Transitions and moldings - These are the pieces that bridge one type of flooring to another. Available in virtually every flooring style you can think of, transitions and moldings put a finishing touch on your floor.

Carpet:

New technology in carpet manufacturing has produced a variety of constructions and design options, such as diamonds, bows, pin dots or fleur-de-lis motifs that "pop" out in sculptured effects. Cut pile - Loops are cut, leaving individual yarn tufts. Still one of today's most popular constructions, its durability is achieved with factors including the type of fiber, density of tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. Examples of cut pile carpet include:

* Plush/Velvet: Smooth, level surfaces; formal atmosphere, "velvet."
* Saxony: Smooth, level finish, but pile yarns have more twist so that the yarn ends are visible and create a less formal look. Minimizes foot prints.
* Friezé: In this cut pile, the yarns are extremely twisted, forming a "curly" textured surface. This informal look also minimizes foot prints and vacuum marks.
* Shag - Yes, they're back. But they're nothing like the shag carpet you remember from the '70s. Gone are Harvest Gold and Avocado Green. Instead look for a more sophisticated color palette and a smart casual look.

Level loop pile: Loops are the same height, creating an informal look. It generally performs well even in high-traffic areas. Many of today's popular Berber styles are level loop styles with flecks of a darker color on a lighter background. Many level loops come in nylon/polypropylene blends.

Multi-level loop pile: Usually has two to three different loop heights to create pattern effects and surface texture, providing good durability and a more casual look.

Cut and loop pile: Combination of cut and looped yarns; provides variety of surface textures, including sculptured effects of squares, chevrons and swirls.

Patterned carpet: By utilizing yarns of varying heights and treatments, patterned carpet offers everything from floral designs to geometric to pin-dots.

Prints - Prints can be just about anything these days in virtually any color you can imagine.

Woven - This refers to the way the carpet was constructed (woven versus tufted) and is often the hallmark of more expensive goods. There are two types of machine-woven carpets - Axminster and Wilton. Most often refers to rugs.

Fiber:

Fiber is the building block of carpet. Almost all carpet is made from synthetic yarns although natural fibers are making a strong comeback.

Nylon - The most popular choice is nylon. It's tough, holds color well, resists dirt, can be treated against staining and wears exceptionally well. It's also soft and warm.

Polypropylene (Olefin) - Also a synthetic, polypropylene is generally a less expensive fiber that does not wear as well as nylon but it has one thing that makes it an ideal carpet fiber - it is extremely stain resistant. Since most polypropylene is solution dyed during the manufacturing process, color is an inherent part of the fiber. Think of polypropylene fiber as a carrot, the color runs right through it, versus nylon which is like a radish, color on the outside of the fiber, not inside.

Polyester - Known for its extremely soft hand, polyester is perfect for less trafficked areas of the home. Its natural stain- and fade-resistance make it easy to clean and maintain. However, it is not as durable as either polypropylene or nylon.

Wool - This natural fiber has been used in the construction of carpet for centuries - and for good reason. It is soft, warm and comfortable, plus it's easy to clean. Still, because of its higher price, wool is generally limited to upper end goods.

Cotton - Some mills offer cotton carpet but this is usually relegated to area rugs and bath rugs and mats. The great advantage of cotton is its wonderful feel.

What kind of carpet should you choose?

Carpets made of nylon and polypropylene can go anywhere in the house as far as style is concerned. So whether you buy a polypropylene berber style or a more formal look in nylon, you can be confident it will perform. In fact, these are the most popular choices and the two best performing fibers with nylon taking the lead.

Polyester does have great softness but is less likely to hold up in high traffic areas. You might want to consider polyester for your bedrooms because of it soft, plush feel and because of reduced traffic in these areas.

For sheer luxury and cache, you can't beat wool. While it is the priciest of carpet options, you'll see a wide variety of gorgeous looks and fashions in wool to fit any décor. Plus wool's natural qualities ensure that you'll be satisfied with how it looks and wears for years to come.

CARPET CUSHION

Carpet cushion, or pad, not only extends the life of your carpet, it brings out the best in it. Adding to carpet's already many benefits, cushion provides increased wear resistance, longer appearance retention, enhanced thermal insulation and noise reduction, and even make a carpet seem more luxurious and comfortable.

Cushion comes in several basic forms:
Prime - polyurethane foam like what you might find in furniture, only firmer.
Bonded - also made of polyurethane foam but bits and pieces that are rebounded into one sheet.
Rubber - offered in waffled and flat constructions, rubber pad provides a luxurious feel in lower traffic areas and firm support in high traffic installations.
atural fibers - Jute and other natural fibers were once used as carpet backing.