When you purchase new carpet, you have several kinds to choose from. Here's a quick guide to some of the options. Berber carpet is made of looped fibers (figure A). It's easy to maintain and clean, and it's very durable. Berber carpet is available in both residential and commercial (figure B) grades and is a good choice for basements, children's rooms and high-traffic areas. Pile carpet, such as Saxony style (figure C), is thick and plush. It's usually made of synthetic fibers and will show foot traffic and vacuum marks. Trackless plush carpet (figure D) is made of twisted fibers. It's durable and hides footprints well. If you don't mind spending a little more, consider a wool Berber carpet (figure E). Wool Berber is considered fashionable and is often used in more expensive homes. Don't skimp on the padding: get the best quality you can afford. The firmer your padding, the longer your carpet will last. In addition to the traditional chipped padding, you can now purchase more durable honeycomb padding (figure F) made from urethane. Tip: If you're buying an area rug and plan to place it on a wood or vinyl floor, use an adhesive rug pad to prevent it from sliding.
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