Looks Can be Deceiving When Choosing a Carpet

Posted on January 21, 2008
Filed Under Home Repair

Picking out the right carpet can be overwhelming, what with dozens of styles, colors, and qualities available, it’s often difficult to choose.

A common trap people fall into is choosing a carpet based on appearance alone. Even though two rugs may look alike, their longevity and ability to sustain wear and tear may differ. You also want to ensure you’re choosing the best carpet for its intended use. A thick pile, fluffy carpet may be just what you’re looking for in the bedroom, but don’t put it in a high traffic hallway.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind the next time you’re out shopping for a new rug.

Fibers

Nylon: About 90% of all home carpeting is made from nylon making it a common choice for all traffic areas. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and static-free and repels mildew. Nylon carpeting is available in a wide range of prices for all budgets.

Olefin (polypropylene): Olefin is a fiber commonly used in commercial carpeting. It has the same properties as nylon, but is used both indoors and outdoors (including artificial turf).

Polyester: Commonly used in soft loop piles or Berber loops, polyester is less expensive than wool or nylon. It has a huge array of colors, doesn’t fade and resists water-based stains.

Acrylic: Often used in velvet and level-loop carpets, acrylic is the closest to wool fiber at a lower cost. Its properties include resistance to mildew, moisture and stains, but the fibers don’t stand up well to heavy traffic. Acrylic is less suitable for some areas of the house.

Wool: For a rich, luxurious carpet that maintains fiber height, wool is the way to go. It repels water, cleans easily, and is available in a variety of colors. On the downside, wool is costly. It can be less moisture-resistant than synthetics and is prone to fraying.

A more economical version of 100% wool fiber is the popular wool/nylon blend that combines the best properties of both.

PET: This is a recycled fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate, or recycled plastics and packaged goods. Although it lacks the comfortable feel of other carpets, PET carpet is durable, static resistant, and water resistant.

Pile

Don’t leave out the pile properties when choosing a carpet; it can be more important than the fiber. A tufted pile is less durable than a woven pile.

A good test for quality is to fold a sample of the carpet (back sides facing each other). If it’s a good quality carpet, the backing of the carpet should not be visible through the folded pile.

Backing

Foam-Backed Carpet: This is generally a cheaper option that does not require separate under pad; however they tend to be quite thin and less durable. It’s good practice to lay brown paper underneath or even a thin layer of underlay to prevent dust and dirt from creeping up into the fibers.

Hessian-Backed Carpet: This is a better quality version that requires separate underlay underneath. A good rule of thumb is to buy at least 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch for maximum comfort.

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