Creative carpeting cuts costs.

With soaring energy costs and unparalleled price increases on building materials, apartment managers have more pressure to think creatively to keep costs down. More often than not, managers can drastically reduce their flooring costs by doing their own due diligence and asking the right questions of floor covering providers.

Check the fibers. The two most common fibers used for carpet installations in apartment communities are nylon and polyester. Many flooring companies have switched to polyester carpet for apartment community installations because of its lower cost. Some carpet vendors, however, have switched from nylon to polyester without approval from the apartment managers who are paying for the carpet. That extra money usually goes into the pocket of the flooring company owner. Managers should ask their carpet supplier partners what fiber type is being installed in their apartments.

Compare nylon versus polyester. Other than a higher cost, one major difference between nylon and polyester is that nylon generally wears better than poly--ounce for ounce, a 25-ounce nylon carpet tends to last approximately 20 percent longer than a 25-ounce polyester carpet. Nylon does not shed and can be dyed more easily than polyester, especially in the case of bleach stains. Nylon is more resilient and doesn't crush as easily.

Polyester, on the other hand, cleans better and inherently resists stains. However, it fuzzes, sheds and can clog and ruin a vacuum. Polyester might be a better choice if the owner wants to sell the property in the next few years. When choosing a polyester product, consider one with a higher face weight than a comparable nylon.

Recycle cushioning. The most common type of carpet cushion used at apartment communities is a bonded urethane cushion, also known as rebond pad. Recycling this type of carpet cushion not only saves money on disposal, but also can earn owners money if they sell the used carpet to other companies.

Vary carpet cushion. One type of carpet cushion throughout an entire unit is not always the best decision. It is usually better to choose a different pad for the steps or hallways than bedrooms, which will help the carpet wear equally throughout the unit.

Find the best deals. Having a good relationship with your flooring provider and a knowledge of the flooring industry may allow managers and owners to receive services, such as re-stretching and repairs, for free. Managers also can encourage carpet companies to offer a lifetime installation guarantee on all flooring.

Save carpet scraps. If scraps are cut nicely and placed in a dry spot near the maintenance shop, residents can use them for doormats and for mats outside their baths or showers.

Beware of shoes. Shoes are one of carpet's main enemies. Installing a hard flooring surface, such as ceramic tile, laminate or sheet vinyl, instead of carpet in entryways will reduce foot traffic and standard wear patterns. An extended entry area will encourage residents to take their shoes off at the door.

Use quarter turning. Another way to save money on flooring installations is to use a flooring technique known as "quarter turning." This method of installation allows carpet in bedrooms to run in a different direction than in the rest of an apartment unit, which will reduce the amount of material used and cut costs by up to $50 per unit.

Scott J. Appel is Chief Operating Officer, FloorPro USA, Harrisburg. Pa. He can be reached at 888/FLR-PRO1 or [e-mail].