How to Select Carpeting

Following is a step-by-step guide on how to select carpeting for your next project.

1.	Evaluate the amount and flow of traffic as well as the dynamics of the area. For example: Does the area receive a lot of direct sunlight?   From what direction does the major traffic flow occur?
2.	Determine the quantity of carpeting needed for the area. Carpeting is measured in square yards of an area. To calculate square yardage, multiply the length of the area by its width, then divide that figure by 9. Always increase the square yardage required by 10% to account for pattern match and allowance for 12' wide material in smaller rooms.
3.	Establish a budget for your carpeting project. Make sure padding, installation, furniture movement, and any other needs are included.
4.	Select a color that enhances the decor of the area. For example, if you want your area to appear larger, then select a light color; if you want your area to seem warm, choose a dark color.

Once you have completed the above steps, you must consider carpet construction, fiber content, and textures. The following definitions will aid you in making your next carpeting purchase.

Carpet Construction

Carpet Construction refers to the method of locking or tufting the yarn into a backing, which impacts the texture, durability and appearance of the carpet.

Types of Carpet

	Loop Pile: Approx. 52% of new carpet styles are loop pile. Carpet loops are not cut, so the loops form the carpet surface. This carpet type is best suited for high traffic areas.
	Cut Pile: Approx. 38.5 of new carpet introductions are cut pile. The loops are cut, resulting in individual yarn tufts.
	Cut and Loop Pile: This pile is a combination of loop and cut yarns, which creates a carved or pattern appearance. It has excellent soil hiding properties.

Fiber Content

Approximately 97% of all carpet manufactured use synthetic fibers, such as Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Acrylic. The primary characteristics of synthetic fibers are style, easy maintenance and high value. Following are the five basic types of carpet pile fibers.

Synthetic

Nylon: About two-thirds of all pile fibers produced in the United States are made with nylon. The major features are wear-resistant, brilliant color, conceals and resists soils and stains.

Olefin: One of the most color fast and naturally stain resistant fibers produced. Primarily used for outdoor areas, especially for sport surfaces, or light traffic indoor areas. High densities and twist levels are required for commercial applications.

Polyester: Soft fiber that is stain resistant, dyes easily and cheaper than nylon. Generally used as temporary floor covering or in areas that are light traffic, such as a guest bedroom or a formal living room.

Acrylic: Noted for appearing and feeling like wool at a lower cost. It is known for its moisture and mildew resistant properties.

Natural

Wool: Naturally soil resistant, but stains easily. High quality wool carpeting products should be purchased in the Berber or super dense plush form.

Cotton: Susceptible to crushing and absorbs a lot of moisture making it difficult to keep clean.

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Carpet Performance

Performance is determined by the type of fiber used and the way that carpet is constructed. Factors in evaluating performance includes the following:

Density: Refers to how tightly the pile yarn tufts are packed together and bound into a carpet backing. The denser the pile, the higher the quality of carpeting.

Twist: Refers to the winding of the yarn around itself. A tighter twist provides greater durability and texture retention.

Gauge: Refers to the number of stitches across the width of the carpeting in a one inch span.

Stitches per inch: Refers to the number of stitches across the length of the carpeting in a one inch increment.

Pile Height: Refers to the distance between the backing to the top of pile.

Tuft Bind: Refers to the ability of yarn to withstand pulls; the number of pounds required to pull a tuft from the backing.

Heat setting: Refers to the method of setting the twist of the yarn, either suessen or autoclave set.

Scouring: Refers to the removal of the oil lubricants from solution dyes and fibers either in nylons or olefins.

Carpet padding

Carpeting requires a solid foundation which increases its comfort and durability. Residential padding should be a maximum of 7/16" thick. Other benefits of padding are insulation and noise reduction. Commercial padding is usually 1/4" thick and can be stretched over or double glued by adhering the pad to the floor and the carpet to the pad.

If you have questions that cannot be answered with the above information, please send us an e-mail. We will answer your questions within 24 hours.

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