I’ve walked on a lot of carpets in my time, but Godfrey Hirst has me hooked. Their blend of luxury, durability, and eco-conscious options makes them a standout choice for any home.
Whether you’re revamping your living room or outfitting a new build, these carpets deliver comfort and style without breaking the bank.
From plush wool to innovative triexta, there’s something for everyone. Trust me, after sinking my toes into their soft piles, I’m convinced Godfrey Hirst is the way to go. Let’s explore why you’ll fall in love with them too.
My Journey With Godfrey Hirst Carpets
When I moved into my new home, the floors were a blank canvas, and I was on a mission to find the perfect carpet.
I’d heard about Godfrey Hirst from a friend who raved about their eco-friendly triexta range, so I decided to give it a shot.
I chose the Eco+ Luxury Appeal for my living room and bedrooms, drawn to its promise of softness and stain resistance.
The installation process was a breeze—my local supplier handled everything, and within a day, my home felt transformed.
Walking on Luxury Appeal is like stepping onto a cloud. The 18mm pile height is pure indulgence, cushioning every step. I have a rambunctious toddler and a shedding golden retriever, so I was nervous about spills and pet hair.
But the triexta fibers lived up to their hype—juice stains wiped away with just cold water, and pet hair vacuumed up easily, though I’ll admit it takes a bit of elbow grease due to the thick pile. I also opted for their Hycraft wool carpet, Carramar, for my staircase.
Its honeycomb loop pile added a chic, earthy vibe, and it’s held up beautifully despite daily foot traffic.
What struck me most was the variety. With over 200 color options in the Eco+ range alone, I found the perfect neutral taupe to tie my decor together. The 25-year warranty gave me peace of mind, though I did wonder about triexta’s long-term durability since it’s a newer material.
So far, after a year, both carpets look as good as new. My only hiccup was a slight delay in delivery due to local stock issues, but the supplier kept me in the loop. Honestly, the comfort and style make it worth every penny.
The Pros of Godfrey Hirst Carpets
- Unmatched Softness That Feels Like a Hug
Let’s talk about comfort. Godfrey Hirst carpets, especially their triexta and wool ranges, are ridiculously soft.
The Eco+ Luxury Appeal is the cushiest carpet I’ve ever walked on—its dense, 18mm pile feels like sinking into a plush bed.
Even their more affordable options, like the Inspirational triexta, have a cloud-like quality that makes barefoot mornings a treat.
If you’re after a carpet that pampers your feet, this is it.
- Stain Resistance That Saves the Day
Spills are inevitable in my house, but Godfrey Hirst’s triexta carpets are a game-changer. The Eco+ range boasts built-in stain resistance, meaning I can clean most messes with just cold water. I spilled red wine during a dinner party (oops), and it wiped away without a trace.
Wool options like Hycraft’s Carramar are naturally soil-repellent too, thanks to wool’s unique fiber structure. It’s like these carpets were made for chaotic households like mine.
- Eco-Friendly Vibes You Can Feel Good About
I’m all about sustainable choices, and Godfrey Hirst delivers. Their triexta carpets, like the Eco+ line, use 37% corn starch, a renewable resource that reduces environmental impact. The Velvet Appeal is a standout for its plant-based materials, making it a win for eco-conscious folks.
Even their wool carpets, like the Hycraft range, are naturally sustainable and biodegradable. Knowing my carpet choice aligns with my values feels pretty darn good.
- Durability That Stands Up to Life
Godfrey Hirst carpets are built to last. The Luxury Appeal has a 6-star Residential Extra Heavy Duty rating, meaning it can handle my kid’s toy-truck races and my dog’s zoomies.
The Hycraft wool carpets, like Queenstwist, even boast a Contract Heavy Duty rating, perfect for high-traffic areas or commercial spaces. I’ve had mine for a year, and there’s no sign of wear, even in my busy living room.
- A Color and Style for Every Mood
With over a thousand products, Godfrey Hirst has options galore. From the 30 vibrant colors of the Inspirational range to the 14 neutral tones of Luxury Appeal, I found shades that perfectly matched my decor.
Want a modern, plush look? Go for a cut-pile triexta. Prefer a textured, earthy vibe? The Hycraft wool loop piles, like Carramar, are your jam. It’s like having a designer’s palette at your fingertips.
- Generous Warranties for Peace of Mind
Who doesn’t love a good warranty? Godfrey Hirst offers a 25-year warranty on their triexta carpets, covering major performance issues.
Their wool and nylon ranges come with 10- to 15-year warranties, which is solid for the price. I sleep better knowing my investment is protected, though I haven’t had to test the warranty yet—fingers crossed I never do!
The Not-So-Good Parts of Godfrey Hirst Carpets
- Triexta’s Vacuuming Challenge
While I love the softness of triexta carpets, they can be a pain to vacuum.
