Executive Summary of Floor by John Gibb

carpet flooring

Carpets have been around for a very, very long time – one carpet from the fifth century BC still survives today, and there is evidence that carpets had been made for thousands of years before that. These carpets were more decorative than the practical version we know today, however, and they were often hung on walls as a kind of art. It was only in the 18th century that carpets became really popular as a floor covering.

Although carpet’s popularity has fallen in recent years, it is still one of the most popular floor coverings in the world. Unfortunately, carpet has had a lot of problems along the way, most of them to do with cleaning.

Cleaning a carpet, you see, is surprisingly difficult. Over time, they can get dirt and dust trapped deep inside their fibres, in a way that is very difficult for any type of cleaning product to remove, although the technology is still advancing all the time. A bad carpet can make a whole house dusty, playing havoc with anyone who has allergies, and making it very difficult to keep the place clean.

Carpet has also got a reputation for being stuffy and unfashionable-looking, thanks to the garishly patterned carpets of the ’70s and ’80s. Although nice looking carpets exist, many people prefer to just move away altogether to wooden flooring, or laminate.

If you’re thinking of getting a carpet, the most important thing to consider is what material it is made of, as that makes all the difference between a good carpet and a bad one. Most importantly, the best carpets are made from natural materials, such as wool and cotton, while cheaper ones are made from man-made substitutes. Carpet is one of those things where if you’re planning to go for the cheapest option, it’s best to avoid it altogether, as it will be truly terrible. Cheap laminate is simply much better than cheap carpet, and if price is an issue for you, it’s an option you’d be better off considering.

Also, check out my other guide on carpet tile or carpet rugs.