When the carpet is safely installed and the work is completed, your carpet showroom contractor is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

• The name and physical address of the carpet showroom
• A list of all work performed, including the warranty
• An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included
• The total carpet cost, including the amount charged for labor, if any

Before leaving the carpet showroom, confirm any warranties offered by the carpet showroom in San Francisco, including the larger neighborhoods of Sunset District, Richmond District, Mission District, Tenderloin, and Bernal Heights . The written warranty document must detail the following:

• The carpet showroom’s name and physical address

• Your responsibility in the case of a carpet problem and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.
• How long the warranty is valid, and whether it expires on a specific day or if it is prorated.

• What the warranty covers. This should include whether the carpet showroom will replace or repair faulty carpet or give you a refund. Any exclusions must be explicitly stated.

• If the carpet warranty coverage is transferable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home or building in which the new carpet has been installed.

Carpet showrooms in San Francisco provide all types of carpet. Following is a list of the most popular carpet available.

Level Loop Pile Carpet
Level loop pile carpet is created by weaving even loops of yarn into the carpet backing at both ends. It is a very durable type of carpet and resistant to tracks because of its strong loops. Higher loops in the carpet create a more luxurious effect. The level loop pile carpets with short and densely packed loops are easy to clean because they prevent dirt from filtering into the carpet. Level loop pile carpet is ideal for high traffic areas.

Cut and Loop Pile Carpet
Cut and loop pile carpet is a combination of cut pile and looped fibers. Its variety of surface textures and sculptured effects provides medium durability. Cut and loop pile carpet is available in multiple and solid colors. The different levels within the carpet hide footprints and dirt in both formal and informal areas.

Frieze Carpet
Suited for high traffic, informal areas, frieze carpet is a highly twisted cut pile carpet. Because it has short fibers that tend to curl in different directions at the surface, frieze hides footprints and vacuum marks.

Cut Pile
Cut pile carpet is the most popular type of carpet. Cut pile carpet is textured cut pile that has cutting looped carpet fibers at the top, creating cut pile with yarn bundles standing straight. A luxurious appearance is created by preshearing cut pile several times. Cut pile is the most resistant carpet to crushing.

Velvet/Plush Carpet
Velvets/Plushes are uniform in color and lightly twisted. They are more level and softer than textures. Because of its luxurious appearance, velvets/plushes are ideal for formal areas such as living rooms and master bedrooms. They show every footprint and vacuum cleaner mark.

Texture and Textured Saxony Carpet
The best-selling carpets, texture and textured saxonies work well in informal areas such as bedrooms and family rooms. It has a soft feel due to its tightly twisted texture. It is heatset for medium durability. Its multi-colored look disguises tracks and footprints.

Berber Carpet
Because berber carpet limits footprints and vacuum tracks in informal areas, it is increasing in popularity. Berber carpet has thicker yarns than any other level loop pile carpet, making it highly durable. These loops retain dirt and can be damaged from snags. Berber carpet comes in expensive wool fibers as well as less expensive nylon, nylon-olefin, or olefin fibers.

Multi-Level Loop Pile Carpet
Multi-level loop pile carpet varies in its loop pile height. It usually has two to three different loop heights, creating an appearance of random texture. Multi-level loop pile carpet is good for high traffic areas; however, the smaller loops can hold more dirt at times.

Saxony Carpet
Saxonies consist of two or more fibers tightly twisted in a yard, cut piled, and then heatset straight. Saxonies provide a soft texture for both formal and informal areas. They show every vacuum cleaner mark and foot print. Saxonies have medium durability.

Top 10 Brand Requests
Many brands are on the market for carpet. Following is a list of popular carpet brands that have had great success and have a good reputation.

