If you’re in the market for a new carpet or rug, you might be a
little confused as to what specifications you should be on the lookout for.
Luckily it’s not as difficult as you might think – on every carpet there
should be an easily locatable manufacturer’s label. This label varies in
terms of what information it provides, but in general it should show the type
of fiber, pile density, face-weight, and finally pile height. All the
aforementioned will affect your carpets lifespan, strength, and overall
appearance. Let’s take a look at at each one in detail so you can make the
best choice:
Type of Fiber
This is the
material the fibers of the carpet are constructed out of.The first decision
you need to make is whether to go for natural, man made, or a blend. You can
choose anything from wool to nylon, seagrass to silk. Blends are a good
choice if you want to make up for any weaknesses a fiber may
have.
Pile Density
The density of your
carpet or rug will give you a good indication of its durability. It’s
calculated by multiplying the carpet face weight by 36, then dividing that
number by the pile height. The more dense the carpet, the stronger it will
be. Other factors will affect the fibers’ performances of course, but this
should still give you a good idea. Your ideal density should be 3000, with
higher trafficked areas needing more in the region of
5000.
Face Weight
The face weight of a
carpet is the weight of the material per square yard. It does not include the
backing material, (the total weight). A heavier pile doesn’t always mean a
high quality carpet, but it should still be an informing factor. It’s most
useful when comparing two carpets which seem comparable in every other
way.
Pile Height
Next you should look
at the height of the pile. This is the length of the fabric, with shorter
fibers being stronger and longer being more comfortable.
The
label will additionally show the color, manufacturer, as well as any stain
treatments.
