We’re often asked, “How much does it cost to carpet a room?” And the simple answer is, “It depends on your budget.” Here’s the thing, you don’t have to pay a small fortune for great-looking carpeting. It’s possible to get a great carpet without sacrificing quality or looks. In fact, that’s at the core of what we stand for here at High Country Flooring.

You may think that the cheapest flooring options are the lowest quality and won’t last. But that’s not always the case when it comes to carpeting. And to help you get the most out of your money, here are our tips for buying good carpeting on a budget.

1. Choose Different Levels of Quality

When it comes to carpeting your home, you don’t have to go with one style throughout. Save the higher quality carpeting for the areas where they’re needed the most. For example, foot traffic in the bedroom is typically lighter than other areas of the home so you can prioritize comfort over durability. But, halls, stairs, and landings require much more durable carpeting such as level loop (bonus: it also hides footprints and vacuum marks).

So, basically, it comes down to saving where you can and splurging when you need to. Not sure what’s the best carpet for each room? We’ve got a guide to help.

2. Know Your Fibers

One great way to save money when buying carpeting is to consider choosing a less expensive fiber. Remember, less expensive doesn’t mean poor quality. Let’s start with nylon: this option is the most popular of synthetic fibers and the most expensive. Its durability and stain-resistant qualities make it a big seller. A newer alternative to nylon is triexta, which has many similarities to nylon. Triexta is slightly less expensive, and it’s stain-resistant and eco-friendly.

Next up is polyester, a great middle-priced option that’s eco-friendly, stain-resistant, and comes in a wide array of styles and colors. Olefin is one of the least expensive carpet fiber options and is best suited for low-traffic areas, as it’s not very resilient. However, it’s strongest in a looped form, such as in a Berber. When in a looped form, it can stand up to foot traffic and is nearly stain-proof.

3. Opt for Durable Styles

You want your carpet to last no matter how much you’re spending on it, period. Berbers tend to be highly durable (even at a lesser price point) because of their construction — the fibers are woven into the backing, rather than having exposed ends. However, you must keep in mind that while durable, Berbers may not be ideal depending on your space.

Another durable style is frieze, which consists of tightly twisted strands of fiber that give the carpeting longer-lasting durability as well as a unique style. Plus, the longer piles give frieze carpets a dense and soft foot feel.

4. Don’t Skimp on the Underpad

Saving money by choosing less expensive fiber options or varying the quality of the carpet based on the space you’re carpeting is great. But one area you may not want to skimp on is the underpad, which can help your carpet last longer. The underpad, also known as underlay or carpet padding, helps protect your carpet from premature aging and adds comfort. So you can use the underpad to get more out of your lesser expensive carpet.

5. Choose In-Stock Options

Choosing in-stock carpeting is another savvy way to buy carpet and stick with a tighter budget. Often, retailers buy in bulk for a discounted rate. This trickles down to you. The one downfall is that your options may be more limited than with custom orders. But the savings could be worth the sacrifice on a particular color or style. Also, when carpeting a smaller space, ask about remnant options the retailer has on hand.

6. Choose Your Carpet Retailer Carefully

There are many carpet retailers you can choose from. So how do you know how to choose one over another? Does the most expensive store with the flashiest sign offer the best carpet or do you go with whoever has the cheapest deal? It’s important to choose your carpet retailer carefully because carpeting is an investment, no matter your budget.

The carpet retailer you decide on should be reputable and offer installation. They should not only offer fair pricing but exceptional customer service. When you choose a retailer like High Country Flooring, you’re getting the whole package: unbeatable prices, quality selection, and great customer service.

We’re able to provide high-quality carpets and affordable prices because we hand-select luxurious carpets with and without slight irregularities. Don’t worry, any irregularities present won’t affect the foot-feel, durability, or quality of the carpet. It just means you get high-quality without paying high prices.

When looking for the best places to buy a carpet, you have many options. But when you want high-quality flooring at great prices plus exceptional service, visit us. Here at High Country Flooring, we work hard to ensure you always have a great selection at affordable prices — it’s our High Country Flooring Difference. Schedule your consultation today!