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Arm Yourself With Information
Buying carpet is a major purchase for many people; however, most people know little beyond what the salesperson can share. Arm yourself with information and you can ask intelligent questions that will lead to better answers and helpful recommendations.
Typical Carpet Styles:
Plush. This carpet is one solid color with an even height. You can find virtually any color. It is the most popular style used in houses and apartments today. If made of nylon, this carpet cleans easily and will wear well if properly cared for. Plush carpet will show footprints and vacuum marks. The standard life span of apartment-grade plush carpet is about five years.
Textured. This plush carpet generally has more than one color of yarn and varying tuft heights, thus reducing footprint and vacuum marks.
Frieze. This style of carpet has very tightly twisted tufts and wears very well. If maintained, this carpet can last 20 years or more. It may be used in heavy traffic areas, provides reduced footprint and vacuum marks and is a wonderful and elegant selection for the home.
Sculptured. This type of carpet has two types of tufts used in its construction, one is looped and one is not, which gives this carpet a hi-low appearance. The color usually varies in shade from light to dark and is rich in appearance.
Saxony. A cut-pile carpet in a relatively dense, erect configuration with well-defined individual tuft tips. Many dealers call their smoother-finished Saxony "plushes."
Berber. This has become popular in recent years because of its elegant appearance. The tufts are looped and aligned in rows for a clean, uniform look. When choosing this carpet be sure to select one with smaller loops to get the best wearability. Large-looped Berbers tend to collapse quickly and look worn out sooner. This carpet is not recommended in homes with small children or pets, as it can snag and run easily and is difficult to repair. Usually made of Olefin fiber.
Carpet Fibers. The most important aspect in selecting the right carpet for the home, office or rental is understanding carpet fiber. In general, nylon is by far the best-wearing fiber available. You may choose another fiber for various good reasons, yet on balance, nylon is the best choice.
Nylon. Nylon is a synthetic fiber and outperforms all other fibers. It wears well, resists abrasion and is easy to clean. It comes in all styles and colors. This is the best-wearing, most durable fiber available.
Olefin (Polypropylene). Olefin, also called polypropylene or polyolefin, is a strong, good-looking synthetic fiber that is inexpensive to manufacture. Some carpets that are made of olefin are Berbers or commercial carpets with small loops. Olefin wears well and has good stain resistance when anti-stain treatment is applied. Olefin has good anti-static properties, however, it is hard to clean. It has poor resiliency and tends to look dingy when soiled. Outdoor grass styles are made from Olefin. Some have had great success using a commercial level loop carpet in apartments. Glued directly to the floor, it is not as soft underfoot, but it will last significantly longer than if used with a pad placed under it. Wheelchairs roll easily over glued-down commercial level-loop carpets.
Polyester (also called P.E.T.). (Manufactured from recycled soda pop containers.) This is a very soft synthetic fiber that holds its color well. It is very difficult to clean however, and has poor resiliency. Traffic areas will usually mat down quickly and may never return to the original appearance. When new, this fiber looks great and feels soft and wonderful, but it often lacks durability. Carpet manufacturers continue to try and develop this fiber so they can make a great carpet with it.
Performance and Durability
There are seven factors that directly affect the performance and durability of carpet.
1. What fiber it is made from. Nylon, polyester, Olefin or wool are most common. Nylon is by far the most durable fiber.
2. Face weight. The number of ounces of fiber per square yard. The range is generally from 25 to 80, the higher the number the heavier the carpet. A heavier carpet does not always mean a more durable carpet.
3. Fiber twist. The number of times the fibers are twisted together in a 1-inch length, the higher the number the more durable the carpet.
4. Density. The amount of fibers per square inch. More fibers, the more durable the carpet.
5. Padding. Use 1/2–inch thickness or less, pad density is rated in pounds. The range is from 3 to 8 pounds and 6-pound padding is the residential standard. Padding is used to provide proper carpet support and for personal comfort.
6. Carpet maintenance. Proper vacuuming and cleaning methods can significantly enhance carpet performance and protect the original look and feel.
7. Anti-stain treatment. Carpets that have been treated to resist stains will enable easier maintaining and may prolong the carpet’s performance.
(Source: www.howtobuycarpet.com)
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