Buyers’ guide to carpets

There are plenty of reasons to love the modern carpet – it’s soft, cozy, underfoot and available in myriad colours, weaves and patterns.

What used to be a blank canvas for the rest of the room is coming to the fore, with fresh hues, daring patterns and textural weaves. And these days, for that instant transformation, all you need is a beautifully patterned carpet. I believe that it adds warmth and personality and also evokes a feeling of luxury.

And the comfort factor – you can throw numerous cushions around your pad, but they will never match up to the carpet for low lounging. If I were to list down to the pros…well, this research would spin realms and realms, but in a nutshell – it is hygienic as it traps allergens and dust, which can be easily removed with regular vacuuming. It absorbs sound, so it’s ideal if you have neighbours downstairs and it doesn’t always need a level surface so you can save your pennies on any sub floor work.

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Tufted carpets

Tufted carpet is made by inserting individual lengths of yarn into pre woven backing fabric using needles. The piles are then cut or looped at desired lengths. Adhesive is then applied to the reverse side to keep the tufts in place, and a second backing is added for extra strength.

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Woven carpet

Woven carpet is made the traditional way on a loom by weaving the front and the back of the carpet simultaneously. Normally many coloured yarns can be used and this process is a combination of loops and cut pile. These carpets are expensive due to the labour intensive nature and relatively slow speed of the manufacturing process.

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Flat weave carpet

Flat weave carpet is created by interlocking the vertical and horizontal threads – by weaving the wefts through the warps. Types of oriental flat weave carpets include kilims, soumak, plain weave and tapestry weave.

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Knotted carpet

Knotted carpet is made by hand and involves a long and tedious process. The warp threads are stretched on the loom. Each pile is then knotted manually to the warp threads according to the design, progressing horizontally. When a row of knots is completed, the weft thread is inserted and so in.

The precision of the pattern depends on how closely the carpet has been knotted and how short the pile is. You can see the hand knotted weave in Persian and Kashmiri rugs and carpets.

Commonfloor recommends: Hand knotted rugs which are long lasting, washable and can take heavy footfalls.

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Carpet styles: Types of textures

The texture of a carpet depends on its pile. Pile is the top surface of the carpet and it varies in height and density. The tighter the weave and the more stitches or tufts per square inch, the more durable the carpet will be.

Looped pile

It is made of yarn that is looped at the same height and left uncut. This is the most common type of carpet and is available in a variety of heights from short to shaggy.

Commonfloor recommends: It is very durable under heavy use; easy to clean and soil and spills remain on surface.

Cut pile

It is made by shearing off the tops of level-looped pile. It has a cleaner, more refined appearance than looped pile and there is a choice of amount of twist in yarn.

Random or tip sheared

It is made of a combination of looped and cut pile. It brings together elegance of cut pile and practicality of looped pile.

Velvet

This refers to velvet loom on which it is woven. The direction of the pile makes surface appear as either highlight or shade; this is because cut pile threads will change direction. Depending on pressure on surface, footprints may show up when walked on.

Sculptured or curved pile

There are a variety of designs possible with two or more levels. It can combine looped or cut pile.

What you need to know: Dirt can get trapped in grooves.

Shag or short shag

It is woven or tufted carpet with yarn that is not tightly twisted. The long pile is either looped or cut pile. It will show dirt faster than shorter pile and requires frequent vacuuming.

Plush

This is a heavy cut pile which is deep and tightly woven. It may show footprints when walked on.

Saxony

This is most popular type of carpet and is only available in cut pile. It has a moderate to tight twist of yarn.

Carpet fibres

The fibre of the yarn used to make the carpet is another important consideration, as this will affect both price and lifespan. Natural and synthetic materials are used, either on their own or in combination with one another.

