Planning to shop for new carpet? Not all carpet is created equal. Shopping price alone is risky. First consider traffic and where it'll be used. Carpet in a hallway gets different wear than that in a dining area or family room. And style, meaning nap and weave, affects both wear and ease of care. Type of fiber and construction determines how well carpet performs and keeps its original appearance. Carpet density also governs performance, which is the amount of yarn used. The more yarn per square yard, the heavier the carpet -- and the better it wears. Here's a simple density test for any style. Bend the carpet and note how close the tufts are and how much backing is exposed. Good carpet will be tight and full-bodied. Cheap carpet will be light and skimpy. Guess which one lasts longer. Want to know more? Call the carpet and rug institute at 1-(800)-882-8846 for free brochures. And that's the On The House tip for today.