Patterns are Problems

1. Manufacturing isn't perfect: Carpet is a textile fabric and all textiles are subject to inevitable processing variations. That's the politically correct way of saying 'patterns have flaws.' And flaws are most pronounced in patterned goods. The irony is that detail oriented people are the ones who are attracted to patterns and these are the same people who can see flaws from across the room. I'm proud to have convinced a lot of these people to not buy patterned goods. They're usually glad they didn’t. If you expect precision, don't do patterns; at least not wall-to-wall patterns. Consider an oriental or carpet squares. Call me and we can talk about it.

2. Installation is expensive: Patterned carpets require significantly more skill to install than non-patterned carpets. Many average-grade carpets are patterned and people don't even know what they're getting into when they buy it (see below). Salesmen don't add in any money for the installer to do the necessary detailing, so low wage and average installers (in their haste) screw up patterns all the time.

Here's three examples of seams that weren’t matched properly during installation. Who would want the Mid-Atlantic Ridge running across their living room? It happens to people who don't stay involved..

Patterned carpets eat average installers for lunch. Even top installers & high-end installers can have fits with it. If you insist on a pattern, you better deal directly with the installer as your advisor, not some salesman or cutesy interior decorator. You'll be more likely to hear the truth from the guy who's got to make it happen!

It takes an experienced craftsmen who is familiar with your particular selection to perform the adjustments necessary to achieve a successful installation; especially if your selection is a high-end patterned piece like an Axminster or Wilton. You may even need a high-end installer. You'll pay dearly for his services since high-end goods require so much more time & skill. Your average installer simply doesn't have this skill. He might even bleed to death from all his needle wounds.

Regardless of the pattern, manufacturers won't guarantee the pattern repeat so the installer is forced to impose distortion on the piece just to match the pattern. If there's no seams you're OK, but otherwise you'll end up with ruffles & lace (pouched-up areas). And it's nobody's fault except the person who let you pick it. It won't be me.

3. You'll need more material: you'll need extra material to accomplish the over lap necessary to match a pattern. That means extra money. You'll have a lot of expensive throw rugs to remind you of all the excess carpet you bought.

4. Hidden Factors to consider: the method of installation, the condition and levelness of the sub floor, the square-ness of your rooms, the type of carpet backing system; these and a dozen other factors come into play with patterned installations. Designers dream about trips to Maui with all the money they make selling you overpriced patterns. And they don't have to deal with the stressed-out installer all day. You do. The truth is, top installers lose sleep over detailing patterned carpet.

5. Pattern Distortions: such as Bow, Row loss, and Skew are downright ugly; even to the untrained eye.

	Bow - Curved or wavy lines when viewed from a distance. Distortion is usually caused by unequal forces applied to carpet during power stretching. Row loss - Linear patterns (berber rows) can disappear into walls if the material is not laid out perfectly parallel to walls or if walls aren't square.
	Skew - pattern rotation causes rows that disappear into walls. It's usually caused by misalignment or walls that aren't square

Most patterned installations result in a combination of these effects. But the worst effect is the one it has on people. I've seen this effect. It's real. If you're detail oriented, you'll see it and it will drive you nuts.

A few other things to consider regarding patterns:

Larger patterns are easier to match and install. They tend to decrease the apparent size of an area so large patterns are more ideal for large open areas.

Smaller patterns disappear in large rooms and can make seams more obvious.

Linear patterns make for really tough installations. It's like permanent rulers all over the floor. There's no margin for error. The only exception is the Milliken squares - a modular approach that's so unique, it's patented. www.milliken.com

Acclimation: With all the tugging and twisting it takes to get a pattern laid right, you should definitely consider letting the 'relaxing' the roll at the installation site under controlled conditions for 24 hours before the installation.