Tips From A Carpet Expert: Know Exactly What You’re Buying
If you’re in the market for new carpeting, knowing exactly what you’re buying helps you to better understand and evaluate performance and value. After all, you want your carpet purchase to be a smart investment that will last for years to come. Here, General Manager John McConnell at Sloane’s Carpet Secret breaks down the factors you need to recognize superior, highly durable carpet.
Let’s Talk Fibers
Most carpet today is made of four types of fibers—nylon, polypropylene, PPT and wool.
Nylon: McConnell says this fiber makes up “the king of carpets.” Carpets made of nylon wear exceptionally well, are very resilient, resist abrasion and stains, and are easy to clean. They also tend to look like-new longer than any other fiber. Nylon accounts for about 75% of the carpet made today.
Polypropylene: Also known as Olefin, this synthetic fiber represents more than 35% of the total fibers used in the carpet industry. While polypropylene is not as resilient or resistant to abrasion as nylon, it is naturally stain and fade resistant. You’ll see this fiber in a lot of loop pile carpet constructions.
PTT: If you want a carpet that is durable, soft and resists stains, PPT or Triexta may be your carpet fiber. McConnell explains that this type of carpet is derived from corn, making it more environmentally friendly than those derived from petroleum. It has permanent stain resistance engineered into the fiber, which never wears or washes off. PPT cleans very easily, too.
Wool: McConnell says that wool is preferred by many people who suffer from allergies as it’s an entirely natural fiber. It’s very soft, has excellent insulating properties and is naturally fire resistant. On the downside, wool is the most expensive of carpet fibers and must be professionally cleaned by specialized carpet cleaning methods.
“Face Weight” Matters
McConnell explains that face weight is the actual weight of the fiber used to manufacture the carpet pile, minus the weight of the carpet backing. Most carpets have a face weight somewhere between 20-100 ounces, but the average face-weight for a residential carpet is about 35-60 ounces. Beware, advises McConnell. A higher face-weight does not automatically mean the carpet is a better grade. You should consider the fiber type, style and density, too.
Now For Some Density
Carpet density refers to how close together the fibers are tufted into the carpet backing. In general, the higher the density (measured from 1,000 to 7,000), the better the carpet quality. You’ll find that when you walk over your carpet, it either holds its shape or becomes compacted over time. Choosing a carpet with an appropriate density for the estimated amount of traffic helps the carpet maintain its shape and structural integrity.
Rely on the Experts
“Do you have to know everything about carpet? Of course not,” says McConnell. “But you should know those three elements comprise a carpet’s quality and find a carpet professional who understands this, too. Hopefully, even better than you.” At Sloane’s Carpet Secret, we’ve been educating customers on their carpet purchases for more than 40 years. Book an appointment today with one of our friendly experts who can tell you everything you need to know to feel confident about your next carpet purchase.