• Shaw Carpet
• Mohawk Carpet
• Dalton Carpet
• DuPont Stainmaster Carpet
• Aladdin Carpet
• Beaulieu Carpet
• Bliss Carpet
• Coronet Carpet
• Armstrong Carpet
• Royalty Carpet
• Tuftex Carpet

Below are key carpet showroom terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your carpet showroom purchase and installation from beginning to end

acrylic
Acrylic is not a widely used fiber but it does provide the look and feel of wool based carpets without the expense. It is resistant to mold and mildew.

Also known as: acrylic sheet, acrylic paint, acrylics, acrylic cube, frosted acrylic

area rugs
Area rugs are rugs used for small areas of the home or business. An area rug may be used as an accent for decor or to protect hardwood floors among other uses.

Also known as: discount area rugs, contemporary area rugs, cheap area rugs, wool area rugs, round area rugs, purple area rugs, shaw area rugs, sphinx area rugs, area rugs discount, shag area rugs, area rugs clearance, solid color area rugs, affordable area rugs

backcoating
Backcoating refers to the process of applying an adhesive-type substance to the back of a fabric for the purpose of locking yarn tufts into a carpet backing. This process increases the stiffness of the fabric.

berber carpet
Berber carpet is a modern style of carpet that has a loop pile construction. Most berber carpets a a plain color mix with no pattern. They are a more inexpensive form of carpeting and have a high durability which makes berber carpet a good choice for relatively heavy traffic areas.

Also known as: berber carpeting, berber carpet samples, berber carpet repair, shaw berber carpet, cheap berber carpet, what is berber carpet, berber carpet colors

blends
Blends of fibers are used to improve the overall quality of carpet in durability, feel, and look. Olefin and nylon as well as wool and nylon are the most commonly used blends.

bulked continuous filament
Bulked continuous filament (BCF) is yarn made from one strand of fiber. In order to add to the bulk of the carpet and make the twist more permanent, texture is added to the yarn. This increases durability and the life of the carpet.

carpet pads
A carpet pad is placed underneath the carpet when installed and enhances the durability and performance of the carpet.

Also known as: carpet padding, stainmaster carpet pad, cheap carpet padding, carpet rug pad, carpet padding prices, wholesale carpet padding, foam carpet pad, rubber carpet pad, carpet padding wholesale, basement carpet padding

carpet rugs
Carpet rugs are rugs made out of carpet. Most carpet rugs are used as area rugs as protection or decor.

Also known as: carpets and rugs, carpet tile rugs, cheap carpets and rugs, carpet area rugs

commercial carpet
Commercial carpet is specially made carpet that is good for high traffic work areas. Made from loop pile, commercial carpets are highly durable and resistant to stain.

Also known as: commercial carpet cleaners, commercial carpet squares, commercial grade carpet, commercial carpeting

commercial carpet tiles
Commercial carpet tiles are long lasting, environmentally friendly tiles of carpet that are often used in offices, homes, and retail businesses. Easy to install, they do not require glue and can often be installed without a professional.

Also known as: commercial carpet squares, commercial grade carpet tiles, commercial carpet

frieze carpet
Frieze carpet is a type of cut pile carpet made from twisted fibers. Because the fibers are curled, they hide dirt and stains well. Frieze carpet is recommended for high traffic areas. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

green carpet
Green carpet is carpet that improves the indoor air quality by emitting low chemical emissions of VOCs from the carpet and adhesive products.

Also known as: green carpet cleaning, putting green carpet, green carpeting, carpet stores

heat setting
Heat setting locks in the twist when the carpet is being constructed in order to keep it from unraveling. This strengthens the carpet overall.

home carpet
Home carpet is a reference to carpet for the home. Carpet comes in many different colors, styles, grades and types in order to fit any decor or need.

Also known as: home carpeting, home theatre carpet, best home carpet, home carpet cleaning

hospitality carpet
Hospitality carpet is carpet designed for motels, hotels, corporate offices, health care facilities, and other public venues.

