Ask the Flooring Expert

Q: I have been having trouble identifying a commercial carpet that needs to be reordered. It’s possible that it has been discontinued but I would still like to know what it is so I can find out if there’s any stock left. The pattern is a slight checkerboard in the background and bubbles in the foreground, and the bubbles are raised a bit. (I’ve attached pictures).

Thanks!
Lachelle

A: A patterned carpet similar to the one that you are working with here is often hard to find. Depending on the dimensions of the area you are working with this carpet could possibly be a one-off made specifically for the particular job. This being said I don't recognize the particular carpet you are working with and without a bit of detail on who manufacturers the carpet it would be very difficult to source a similar item and likely its not available. The fact is you will NEVER match the colors used in the manufacturing of this carpet. All dye lots vary. Most Designers when faced with a situation such as this will work with the field color of this existing carpet and pick a complimenting fabric. There are lots of options, but it really depends on the size of the project, the lay out of the space and most importantly the experience and creativity of the designer.

This being said, let's look into feasible solutions. One solution would be to find a field color which is a similar fabric to install in the areas in question. Although the color will coordinate, the design aspect will likely be missing. Another solution, which will take a bit of work, would be to cut away some of the existing carpet from areas which would be good to refloor, but will also work as a good transition area between existing carpet and new carpet. Use the carpet you have removed as a border to work around the new chosen carpet. This can help to tie in new carpet with the old.

Here you can see part of the carpet we are dealing with installed.

In this picture you can see a portion of the carpet removed or old scrap to be used as a color sample.

Q: How do you know how much carpet you need? I have a split level with big stairs.

Thanks,
Iris

A: Your best bet here would to to measure out each room, so that you have the length and width of each room (account for the longest direction in the case of rooms that are not square). Multiply the length of the room by its width to get each room's square footage, then calculate the square footage of each stair and riser so you know the amount of carpet needed for the stairs as well.

Make sure to keep the square footage and measurements of each room on hand, as well as any hallways and the stairs. This will help for estimating any overages needed (such as to wrap over the lip of the stair and then tuck down for the riser).

From here you should be pretty set to go, but I would suggest working with your carpet retailer or installer to ensure you order plenty of carpet. Adding some spare square feet of carpet to each room to ensure you have proper allowances for cuts is important.