uuming. Heavy-duty suction is OK, but an upright 'hoover' is far more effective. We think Dyson and Vorwerk uprights are the best.

Shoe Soles

This is important. People used to wear leather-soled shoes which polished rather than wore the carpet surface. The modern addiction to rubber soles is amazingly destructive of carpets. A growing family in 'trainers' can destroy a high quality carpet in very short order - particularly on stairs, which are subjected to tremendous load and abrasion.

Intensive Wear Areas

Some areas receive particular abuse: stairs, stair bull-noses, doorways, turning points, and areas immediately in front of chairs. Carpet under castors is very vulnerable. To off-set the worst of these problems, one has first to admit that they exist, then address then individually. Carpet should be selected according the wear expected at the highest wear points (a chain is only as strong as its weakest link). Bull-noses and stairs can be re-covered separately, provided a quantity has been set aside for this purpose.

Great Expectations

We have all been programmed by this 'Which' society to believe that if something goes wrong, it must be someone else's fault: this is ridiculous. Carpets have a finite life, and generally look better when new than when old. We do not expect a car to last for ever, and we do not expect it to serve without regular maintenance. If a washing-machine goes phutt after five years it is not cause for complaint, it is cause for repair or replacement. Carpets should be seen for what they are - a diminishing asset. If you want a carpet to last for twenty years then you must pay for sufficient quality to make that requirement reasonable. In real terms, carpets are better value now than they have ever been before, and the best qualities are the best carpets that have ever been made. To put the current carpet market into perspective, it can best be illustrated by comparing like for like - in 1965 a good quality plain wilton carpet sold at £4.50 - the same carpet now costs £45. The average carpet sold today is about one third of that price. Common sense insists that something has had to go, and that something is quality. We all buy too little quality. Common sense also tells us that it is sensible to find the best possible value. It some cases that might be the cheapest, but not often. Most people find eventually that the additional cost of high quality is a very good investment indeed. If carpets need to be fitted within a prescribed budget, then of course it's sensible to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained. If carpets are bought to a price then the expectations for that carpet's long-term prospects must be reasonable.

Our Part in All This

John Cooper Carpets opened for business in 1971. During the past 30 years nine other carpet shops have opened in opposition then subsequently closed down. We must be doing something right because we are still here. More than anything, we believe, it is our dedication to quality, both in materials and workmanship, that has allowed us to thrive. We offer total integrity, and an intelligent, interested approach to our clients. We promise always to give you the best possible information and advice that is available.

This information is the very best that is available to the author at the time of writing. Qualities and specifications can change, and is advisable for clients to ask for the most up-to-date news. We cannot accept responsibility for any difficulties experienced, or losses suffered, due to the above advice and information, unless the materials have been provided through John Cooper Carpets.

Edited and up-dated 20 December 2000