Also known as: commercial carpet, new carpet, wall to wall carpet, carpet pricing, hospitality carpets, carpet padding, commercial carpeting

hotel carpeting
Hotel carpeting is hospitality carpet that is a highly durable carpet designed for public venues.

Also known as: hotel carpet for sale, hotel carpet, carpet factory outlet, carpeting, discount carpet, hotel carpets, berber carpet, wholesale carpet, carpet stores, cheap carpet, carpet remnants, carpet tiles, carpet squares

nylon
Nylon is the most popular fiber type used for carpeting. Nylon can be found in about 60% of all carpets sold in America. A highly durable fiber, nylon is resistant to wear and tear.

olefin carpet
Olefin carpet is ideal for outdoor carpeting because it is resistant to mold and mildew. Though it is not comfortable carpet to walk on with bare feet, it is less likely to fade. It is also highly resistant to wear and tear.

Also known as: olefin berber carpet, olefin carpet health, outdoor carpet, indoor outdoor carpet, olefin carpet reviews, cleaning olefin carpet

outdoor carpeting
Outdoor carpeting is easy to clean, fade and stain resistant, and made from UV-resistant olefin fibers. It is a highly durable carpet and good for high traffic areas that are fully exposed to weather.

Also known as: indoor outdoor carpet, indoor outdoor carpeting, indoor outdoor carpet tiles, outdoor carpet runner

patterned carpet
Patterned carpet is carpet with a pattern that hides spills, spots, and wear. Even a subtle pattern will help to conceal blemishes. Patterned carpet adds detail to a room and brings character and complexity to the overall design.

Also known as: patterned carpeting, cheap carpet, patterned carpet tiles, carpet patterns, pattern carpet, carpet warehouse, types of carpet, patterned berber

polyester carpet
Polyester carpet is increasingly popular because it is cost effective. It is not preferable for highly trafficked areas because it shows damage, fades, and is not resilient. It does have a soft feel when used with a thick cut-pile construction.

Also known as: polyester vs nylon carpet, polypropylene carpet, nylon vs polyester carpet, shaw polyester carpet, pet polyester carpet, berber carpet

recycled carpet
A popular flooring trend is carpet made from post-recycled consumer goods. Carpet can be manufactured from several different products that include plastic bottles, recycled textiles, and discarded carpeting. Recycled carpet is even being offered by big name manufacturers who are quickly jumping on the “go green” bandwagon.

Also known as: green carpet, carpet colors, commercial carpet, recycle carpet, discount carpet

shag carpet
Modern shag carpeting is different than the shag carpeting that was popular in the 1970’s. Today’s char carpet features shorter pile heights, a variety of color choices, and modern carpet technologies that improves performance, durability, and eliminates wear patterns.

Also known as: shag carpeting, shag carpet tiles, black shag carpet, shag area rugs

sisal carpet
Sisal carpet is carpet made from sisal fiber-a stiff fiber produced from the agave plant. Agave yields a stiff fiber that is traditionally used for making twine and rope.

Also known as: sisal carpet tiles, cheap carpet, carpet warehouse, sisal rugs, wool carpet, carpet colors, new carpet, natural fiber rug, carpet deals

stain resistant carpeting
Stain resistant carpeting is carpet that is resistant to stains. Stain resistant carpeting is a highly durable carpet that is often used in high traffic areas.

Also known as: best stain resistant carpet, rugs, carpet, stain removal, stain resistant

staple construction
Staple construction is fibers made into short pieces of yarn. Staple construction causes the carpet to shed.

tufting
Tufting is the final step in the production of carpet. The fibers are pushed through needles and then tufted to the backing. This step determines how dense the carpet is.

Also known as: tufted, tufting needle, tufts, tufting machines, tufted wool rug, tufted fabric

twist
In order to strengthen the carpet, carpet fibers are twisted around additional fiber. This process makes the carpet more resistant to wear, matting, and texture changes.

wool carpet
Wool carpet is the most expensive fiber in carpet. This is because it is the only natural fiber used in the production of carpet. Wool carpet is highly durable. Though it is stain and dirt resistant, it will fade easily in direct sunlight.

