Want to save money on carpet? Have a small space that needs carpet? Maybe your solution lies with carpet remnants.
There’s a lot of myths online about what carpet remnants truly are. Some think they are defective products. Some believe they are old, outdated, and out of style.
What carpet remnants are is leftover carpet.
Carpet comes in large rolls. When customers buy a particular carpet style, technicians take from the roll in proportion to what they need. Eventually, they come to the end of the roll, and what’s left is known as a remnant.
Because a carpet dealer doesn’t want to leave this particular style out for homeowners to consider, only to be disappointed when there isn’t enough to complete their entire job, they bring it to the back warehouse where it is sold as a carpet remnant. Carpet dealers often have a variety of remnant options, if you ask. Smaller dealers may purchase them directly from carpet manufacturers to have a selection on hand.
The pros of buying carpet remnants
If you’re in the market for a carpet remnant, you’ll find two big advantages: cost and convenience.
Because dealers can’t sell smaller carpet pieces at full value, they discount the remnant left at a lower cost. It depends on the size of the remnant as to how low the discount will go.
You’ll also be able to shop today and bring your purchase home with you as soon as you complete the transaction. You won’t have the normal wait time associated with special orders, and you won’t have to wait for a staff member to make the final cut to your specification. It’s a great way to complete a DIY project quickly.
The cons of buying carpet remnants
The biggest disadvantage of shopping for carpet remnants is the lack of selection. If you’re looking for a specific style, fiber, color, or pattern, you’re going to have to visit a lot of locations to get what you’re looking for. Chances are you’re going to settle on something that doesn’t meet your specifications perfectly.
Even if you are flexible in what you’re looking for, you’ll still be limited to what is currently on hand. Depending on the size of your area, you’ll have to ensure the remnant fits your specifications and fits without piecing it together.
Some stores may be willing to further cut down a remnant based on your needs. Some will be willing to sell a portion of the remnant, while others may have a “take it as is” policy. Remnant shopping usually works best when you have a lot of flexibility with what you’re looking for.
Why people shop for remnants
People usually shop for remnants for one of a few reasons.
First, they are looking to put carpeting down in a place that is seldom used. They don’t care as much about durability as they do making the space presentable.
They may be looking to spruce up a small space for a short period of time. Maybe they’re moving soon. Maybe they like change and plan to change out the carpet frequently. Maybe it’s a rental property with plans of frequent turnover.
They may also be looking for a small amount of carpet. Less is better in this situation to avoid having to piece a section together.
Finally, remnant shopping can also bring out creativity. How about piecing different colors together for a unique look? Or slicing it up to make an area rug? If you’re nervous about adding color in a big way, piecing together remnants may give you what you’re looking for inexpensively.
What you may not know about remnants
If you work with a large enough dealer, they may house remnants based on their current inventory. They know precisely what roll it came from, understand all the details such as manufacturer, brand, and name. They have the label to share with the full details of the remnant you’re investing in.
Other smaller dealers buy remnants from a variety of places, and may not fully understand the details of the remnant. They can make an educated guess based on their time in the industry. But without the label, it’s just a guess. You’ll never fully understand what you’re buying, type of fibers, or the details about durability.
One of the biggest downsides to investing in a carpet remnant is the lack of warranty. Remnants are most often sold “as is.” That means you don’t receive a warranty on the product, and you’ll deal with any after installation defects on your own.
Warranty really is important if you’re concerned with longevity and having the carpet piece look good for an extended period. If you’re simply looking for a cheap carpet to cover your floor for a short period of time, the warranty may not be a breaking point. However, the more traffic the room receives, the longer you plan on leaving it in place, warranties can be an important part of the installation process.
Final tips for purchasing carpet remnants
If you shop for a carpet remnant, be sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Measure, then measure again. In most cases, sales will be final, so it’s important to have exact measurements to select a piece that suits your needs.
You may not have a great selection, but if you’re looking for a neutral carpet to finalize the decor, or for something to “get by” for a short period of time, this might be the perfect way to add carpet into your home.
You can also find deals if you’re willing to extend your search. Have a special need? Talk directly with a flooring associate. They can watch for your specifications and let you know when additions make it into their warehouse. They often have the inside track to getting you exactly what you need, on your budget and schedule.
Is carpet remnant shopping for you?