Carpeting is one of the most significant investments you make in your home. Shopping for the right carpet is similar to shopping for a car. There are so many styles, colors, textures, and commercial carpet manufacturer brands to choose from. You also encounter so many salespeople who offer you unsolicited advice biased to their brand that makes it harder for you to make the right choice. It is sometimes an overwhelming endeavor that some people end up settling for basic designs to get it over with. Furthermore, it can be difficult to tell the quality of a carpet just by looking at it. Here are some of the properties that contribute to a carpet’s quality.
- Carpet density
It refers to how close the fibers are tufted together into the carpet backing. There is a specific formula to calculate the carpet density. When comparing two different carpets with similar factors, one with a higher density is more durable than one with a lower one since it can withstand more impact. Also, a dense carpet protects from stains because it is more difficult for particles to sink in, keeping them on the surface and easier to clean.
- Twist
The twist is the number of times the commercial carpet manufacturer twists a strand of fiber per inch. It is one of the most overlooked aspects of carpets by most shoppers, yet the best indicator of carpet quality. To measure it, count the turns you can see in a one-inch stretch of the carpet then double the number of twists you count. If it has a twist of 4 or more, then that is good quality and durable carpet.
- Type of fiber
Most carpet fibers are usually one of five; nylon, polyester, wool, acrylic, or olefin. Most carpets these days are made of synthetic fibers such as nylon.
- Nylon is wear-resistant but susceptible to stains if not treated. It is also prone to static charge and fading when placed under direct sunlight.
- Olefin is durable, wear-resistant, stain-resistant, making it easy to clean. It is not as comfortable with bare feet.
- Polyester has a lower cost and is prone to fading, staining, and pilling compared to nylon. It has a soft luxurious feel when used in a thick-cut pile.
- Acrylic has the feel of wool and is cheaper than wool. It resists static build-up and is mildew and moisture resistant.
- Wool is the only natural fabric that may be used by a commercial carpet manufacturer. It has a luxurious feel, durable, soil-resistant, and cleans up well. It is the most expensive of all fibers.
- Blend are combinations of various fibers to improve the overall look, feel, or durability. Wool and nylon are some of the most popular blends.
In conclusion, ensure you do your research so that a salesperson does not sway you to make a wrong decision. It would be best if you based your lifestyle, traffic levels, and how durable you want it. Take carpet samples with you to stores and compare the prices of similar products before you make your purchase.