Carpet is warm, comfortable, easy to clean. It also
comes in a wide range of colors, textures and patterns. Prices vary so it's a very good idea to shop
around. Prices are determined by the fibre or fibres used, the method of manufacturing and how the
carpet will perform generally. Some carpets are more dense than others, therefore more fibre is used
in the carpets that are dense.
Different grades of carpet are suitable for different locations. A light-use carpeting might be
right for bedrooms, but a heavy-duty variety needs to be considered for stairs and entries. Factors
that affect a carpet's durability are density and weight of the pile. Short, dense-pile carpets are the hardest-wearing
type you can buy.
Carpets generally have either a woven or a foam backing. Laying woven-backed carpet is a professional
job, but laying foam-backed carpet can be done by the amateur. An alternative to orthodox carpet
is supplied by carpet tiles, which can be loose-laid or stuck down.
Carpet terminology can be confusing. As well as the fibre composition, carpets can be classified according
to the method of manufacture and the type of pile. However, the most important indication of quality is
the type and amount of fibre used.
TYPE
As well as the natural carpet fibre, wool, a number of synthetics are used to make carpets. Most modern
carpets use mixtures -- either of wool with an artificial fibre such as nylon, or of several synthetic
materials.
Wool is expensive, but luxurious; it is often mixed with a percentage of nylon to promote durability -
80:20 wool to nylon is an all-purpose grade. Nylon is very durable and is often used in mixes.
Good-quality nylon can be expensive. Acrylic is similar to wool in appearance but is more difficult to clean.
Polyester is cheap and is often used to make shag-pile carpet. Viscose rayon is again cheap, but it
gives a poor performance overall. Polypropylene is cheap, durable and water-repellent. It is used in mixtures.
METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
In woven carpets the pile and the backing are made together. Types of pile include smooth, uncut-loop,
low-loop, long-loop and mixtures of cut and looped pile for sculpted effects. In tufted carpets fibres
are inserted individually into a prepared backing which is then sealed with adhesive to hold the tufts
in place. The pile may be cut, looped or both. With non-woven carpets fibres can be bonded onto backing
with adhesive; needlepunched and fixed with adhesive; or electrostatically flocked to the backing.
CARPET TERMS
Axminster is a type of woven carpet, where the pile is inserted in tufts into the weave, allowing many different
colors to be used. The pile is cut, but may be short and smooth, long and shaggy, stubbly or sculpted.
Berber is a term for fleeced carpets with a nubbly pile. Body carpet is carpet produced in
narrow widths less than 1.8m/6ft for use on stairs, halls and so on. Broadloom is carpet
produced in widths over 1.8m/6ft, commonly 2.75m/9ft and 3.7m/12ft. Brussels weave is a term
referring to dense uncut looped pile. Carpet tiles are squares of carpet with sealed edges,
available in different sizes, colors, patterns and fibres and with different backings, including PVC, rubber
and felt. Useful for areas of heavy wear, since damaged squares can be lifted easily and replaced, or tiles can be moved
regularly to distribute wear evenly. Cord is a low-loop woven carpet with a ribbed appearance.
It is very durable. Shag pile is a long-pile carpet with loops of 2.5-5cm/1-2in. It is hazardous on
stairs and is prone to tangling. Wilton is a smooth cut pile carpet. It is woven from continuous yarn,
so only limited colors are possible.
TYPES OF UNDERLAY
Good quality underlay is essential for all woven-backed carpets. Foam-backed carpets should be laid on
felt paper so the foam does not stick to the floor. Underlay evens out the carpet's upper surface, is a
good insulator and protects the carpet from dirt, damp and excess wear.
Foam or rubber underlay is resilient but is not suitable for areas of heavy wear, such as stairs.
Avoid laying it over damp floors or underfloor heating. To test good-quality foam, rub it between your
fingers and thumb: if it crumbles, it is second-rate.
Felt underlay is made of jute or animal hair, or a mixture. Hair is stronger and wears better. You can
also obtain rubberized felt.
Bonded underlay is made from a mixture of wool and synthetics, bonded to rubber.
April's Quick Tips Links
WE SPECIALIZE IN THESE TOPICS: CARPETS - CARPETING - HOW TO BUY CARPETS - WALL TO WALL CARPETING - HOW TO BUY CARPETING - CLEANING CARPETS - FLOORING - HOME IMPROVEMENT - INTERIOR REDESIGN TRAINING - HOME STAGING TRAINING - CORPORATE ART CONSULTING TRAINING -
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Handy Links to Our Decorating Products
Carpet is warm, comfortable, easy to clean. It also
comes in a wide range of colors, textures and patterns. Prices vary so it's a very good idea to shop
around. Prices are determined by the fibre or fibres used, the method of manufacturing and how the
carpet will perform generally. Some carpets are more dense than others, therefore more fibre is used
in the carpets that are dense.