Also known as: wool carpet cost, wool carpets, wool carpeting, cleaning wool carpet, wool berber carpet, discount carpet, discount wool carpet, cleaning wool carpets, berber wool carpet, wool carpet prices

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified carpet showroom?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a carpet showroom with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only carpet showrooms rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified carpet showroom.

Q: What is twist in reference to new carpeting?
A: Almost all carpets have twisted yarns, and twist is the number of turns put into the carpet yarn or fiber. Typically, the more twists on a fiber, the better quality of the carpet.

Q: Does a rating system insure that I get the right carpet?
A: A rating system is developed by the manufacturer itself as a means of evaluating its own products based on a set of standards and testing methods. These rating systems can’t be compared across manufacturers since they are based on the opinions of people rather than strict testing methods.

Q: If I know the weight or other technical specifications, can I compare products?
A: Technical specifications of a product can give you a guide but many factors can alter the comparison. For example two carpets may have the same specifications, but if they are made from different fibers, they will perform, look and feel differently.

Q: If I bend the carpet and can see the backing, does this mean that the carpet is low quality?
A: No. All carpets, with the exception of woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts. In order to feel the thickness or density of different carpets, stick your fingers in the pile on a flat surface. The thicker, tighter, denser carpets will perform better, as a general rule.

Q: I’ve heard that I can save money by buying an unbranded yarn rather than a branded yarn. Is it true that you get the same thing but you don’t pay extra for the brand name?
A: As a general rule, similar products with unbranded yarns can be cheaper, but that doesn’t mean you get the same thing. Branded fibers are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Branded fibers also often give extended warranties backed by both the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer.

Q: Can I save money by buying a less expensive carpet and putting the best cushion under it?
A: A good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but you walk directly on the carpet. This means that you will want carpet that is constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If a cheaper carpet doesn’t wear well or have the look you want, it won’t satisfy you for the long run.

Q: I heard that new carpet can make people sick. Is this true?
A: Most carpets are manufactured from harmless materials that are found in clothing and everyday fabrics such as polyester, olefin fibers, and nylon. These materials don’t bother most people. The Carpet and Rug Institute offers Green Label testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, adhesives, and cushions that emit low VOCs.

Q: What kind of carpet should I be looking for?
A: Though a knowledgeable sales representative will help guide you through the process of purchasing carpet, it’s important to look for a durable carpet. Durability is dependent on three important factors: type of fiber, yarn twist, and pile density. You should find the right balance of all three.

Q: Isn’t the color that I choose for my carpet a totally personal choice?
A: Absolutely! But be aware that light colored carpets will show more soil and require more maintenance than darker colors, which are more durable in high-traffic areas. Multi-colored and patterned carpets are also more effective in hiding soil and stains.

Q: What are the average costs I can expect?
A: Carpet prices vary considerably with quality and style. Typically carpet can cost anywhere from $8 per square yard for basic styles up to $30 per square yard. This does not usually include installation.

Q: What about padding? Should I request a better pad?
A: A certain level of padding is often included in the quoted installation price of your carpet. You usually have the option to upgrade.

Q: Will there have to be a seam in the room?
A: Depending on the dimensions of the room, a seam may be required. If there must be a seam, it should run perpendicular to windows. This is for the purpose of minimizing the light that reflects off of it.

Q: My carpet looks like it is shedding. Is this normal?
A: New cut pile carpet normally sheds some. Vacuuming will easily remove the loose fibers. It should not affect the quality of your carpet, and the shedding should diminish after a few weeks or months.

Q: Why are some carpets measured by square yard and others by square foot?
A: Measuring carpet by the square foot has become standard, though it used to be measured by the square yard. Other floor coverings such as hardwood and ceramic tile are measured by the square foot as well.