--- title: "All You Need to Know About Wall-to-Wall Carpeting" description: "Thinking about wall-to-wall carpeting? These are the key considerations to bear in mind about this floor covering." date: "2012-01-12" modified: "2023-02-03" authors: - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2224-carpeting/" categories: - "Flooring" - "Interior" tags: - "Rugs & Carpeting" --- # All You Need to Know About Wall-to-Wall Carpeting ![Wall to Wall Carpeting in a Home]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Whether you’re remodeling the whole house or freshening up only a few rooms, new floor coverings can revive spaces that have seen better days. When considering putting wall-to-wall carpeting down on your floors, there are some things you should know: ## How carpets are made Carpets are made in one of three ways. - **Woven carpets** are made with the tufts woven into the carpet backing. - **Tufted carpets** have fiber loops (or tufts) inserted into a prewoven backing. - **Non-woven carpets** have tufts that are bonded to the backing. ![Carpet Types]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* ## What carpets are made of Carpets are made of wool, a blend of silk and wool, and cotton, as well as a wide variety of synthetic materials, including acrylics, nylon, polyester, and olefin. Natural fibers tend to stain more easily than the artificial ones. If you plan to [install carpeting]() in a high-traffic room—if yours must withstand the demands of children, pets, and frequent family gatherings—save yourself headaches by choosing an easy-to-clean product. Nylon can’t be beat for durability. It's know for colorfastness, stain-resistance, and a high level of resilience against everyday wear and tear. ## How long carpeting lasts Most good quality carpets, regard­less of the fiber used, will hold their color and wear for many years, provided adequate [care,]() beginning with regular [vacuuming]() and annual [shampooing](). Generally, the denser the pile yarn the longer the carpeting will keep its tight, thick appearance. With carpeting that has a loose pile, the fibers are likely to separate and relax over time, causing the floor covering to lose its plushness and color vibrancy. ## Carpeting vs. area rugs [Area rugs]() can be used in countless ways (for example, to define areas, add color or pattern, or to deaden sound). But the use of an area rug is really a design decision, whereas carpeting can be a principal flooring sur­face. Most wall-to-wall carpeting, regardless of its manufacturing process, is termed broadloom carpet because it leaves the factory in rolls of varying widths, typ­ically 9, 12, or 15 feet. A padding is laid beneath the carpet, then the carpet itself is attached to the floor at the perimeter of room, most often using a tackless strip. Carpet needs to be laid in [a relatively dry setting](), since all but olefin carpets tend to absorb moisture. ## Choosing the right carpet The decision about what kind of carpet to use tends to be a very subjective one. Many people feel expensive wool carpets convey prestige; others swear that top-of-the-line nylon is indistinguishable and more durable, too. Interested in creating an eco-friendly environment at home? Be wary that inferior-quality carpeting products are known to off-gas a mix of latex, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and other chemicals. For this reason, recent years have witnessed many people opting for carpeting composed of non-toxic, natural materials. Look at the options and arrange for estimates from a [carpeting contrac­tor](). The balancing act of price, availability, texture, color, and pattern should bring you to your decision. ## Author Bob Vila is America's Handyman. As a TV host, author, spokesperson, builder and historic preservationist, he has been heavily involved in construction and remodeling for the better part of a half century. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Pinterest]() [Facebook]() [Instagram]()