Top 10 Buying Tips

1) How long are you expecting your carpet to last. If the carpet is a quick fix or a long term purchase will be an important point to consider. If for instance it is a rental property which you know may have to be changed within a year or two there are felt back options which are fantastic “tidy uppers” and will not make a big dent in your budget. If it is a long term solution you are after perhaps a 80% wool 20% man made fibre option would be what we would put to your consideration as wool being a natural fibre is ideal to keep the long term good looks of your floor.

2) The room. Consider carefully the area where you are installing a new floor. Although as the customer the final decision lays with you, there are certain flooring ranges which would perform very well in a bedroom but not provide the adequate wearability for a lounge, stairs or landings.

3) Considering underlay. If you are looking at a short term solution with a felt back carpet, you would have the option of putting the carpet down with or without underlay. Felt back carpets to not require it but underlay will provide extra comfort and insulation. All long lasting carpets will require underlay and you have a choice of several qualities and thicknesses. New underlay will prolong the life of your new carpet by up to 40 per cent, will give you extra comfort underfoot and will provide extra insulation for noise and warmth. Just as you wouldn't buy a new car without new tyres, so you should always buy new underlay with new carpet.

4) What are your decorating plans. Choosing the right colour would probably be the most difficult decision you will have to make and we will always recommend that you choose you carpet first and have it fitted last. 

5) Plain or patterned. In our experience, we would always recommend you experiment with both options. If you are planning on plain coloured walls, a patterned carpet could give an area a much needed lift and give a room character and colour. A plain carpet gives more flexibility for the use of pattern elsewhere in the room.

6) Borrowing samples from your retailer. Every home will have its own lighting and the effect on the colour of the carpet could make the colour change dramatically. Before making a final decision always take samples home so that you can see the effect of the light both in the morning and in the evening.

7) Carpet fitting. Always have your carpet fitted professionally and by a reputable retailer you can go back to if there is a problem.

8) Taking measurements. Get your room measured professionally or you may end up ordering either too much or too little. At David Payne Carpets we offer a no obligation measuring and estimating service.


9) Always keep your surplus carpet. As most carpets manufactured come in a minimum of 4 and 5 metres wide, it is likely you may have some surplus carpet. There are services available were you can have spare carpet binded and can be turned into mats. It may be useful as an extra protection for your new carpet.


10) Buy the best carpet you can afford, especially if you are looking at a long term flooring solution you should expect to pay £20 m2 plus underlay and fitting. You do not have to spend that money but it would be unrealistic to expect longevity from a carpet range which is not designed for it. 

For instance, when considering synthetic fibres, a 2 ply polypropylene would provide you with a better wear than a single ply option. If an 80/20 (80% wool and 20% synthetic fibre) is not within your budget, Nylon fibres are extremely hard wearing and worth considering.

Should you decide that you will require an 80/20 option, price would be a very good indicator for the quality of the wool. It is always preferable to look for virgin wool or ranges which display the British wool logo to make sure you do not purchase reconstituted wool.