Carpet Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Start

At Penn Carpet & Flooring, located in New Cumberland, PA, we understand that selecting the right carpet and comprehending the carpet installation process can be overwhelming. With over 25 years of experience, our expert carpet installers are equipped with specialized tools that ensure your flooring lasts for decades, setting us apart from other companies. This page is designed to help you learn about carpet flooring and ensure that you’re fully informed before making any decisions. Whether you’re upgrading your home or outfitting a commercial space, understanding the different options and the installation process is crucial to achieving the best results.

carpet installation

Why Choose Carpet?

Carpet flooring offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room or a professional environment in your office, carpet provides numerous advantages:

  • Comfort and Warmth: Carpet adds a layer of warmth to your space, providing comfort underfoot and insulating your room. It’s perfect for areas that experience colder temperatures, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

  • Noise Reduction: One of the key benefits of carpet is its ability to reduce noise. In both residential and commercial spaces, carpet absorbs sound, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like offices, hotels, and homes with children or pets.

  • Design Versatility: Carpet comes in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing you to match the style of any room or office. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or a cozy, traditional feel, there’s a carpet option to suit your needs.

  • Safety and Comfort: Carpet’s soft surface provides a cushion that helps reduce the risk of slips and falls, making it a great option for homes with young children or elderly individuals, as well as businesses looking to create a safer work environment.

  • Allergen Reduction: Unlike hard floors, carpet traps dust and allergens, helping to improve indoor air quality when regularly cleaned. This makes it a great choice for families or commercial spaces with employees or customers sensitive to allergens.

  • Durability: With proper care, carpet can withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s perfect for both high-traffic areas in businesses, such as hallways or lobbies, and frequently used spaces in homes, like living rooms or bedrooms.

Types of Carpet

Selecting the right type of carpet is essential to achieving the desired look and functionality for your space. Here are some common types of carpet flooring:

  • Plush Carpet: A soft, dense carpet with a luxurious feel, perfect for bedrooms and formal spaces.

  • Berber Carpet: A durable, looped carpet that’s great for high-traffic areas and has a natural, textured look.

  • Frieze Carpet: Features twisted fibers that create a casual, textured appearance and resist wear.

  • Cut and Loop Carpet: Offers unique textures and patterns, adding visual interest to both residential and commercial spaces.

Carpet Materials: What’s Right for You?

Selecting the right carpet material is just as important as choosing the type. The material affects durability, comfort, and cost. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Wool Carpet: A natural, high-quality option that’s soft and durable, perfect for luxury homes or offices.

  • Polyester Carpet: A more affordable material, offering softness and stain resistance, ideal for families or budget-conscious buyers.

  • Nylon Carpet: Known for its strength, nylon is great for high-traffic areas and offers long-lasting performance.

  • Olefin (Polypropylene) Carpet: Stain-resistant and moisture-resistant, great for basements and commercial spaces exposed to moisture.

Commercial Carpet

For commercial flooring needs, whether in offices, retail spaces, or hotels, we offer a range of commercial carpet options that combine durability, style, and functionality. Our carpet solutions are designed to withstand high foot traffic and maintain their quality over time, making them ideal for businesses looking to create a professional, welcoming atmosphere.

At Penn Carpet & Flooring, we specialize in carpet installation for businesses. We work closely with you to ensure minimal disruption to your operations, whether you need a full office makeover or a single-room upgrade.

Outdoor Carpet

Outdoor carpet, also referred to as indoor-outdoor carpeting, is specifically designed to withstand the unique challenges of exterior environments. Made from weather-resistant materials, it offers durability and style for various outdoor applications. Key features include resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain comfortable and visually appealing.

Ideal Applications for Outdoor Carpet:

  • Patios and Decks: Enhance your outdoor living areas with a comfortable and stylish flooring option that can handle exposure to the elements.

  • Poolside Areas: Certain outdoor carpets are resistant to pool chemicals and moisture, providing a safe and attractive surface around your pool.

  • Covered Porches and Sunrooms: Extend your indoor living space outdoors with carpeting that complements your home’s aesthetic while offering durability against weather conditions.

  • Basements and Garages: For areas prone to moisture, outdoor carpet can provide a resilient and easy-to-clean flooring solution.

Carpet Padding

Carpet padding, also known as underlay, serves as the foundational layer beneath your carpet, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the overall performance and longevity of your flooring. Beyond providing a cushioned feel underfoot, it offers several key benefits:

  • Extended Carpet Lifespan: By absorbing the impact of foot traffic, carpet padding reduces the wear and tear on your carpet, effectively prolonging its life.

  • Enhanced Comfort: A quality pad adds a layer of softness, making walking and standing more comfortable.

  • Improved Sound and Thermal Insulation: Padding contributes to noise reduction within your space and provides an additional barrier against temperature fluctuations.

  • Moisture Protection: Certain types of padding offer moisture barriers, safeguarding your subfloor from spills and humidity.

When selecting carpet padding, consider factors such as the type of carpet, the level of foot traffic in the area, and specific needs like moisture resistance. Padding materials vary, with options like foam, rubber, and fiber, each offering distinct advantages. For instance, rubber padding is known for its durability and support, while memory foam provides a plush feel. It’s essential to choose a pad that aligns with your lifestyle and flooring requirements.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your carpet and keep it looking its best. Here are some tips:

  • Vacuum Regularly: Frequent vacuuming removes dirt and debris that can damage carpet fibers.

  • Clean Spills Immediately: Promptly address spills to prevent stains from setting.

  • Professional Cleaning: Schedule professional cleanings periodically to deep clean and refresh your carpet.

  • Use Mats and Runners: Place mats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home or business.

  • Rotate Furniture: Periodically rearrange furniture to prevent uneven wear.

Need Carpet Installers Visit Our Showroom

With over 25 years of experience, Penn Carpet & Flooring stands out as a trusted provider of carpet installation services. Our expert carpet installers are equipped with specialized tools that ensure your flooring lasts for decades, setting us apart from other companies. We offer a wide selection of high-quality carpets and provide personalized service to meet your specific needs.

Visit our showroom in New Cumberland, PA, to explore our carpet options and speak with our experienced team about your flooring needs. Whether you’re upgrading your home or outfitting a commercial space, we’re here to help you make an informed decision and achieve the best results.