one of the best things I love most about our Raptor is that we can put the kids in the garage, close the door and we don't see them, don't hear them or their movie. We can watch a movie in the living room and they don't hear our movie or us either. In fact it seems that same way for the loft. We've also used the garage space with the ramp down as a place for adults to gather and kids in the living area. The garage provides a great entry way when its raining and muddy outside.
Our old Raptor we negotiated a deal for $50 for a 12x8 rug with padding at Home Depot. The current Raptor we use the carpet that came with it. Not the thickest but it works.