The long, dense fibers in my Luxury Appeal cling to pet hair and dust, requiring extra passes with my vacuum.
I’ve found that a high-powered model with adjustable settings works best, but it’s still more effort than I expected.
If you’re not a fan of vacuuming, this might test your patience.
- Wool’s Moth Magnet Woes
My Hycraft wool carpet is stunning, but I learned the hard way about carpet moths. After noticing tiny holes near the baseboards, I discovered wool’s natural fibers can attract pests if not treated.
Regular vacuuming helps, but I wish Godfrey Hirst had clearer warnings about moth prevention in their warranty fine print. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to watch out for.
- Premium Price for Premium Quality
Godfrey Hirst isn’t the cheapest option out there. The Luxury Appeal and Hycraft Queenstwist are splurges compared to budget brands like EC Carpet. My wallet felt the pinch, especially for larger areas like my living room.
If you’re on a tight budget, their polypropylene or polyester ranges might be a better fit, but they don’t match the premium feel of triexta or wool.
- Warranty Fine Print Frustrations
That 25-year warranty sounds amazing, but there’s a catch. Godfrey Hirst’s warranties have strict rules—like avoiding certain vacuum cleaners (Dyson, I’m looking at you) and specific cleaning methods.
I also read horror stories about warranty claims being denied due to improper maintenance. It hasn’t been an issue for me yet, but the fine print feels like a hurdle you need to jump through.
- Potential Fading in Sunlight
I noticed slight fading in my nylon carpet near a sunny window after a year. Godfrey Hirst’s cheaper ranges, especially polyester and some nylon options, can fade in direct sunlight. It’s not a huge issue if you use curtains or UV-protective film, but it’s worth noting if your home gets a lot of natural light.
Their solution-dyed nylon and triexta fares better, so I’d stick with those for sun-soaked rooms.
Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Godfrey Hirst Carpet Fresh
- Vacuum Like a Pro
To keep your Godfrey Hirst carpet looking pristine, vacuum at least twice a week. For triexta carpets like my Eco+ Luxury Appeal, use a vacuum with adjustable suction to avoid straining the motor on those thick fibers.
Wool carpets need a beater bar adjusted to a higher setting to prevent snagging. I set a reminder to vacuum high-traffic areas like my hallway daily—it makes a huge difference in keeping dirt at bay.
- Tackle Spills Immediately
Spills happen, but Godfrey Hirst’s triexta carpets make cleanup a breeze. Grab a clean cloth and cold water the second you spot a spill. I dab—never rub—to lift stains like juice or coffee. For wool carpets, avoid over-wetting; use a damp cloth and blot gently.
I keep a spray bottle of water and a stack of microfiber cloths handy for quick cleanups. Trust me, speed is your friend here.
- Professional Cleaning for Longevity
I schedule a professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months to keep my Eco+ and Hycraft carpets in top shape. For triexta, stick to cold-water extraction methods to avoid damaging the fibers. Wool carpets need a cleaner experienced with natural fibers to prevent shrinkage.
My cleaner uses eco-friendly solutions, which aligns with Godfrey Hirst’s sustainability vibe. Check with your supplier for recommended cleaners in your area.
- Protect Against Moths and Pests
Wool carpets like my Hycraft Carramar are gorgeous but can attract moths if you’re not careful. Vacuum under furniture and along baseboards weekly to disrupt moth larvae. I also use cedar blocks in corners as a natural deterrent.
If you live in a humid area, consider a dehumidifier to keep moisture low, as moths love damp environments. Godfrey Hirst doesn’t mention this upfront, so I learned this tip through trial and error.
- Rotate Furniture to Prevent Wear
Heavy furniture can crush even the toughest carpets. I rearrange my living room furniture every six months to distribute weight evenly. For my Luxury Appeal, I use furniture pads under heavy pieces like my couch to prevent permanent dents.
If you notice matting, a quick steam with a handheld steamer can fluff the pile back up—just don’t overdo it with wool, as it’s sensitive to heat.
- Use UV Protection for Sun-Exposed Areas
To prevent fading in my nylon carpet, I added UV-protective film to my windows. It’s a cheap fix that extends the life of your carpet’s color. For high-sun areas, I also use area rugs to shield the carpet during peak daylight hours.
If you’re installing Godfrey Hirst in a sunny room, opt for their solution-dyed nylon or triexta ranges, which resist fading better than polyester.
How Godfrey Hirst Stacks Up Against Other Brands?
Let’s see how Godfrey Hirst stacks up against LifeProof Carpeting, 651 Carpets, and Empire Carpet. Each brand has its strengths, but I’ll break down where Godfrey Hirst shines or falls short in key areas like comfort, durability, eco-friendliness, and cost.
