In most cases, the main difference between a carpet and an area rug is size.  Generally speaking a rug is anything that is smaller than 40 feet (6×9) while a carpet is anything that would be larger than that measurement.  Generally carpeting is laid wall to wall, and installed permanently while a rug on the other hand remains portable.  Carpeting is permanently fixed to the flooring through tacks or carpet cement.  For residential carpet installation a layer of padding goes down beneath the carpeting while more commercial carpeting is organized into squares with a layer of rubber matting at it’s base. A rug, on the other hand, requires no padding as it lays only above the floor.  A rug is considered to accent a room, and usually will be used a complement to hardwood flooring.  Carpet, however, is considered the main feature of a room. Both will need a carpet steam cleaner.

Area rugs are the most common form of rug and usually come in a wider array of colors and patterns than what one would find with carpeting.  While some area rugs are made from synthetic fibers, the more extravagant one generally are constructed solely from cotton, silk and wool.  This provides a contrast to carpet where as most carpeting is comprised from synthetic fibers or synthetic blends.

If you are choosing between carpeting and an area rug be sure to factor in the size of the room and the atmosphere you are trying to create.  If you already have hardwood flooring, area rugs can add dimension to a room without the hassle of laying wall to wall carpeting.  Both carpeting and area rugs have their advantages and disadvantages so take these factors into account before deciding which is right for your home, or even decide on large rugs, like the popular Karastan area rugs, which serve as a happy medium between both.

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Many basements have a problem with mold, this is because basements are often damp places and this combined with warmth, allows the mold to flourish.  This, of course, isn’t something you want to encourage so bear that in mind.  Carpeting can be a problem in basements because if they were to get damp there will be mold issues before you know it. It’s difficult to dry out a carpet, compared to certain other materials, so avoid this problem if you can, if you think that damp is going to be a problem in your basement then stay away from carpeting.

It’s generally advised that you go for a harder material such as slate, stone, concrete or ceramic tile.  They don’t absorb water and they are also very easy to clean.  The problem is that they are often very cold materials and people would rather have a warm and cosy basement.  If this is the case you should look at having underfloor heating installed along with getting a nice rug or two.

Another thing you should think about is radon.  Although this won’t be a problem in most homes, there are those people who live in a high-risk area and therefore getting the radon levels in your home tested is a very good idea.  If you discover that radon is problematic then you can look at the ways of getting rid of radon.  Basically to stop it from getting into your home you need to have a barrier installed.  It’s better you do this before having a flooring for basements installed rather than afterward.

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1. Flooring Options for Covered Patios
2. Does Your Home’s American Walnut Flooring Smell Bad?
3. Solid Hardwood Flooring – From Forest to Home