Need advice on replacing carpet

[Ruby the Liberal]

7. Don't skimp on the padding

When I replaced my builder grade carpet/padding with a higher (but not the highest) grade padding, it was like night and day.

I was so surprised at the difference that I went back into the carpet store to feel it side by side with my hands. Still couldn't tell much of a difference by feel, but man alive, the difference on the floor is amazing. I wouldn't go any higher than I did, but am glad I spent the extra money to go up a few grades from where I was.

I went with a 90% olefin 10% nylon berber in a mid-beige with blue, white and green specks and am thrilled with it. The olefin is very strong and wears well, but is much harder/scratchier than the softer nylon. My old carpet was 100% olefin and while it dried quickly after a steam cleaning, it just felt 'rough' after a few years.

You'll know when you feel it what feels right to you.

Oh and edit - I went with a Carpet Mart (or similar named) warehouse for the carpet, padding and tack strips; and used a local installer who was recommended to me. Guys did a great job - I can't even see the seams, and I know where they are. Have to really poke around to find them, and seaming berber is a real pain in the ass - hard to get right unless they know what they are doing.