- Godfrey Hirst Vs. LifeProof Carpeting
LifeProof Carpeting, sold at Home Depot, is all about tough, budget-friendly nylon carpets with lifetime stain and soil warranties. I tested their Home Decorators Collection and found it soft but not as plush as Godfrey Hirst’s Eco+ Luxury Appeal, which has an 18mm pile that feels like a dream.
LifeProof’s stain resistance is stellar—red wine didn’t stand a chance—but Godfrey Hirst’s triexta matches it with cold-water cleanups and adds eco-friendly corn-based fibers, which LifeProof lacks.
LifeProof is cheaper by about 10-15%, but its color range (around 50 shades) pales next to Godfrey Hirst’s 200+ options. For style and sustainability, Godfrey Hirst takes the crown, but LifeProof is a solid pick for budget-conscious buyers.
- Godfrey Hirst Vs. 651 Carpets
651 Carpets, a lesser-known player, focuses on affordable nylon and polyester carpets for residential and commercial use.
I checked out their Supreme Elegance line, and while it’s durable with a 5-star heavy-duty rating, it feels stiffer than Godfrey Hirst’s Hycraft wool or triexta ranges.
651’s stain resistance is decent, but it requires specific cleaning solutions, unlike Godfrey Hirst’s water-only triexta cleanups.
Price-wise, 651 undercuts Godfrey Hirst by up to 20%, making it tempting for large projects.
However, their color options are limited (about 80 shades), and they don’t emphasize eco-friendly materials. Godfrey Hirst wins for softness and green credentials, but 651 is a practical choice for tight budgets.
- Godfrey Hirst Vs. Empire Carpet
Empire Carpet is a household name for quick installations and competitive pricing, offering nylon, polyester, and some wool options.
I sampled their Lifestyle Collection, which is soft and durable but doesn’t match the luxurious 18mm pile of Godfrey Hirst’s Eco+ range.
Empire’s stain protection is good, but their warranties (10-20 years) are shorter than Godfrey Hirst’s 25-year triexta guarantee.
Empire’s strength is its nationwide availability and next-day installation, which Godfrey Hirst can’t always match due to regional stock issues.
However, Empire’s designs feel dated compared to Godfrey Hirst’s trendy, earthy tones. For style and longevity, I’d pick Godfrey Hirst, but Empire’s speed is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Karastan and Godfrey Hirst both offer high-quality carpets, but they cater to slightly different vibes. Karastan leans into luxury with premium wool and nylon blends, often at a higher price point—think 20-30% more than Godfrey Hirst for similar specs. Their SmartStrand line rivals Godfrey Hirst’s triexta for softness but lacks the same eco-friendly corn-based fibers. Godfrey Hirst has a broader color palette (200+ shades vs. Karastan’s 100-150) and more budget-friendly options like polypropylene. Karastan’s warranties are comparable (15-20 years), but Godfrey Hirst’s domestic production means faster delivery in Australia.
It’s tough to crown one brand as the absolute best since it depends on your needs. Godfrey Hirst shines for its balance of softness, durability, and sustainability, especially with their Eco+ triexta and Hycraft wool ranges. Karastan offers top-tier luxury but at a premium. Shaw’s Lifeproof line is a durability champ with lifetime stain warranties. Feltex matches Godfrey Hirst in quality and price but has fewer color options. For my home, Godfrey Hirst’s versatility and eco-conscious materials make it a top contender, but test samples in-store to find your perfect fit.
Yes, Godfrey Hirst is owned by Mohawk Industries. They acquired the company in 2018, bringing Godfrey Hirst under the umbrella of the world’s largest flooring manufacturer. This gives Godfrey Hirst access to cutting-edge tech and global distribution, but they still maintain their Australian roots, with most carpets made in Geelong, Victoria. The Mohawk backing hasn’t changed the quality I love, though some folks worry about corporate influence on smaller brands.
Godfrey Hirst carpets are primarily made in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Their triexta, wool, nylon, and polyester ranges are produced in their Australian factories, supporting local manufacturing. Some hard flooring options, like vinyl planks, may be sourced internationally through Mohawk Industries, their parent company. The Aussie-made aspect is a big plus for me, as it means quicker delivery and a nod to local craftsmanship.
Why Godfrey Hirst Wins My Heart (and Floors)?
After a year with Godfrey Hirst carpets, I’m still smitten. The softness, stain resistance, and eco-friendly options make them a no-brainer for anyone wanting comfort and practicality. From the plush Luxury Appeal to the durable Hycraft wool, there’s a carpet for every home and budget.
Sure, they’re not perfect—vacuuming triexta can be a workout, and wool needs moth protection—but the pros far outweigh the cons. If you want a carpet that feels like a hug and lasts for years, Godfrey Hirst is your go-to.
Trust me, your feet will thank you.