How to find affordable flooring now your toes are getting frigid

Bare floorboards used to be the best budget option, but they cost money when the chill hits so it’s time for a floor covering takeover

Why does the seasonal change always take us by surprise? We look bewildered as we frantically search for windcheaters and trackies. “How come it’s so cold?” we ask each other, as if it’s the first time it’s ever happened. And despite woolly socks, a bare floor is virtually incapable of creating a cosy vibe. Now is the time to explore options for a big (and even bold) cover up.

Roll on floorboards – our feet want the feels. Picture: iStock

Quality control

Carpet is a fabulous invention: soft to walk (or land) on, temperature insulating and sound absorbing. But if you’re thinking about installing new carpet, there’s plenty more than pile to think about.

According to the Australian Carpet Industry Association, the lead industry body in Australia, it’s worth spending the time reading all those stickers on the back of samples. Carpets assessed by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme have a star rating system. Conducted independently, you can trust it is not just advertising puffery. You can also check important values such as a carpet’s Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) rating by looking for the Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) rating – it turns out there’s a sticker for that too.

Carpets assessed by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme have a star rating system – check the back of samples. Picture: iStock

Calculating costs

Working out comparative costs of floor coverings is an apples and oranges thing. Carpet is usually (but not always) measured and quoted in ‘per broadloom metre’, being 1m X 3.67m. Other products such as tiles or laminates are priced per square metre. Go for the free measure and quote every time.

The great debate

Wool versus nylon is a matter of priorities. According to Choice Magazine, wool carpet may last longer, but is less stain resistant and – just like a gorgeous wool jumper – is costlier. Nylon carpets have vastly improved over the years. Many are soft and luxurious, retain their colour and often look like wool. The popular Axminster brand is a great example of a hybrid carpet – 80 per cent wool and 20 per cent nylon.

Go for the free measure and quote every time. Picture: iStock

Rug revelation

If carpeting is beyond your budget or if you’re renting, rugs are the best option. Spotlight runs frequent rug sales – and the base price (especially for polypropylene) is already very low. Rugs Online Australia is another offering for satisfying e-shop scrolling. A must-have look is the range at Miss Amara, a company headed by Australian Alexandra Tanya-Weller.

Makara Ivory And Grey Tribal Shag Rug is by Miss Amara, from $165 for the 180 X 110cm. Picture: supplied

“With rugs you definitely can be more creative than with carpeting,” says Tanya-Weller, who has developed her range with an eye not just for design, but for a plush feel and lifestyle appropriateness. “There’s an old saying, ‘If you can’t afford a reno, buy a rug’ – and that’s so true. You can change a room’s look really fast. We have developed a high pile version that is washable (and) really fluffy. I call it cashmere soft.”

Since a rug is not an everyday item but an interiors investment, check the retailer’s return policy. Miss Amara offers a ‘try at home’ option, with a no cost return policy.

Need more information? Try the Carpet Institute website.

The Leona Ivory Beige Tribal Wool Shag Rug by Miss Amara is $450. Picture: supplied

Handy hacks

● Don’t forget to look for ‘end of roll’ clearance sales, which can be up to 70 per cent less than normal prices.

● Do the furniture removal yourself.

● Rip up the old carpet and underlay yourself.

● See if you can find a local carpet layer, so you can buy warehouse specials with confidence.

● Don’t waste money on top priced carpeting if it’s for a rental property or if you have young children.

Rugs make sense if you’re renting, have young children, or both. Picture: iStock

Pile on

■ Loop pile: the yarn is pulled through the backing so that there is no cut fibre showing.

■ Cut pile: has straight pieces of fibre pulled through once – will show traffic patterns.

■ Twist pile: has single fibres but are twisted to reduce traffic and vacuum patterns.

■ Cut and loop: As described, but may show wear a little earlier than other styles.

■ Shag pile: Like a bad haircut – long uneven strands.