Go with a good brand, a reputable store and one that uses installers that have been with them for awhile. Installers started laying Karastan carpet in our house today. Midway thru install the guys became concerned because 2 major seams didn't look right. Not their fault ........it's the way the carpet was dyed. Inspector coming out tomorrow and we're sure it's going to be replaced! Do have to add that we chose a plush carpet so seams will show if there are any problems. If it had been a frieze the seams probably wouldn't be as noticeable.

LOL Some days this dodo brain of mine just doesn't connect. LOL When you mentioned your friends moving the furniture into the bedroom ---- My mind was asking me how your bedroom could be higher than the living room, that you would be able to get the furniture away from incoming water!!!! LOL -- no worry, I caught on! It was to do the carpet. New carpet is always so nice. I hope they are able to do it tomorrow.

Okay - late to the party. I want hardwood floor in every room in my house except the bathrooms, where I prefer tile. I do have antique wool oriental rugs in all rooms. But if I could afford it, I would have some wonderful Stark wool carpet in my bedroom. Since the room is 24'x24', that is out of the question. Yes, I DO have allergies and asthma. My daughter has hardwood floor through out all the rooms in her house, but in the MBR, she has carpet over hardwood. She prefers a carpeted bedroom, not area rugs. Yes, she has cats and a son with allergies. Many decades ago, I had an allergist in St Louis who aid that unless a child is ending up in the hospital, there was no reason to get rid of carpet, draperies, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and family pets - the recommendation of most allergists for households where a child has allergies. He said that allergies are so complex, that just getting rid of a couple of things will not change things much. He said the only way to totally avoid allergens would be to live like "The Boy in the Bubble", and that wasn't recommended for serious emotional reasons. When we moved to LA, I started calling allergists, explaining that I had 5 cats and 2 dogs and no intention of getting rid of any of them. Finally found a terrific one who totally agreed with the St Louis allergist. When we moved to KY, I did the same - found one who agreed with them. He retired and I now have yet another allergist. He, too, agrees. Another thing I liked about all these allergists was that they were not selling ANYTHING other than their medical services! Most allergist's offices want to see you special filters, air purifiers, special bedding - you name it - they have a very expensive product just for you. This is especially true in pediatric allergist's office. Don't like that at ALL! Allergies are very complex. When I go somewhere without my dog (now only 1 dog), my asthma is no different than when I'm home sleeping with the dog. Allergies are very complex. If one is already having hardwood put down, put it down EVERYWHERE. If you prefer carpet in a bedroom, put it down over the hardwood. Do it for resale if nothing else.

I see the end coming for wall-to-wall carpeting in homes. It cannot be cleaned thoroughly, and the cleaning product residue builds up in the fibers. (Pull up a corner and see the debris.) We have hardwood (and tile) throughout our home -- site-finished oak in a medium-dark brown. Hand knotted wool rugs go on top of these. They go out to be thoroughly *washed* and rinsed. Wool is wonderfully soft. It spot-cleans well, and a densely patterned Oriental will hide small spots. We have flow-through humidifiers and Aprilaire air cleaners on our forced air furnaces. I use a suction-only central vac once or twice a week -- more powerful than any push-vacuum and no mess or noise. DH replaces the bag (in our basement) quarterly.