the top choice for high-traffic areas and households with kids or pets. Polyester and triexta offer excellent stain resistance and soft feel at a lower price point but are less resilient under heavy traffic. Wool is a premium natural fiber that is soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant, but it comes at a higher cost. For most active households, nylon or triexta offers the best balance of performance and value.
What is carpet pile and how does it affect performance?
Pile refers to the surface fibers of the carpet -- how they are cut, looped, or twisted affects both the look and the durability of the floor. Cut pile styles like plush and saxony have a soft, uniform appearance but show footprints and vacuum marks more easily. Textured cut pile hides traffic patterns better and is one of the most practical choices for living rooms and hallways. Loop pile (Berber) is very durable and hides dirt well, making it a strong option for high-traffic areas. Cut-and-loop combines both for a patterned texture that works well in bedrooms and family rooms.
What carpet padding do I need?
Carpet padding is installed beneath broadloom carpet and significantly affects how the carpet feels and how long it lasts. A denser, firmer pad -- rather than a thick, soft one -- provides better support and extends the life of the carpet above it. The general rule is to use a pad no thicker than 7/16 inch and at least 6 lb density for residential installations. A pad that is too thick or too soft can cause the carpet to bottom out underfoot and wear prematurely. Ask our team for pad recommendations to match the specific carpet product you are purchasing.
How do I calculate how much carpet I need?
Measure the length and width of each room in feet and multiply to get square footage. Add 10% to account for seams, cuts, and waste -- more if your room has an irregular shape or angled walls. Because broadloom carpet comes in fixed widths (typically 12 feet), rooms wider than 12 feet will require seaming. A professional installer or our team can help you calculate the most efficient layout to minimize waste and seam placement.
Is broadloom carpet a good choice for homes with pets?
Yes, with the right fiber and construction choices. Look for carpet made from nylon or triexta with a tight, dense pile that resists matting and is easier to clean. Stain-treated and solution-dyed carpets are the most resistant to pet accidents because the color goes all the way through the fiber rather than sitting on the surface. Avoid long, looped pile styles with pets -- claws can snag and pull loops out of the backing. A quality waterproof carpet pad also helps protect the subfloor from accidents that soak through.
How do I maintain broadloom carpet?
Vacuum regularly -- at least once or twice a week in high-traffic areas -- to prevent dirt from working into the pile and abrading the fibers. Address spills immediately by blotting (not rubbing) from the outside of the stain inward. Professional steam cleaning every 12 to 18 months removes deep-set dirt and refreshes the pile. Use entry mats at exterior doors to reduce the amount of soil tracked onto carpet, and rotate furniture periodically to prevent permanent traffic patterns.