The most frequently used fibers are:

Wool

• most commonly used natural material
• deep and warm material, well suited for carpets
• wears well, resilient, retains original texture
• flameproof, abrasion resistant
• easily cleaned (but not as easily as synthetics) and maintained
• price depends on quality and ranges from cheap to expensive

Acrylic

• wears well with low static generation
• easily cleaned
• the synthetic option that most resembles wool
• resists moths, mildew, sun-fading, soil stains
• available in many colours

Nylon

• longest lasting of all synthetic fibers
• exceptional colour and texture retention
• easily cleaned, although will show soil more than other fabrics
• inexpensive

Modacrylic

• similar to acrylic but more costly
• usually blended with other acrylic fibres
• resistant to moths, mildew and abrasion
• easily cleaned and maintained
• colours are limited

Olefin (polypropylene)

• mainly used for indoor/outdoor carpet
• very durable, appropriate for heavy traffic areas
• resistant to moisture, mildew, abrasion, piling and shedding
• inexpensive
• easily cleaned, most stain resistant of all fibres
• resilience is low
• least attractive of all synthetic fibres

Polyester

• used mainly in shag or semi-shag carpets
• wide colour selection
• good colour retention
• appropriate for any area indoors
• easily cleaned, resistant to most soiling
• highly durable, little piling or shedding
• resistant to mildew, abrasion, moisture
• not as warm as other fibres

Sisal and other grasses

• inexpensive
• cool to the touch
• available in natural colours
• weaving patterns are usually understated

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Commonfloor recommends

 

Carpet patterns & colors

Whether you want dramatic color, graphic design or elegant artwork, it is all available in today’s new carpet styles. Solid, neutral colors are good, but adding a layer of creativity to any room is easy with carpet. There’s no need to limit your decorating choices any more.

Stain and soil resistance

You would like carpeting in your home, except you have a dog prone to accidents that leave behind odors or stains. Or perhaps you are concerned about stains, mold, and mildew from other sources. Carpet manufacturers have come up with solutions—developing molecular-level treatments to take care of these problems. All you have to do is have the carpet installed and enjoy a trouble-free experience.

Green carpet choices

There’s much more to carpet than high and low pile. You can get super-soft carpet, sculpted surfaces, and materials that are fade-resistant in sunlight. Many types of carpeting contain significant amounts of recyclable material and renewable resources. At the end of their useful life, many carpets can be recycled for use in new products.

A revolutionary new fiber called: triexta, made from DuPont’s latest polymer innovation (a PTT polymer) and is being used throughout the apparel, upholstery and carpet industries. Triexta provides a unique combination of superior performance, softness, and stain resistance compared to other available synthetic fibers. Triexta is also made in part from renewably sourced ingredients making less impact on the environment and still providing exceptional durability and built-in permanent stain and fade protection.

Carpet durability

Advancements in fiber technology and new carpet construction methods have made carpet more durable and longer lasting than ever in the past. Carpet also insulates the floor and keeps feet warmer in the dead of winter. Walking across the room never felt so good.

Carpet buying tips – What you should know before buying carpets?

You’ve decided on buying new carpet, but you want to shop smart. You already know how carpet is made and the difference between carpet styles, but what else is there to know before you buy? Lots.

Here are some buying carpet tips to give you the upper hand on what will soon be under your feet!

Carpet Seams

Unless your room is narrower than 15 feet, you’re going to have seams. Most carpet comes in widths of 12 feet and 15 feet — and on occasion, 13 feet. The degree of visibility of your seams depends on the texture and color you choose, as well as the lighting and furniture placement in your room.

Bending

When you carpet your stairs, its backing may show on the bends. And if it’s a looped carpet, it can snag — especially at the seams or transitions.

Nap (Pile Shading)

A carpet’s nap runs in a single direction, making pile reversal or the shading you see from a vacuum trail, completely normal for most cut pile styles. If you’re not a fan of this, window treatments and furniture placement can minimize the effect.

Quality

Let’s face it. You get what you pay for. If you want your carpet to have a great pile density and tighter twist construction (which leads to improved durability), then you’re going to want to go with a higher quality (and more expensive) product. New carpet adds value to any home, so it’s an investment worth making.

Colour

Carpet covers a large part of any room, so it’s vital that you consider some basic rules when selecting its colour. First off, know that once your carpet is installed, it’s going to look lighter in color than the sample you saw in the store.

Next, recognise that colour can affect the apparent size of a room. Call it a visual illusion or a trick of the light, but lighter carpet makes a room look larger and darker colors make a room look smaller and more intimate.

