Shopping for carpet? Not all carpet is created equal. The type of fiber and the method of construction determine how well a carpet will perform and keep its original appearance. Carpet density directly relates to the amount of yarn used. Here's a simple density test that you can make when carpet shopping: Bend the carpet and note how close the individual tufts are to each other and how much of the backing is exposed. Press down with one finger and see how easy it is to penetrate the backing. The stronger the backing, the better the carpet. Want to know more about carpet buying and care? Call the Carpet and Rug Institute in Dalton, Ga., at 1-800-882-8846. They have several consumer brochures that are free for the asking. And that's the On The House tip for today.