Wall-to-wall carpeting no longer popular floor choice

Everybody knows by now that plush carpets don’t last forever, and even if they do we are likely bored with the color, the cut or the weaves. When it comes to home decor we are fickle, first craving wall-to-wall after World War II, then tiring of the foot marks by the end of the century.

Enter carpet alternatives, from hardwood to tile. But even so, we still seek something to soften the floor when the kids play, the dog lies down and we trot across a room in our bare feet.

Bret Hemphill of Hemphill’s Rugs &Carpets in Costa Mesa, Calif., says he has measured four jobs in two days for seagrass installations. “It has been our most popular carpet in the entire store for about the last four years.”

According to Hemphill, the price of oil has a direct effect on the price of synthetic carpet, so nylon carpets are falling out of favor. “It takes 7 gallons of petroleum to produce 35 pounds of nylon carpet,” he said. “These days you can get wool for about the same price.” So what’s new, then?

PLANT-BASED

Carpet alternatives like sisal and seagrass are not that new, but they are gaining on traditional carpets for affordability and a casual vibe.

n Seagrass: Grown in the salty marshes of India and China, seagrass carpets have natural colors ranging from beige to green. Seagrass is recommended for people with carpet-based allergies. It is softer and more stain-resistant than sisal.

“It offers a lot of look for your money,” Hemphill says.

n Sisal: A natural fiber from the agave plant, sisal can be rough on the knees of crawling babies. For those of us who walk upright, sisal can provide a sturdy choice. It does stain, but it can be dyed in many colors. Tighter weaves are recommended so that the loops don’t catch and snag.

NEW ‘OLD’ WOODS

Hemphill carries post-industrial recycled wood floors made from leftover pieces from manufacturing other products. The Vintage Wood Floor Co. in Costa Mesa also fashions flooring from reclaimed wood from old barns and other buildings in the U.S. and Europe.

n Cork: Cork is coming along nicely in the market because of its eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free construction and sustainable growth. Plus, its bouncy character makes it easy on the feet, especially if you spend lots of time in the kitchen.

ANIMAL STYLE

We are seeing more leather on the floor in the way of area rugs and wall-to-wall installations. Wool has been used on floors forever, but is making a dramatic comeback.

n Leather: Leather is a hot item for high-style interiors. Floors from manufacturer Torlys Smart Floors are made of recycled leather in either planks or tiles and installed with nail-free, snap-together technology. Leather is appropriate for light- to medium-traffic areas such as bedrooms, but is not recommended for heavy use. Use leather for throw rugs to add an earthy appeal to your rooms.

n Wool: Wool is one of the earliest known floor coverings. Although expensive, it lasts a lifetime or longer. Hemphill says that with the price of oil going up, the price disparity between wool and nylon isn’t so large anymore.