If you like to redecorate often or plan to move soon, go neutral. It’s much easier to imagine furniture in a room that is decorated with neutral colours.

Stains

It’s going to happen, no matter how long you hold out from sipping wine or munching on chips and salsa in your freshly carpeted room. Stain protection is an important consideration when buying carpet. Products come with various levels of protection and warranties. As the quality of a carpet increases, so does its stain protection level and warranty coverage.

Padding/Cushion

Padding or cushion is the layer of spongy material between carpet and floor. It’s the padding — not the carpet — that determines whether the carpet feels good or great under your feet.

A quality padding can help preserve a carpet’s look and can extend its life and comfort by providing tougher protection against wear and tear.

Warranty

It’s a good idea to read the product specs and warranty coverage on the back labels of your carpet prior to purchasing. Doing so will give you the information you need to protect your investment — and eliminate any surprises down the road.

Cost

“Cost per square foot” is just one component of the overall price tag for new carpet. Ask your retailer to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project.

How to clean & maintain your carpet?

Here’s some advice on cleaning and caring for your new new carpet:

“Wipe your feet on the mat! Leave your shoes at the door! Walk on the plastic liner!”

People can be so fussy about preserving their carpet. Some demand that freshly “mown” look with perfectly parallel vacuum lines across the room. Others lose their heads over a single crumb. Assuming you’re not one of “those,” here’s some tips on keeping your carpets just as clean and cozy as they were the day they were installed.

Wipe your feet

By placing a mat at the doors that lead to and from backyards and garages — and enforcing their use —mud, dirt, etc. can stay outside and not get tracked across the carpet.

Suck it up

Regardless of your militaristic skills when it comes to keeping dirty feet off the carpet, dust, food and other everyday grime is going to make its way onto your precious pile. That’s where a good vacuum comes in. Buy one and use it often. You can choose between the old fashioned upright, or one of those fancy robotic models that requires little more than the push of a button and the occasional emptying of the filter. Frequent vacuuming sucks up the dust and loose dirt, refreshing your rugs and extending the life of your investment.

Watch your weight

Heavy furniture, potted plants and other home decor can crush carpet pile and leave compressions that you may not notice until you redecorate or move. It’s a good idea to shake things up every once in a while — rearrange the furniture and your carpet will thank you.

Stay out of the sun

Those large picture windows invite the sunlight in, casting a beautiful glow across your home. To avoid sun lightening to your carpets, shut the curtain or blinds when the sun is most intense or use UV glass or film in your windows.

Snip the snags

Looped carpets tend to snag over time — especially at the seams. It’s best not to vacuum over lose yarn or pull at the snags. Instead, treat every loose thread like you would on an expensive suit. Grab a scissors and carefully snip the snag flush with the plush.

Watch the spills

“To eat or drink on the carpet? That is the question.” Everything from cracker crumbs to red wine has found its way onto and into costly carpets. When these events occur (and they will occur), begin the clean up process by using a dry cloth to blot up as much debris or liquid as possible.

The longer you wait, the more the fibers will absorb the stain. Warm water should then be used to rinse the stained area. Don’t scrub and don’t use hot water. You’ll damage the fibers. Finally, rinse the area with warm water and absorb the wetness with a dry cloth. After your carpet is dry, vacuum it to restore its texture and appearance.

Call the pros

Time and traffic take their toll. It’s just a fact of life. Carpet manufacturer warranties have very specific instructions on the type of professional cleaning necessary to keep that warranty in force. Refer to that material. Then, when necessary, call on a reputable carpet cleaning service to restore your rugs to their original luster. The knowledge, commercial equipment and experience of a professional can go a long way towards removing stubborn stains and keeping your home beautiful.

Trends: Colour and pattern

Neutrals: Neutral tons such as sage, beige, silver and grey are popular because they blend in well with most rooms, while looking sophisticated at the same time. Neutral colours are the best choice if you expect to frequently change your decorating schemes.

Stripes: Fresh and contemporary, stripes can also be used to change prespecive, elongating or narrowing a space.

Graphics: It is possible to get carpets digitally printed with your own design, but this can be an expensive proposition.

Eco-friendly materials: More and more carpet makers are making their carpets from recycled content.