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Carpet And Upholstery

Different types of fiber wear in different ways. Choose on the basis of where the carpet will go and how it will be used.

Below are some tips on choosing the correct carpet for you:

• First look for the fiber type, then the brand.
• Wool has outstanding resilience, comparable to that of nylon. It also stains easily and tends to yellow in bright sunlight. Nylon is mildew resistant and offers good resilience and resistance to abrasion. Olefin, also known as polypropylene, generally resists staining, fading, abrasion, and moisture, making it a good choice for a basement or playroom. Polyester resists staining, but its resilience is only fair. Some polyester carpet is made from recycled plastic soda bottles.
• Generally, a heavier pile weight--the ounces of yarn per square yard--is considered better and is more expensive. A longer pile height is better if you want a luxurious look and feel. Pile whose height variations give it a textured look minimizes footprints or vacuum-cleaner tracks. A carpet with a high tuft density wears better.
• Cut-pile styles, including saxony and plush, are made of yarn that is attached to the backing and cut at the top. The deeper and thicker the pile, the more luxurious the carpet may feel, but the more likely it is to retain dirt. Cut-pile generally crushes under foot traffic more than other styles, so use it in a low-traffic area.
• In a level loop, yarn is looped over so that both ends are attached to the backing. Short, densely spaced loops may not feel very soft, but they provide a smooth surface that wears well. High-density level loop is good for stairs, family rooms, and other high-traffic areas.
• Berber is a variation of level loop, but with thicker yarn. Genuine Berber is handmade from wool. Less expensive Berber-style carpeting can be made of wool, nylon, olefin, or a nylon blend.
• Low-density padding that you can easily compress between your fingers feels spongy underfoot and won't provide much support for the carpet. Better is medium-density padding made of prime urethane, a type of foam; rubber; rebond, made of leftover bits bonded with adhesive, hence its multicolored appearance; or pressed fiber, which is felt-like.
• Decide on price range: $14 to more than $30 per square yard for nylon; $10 to $22 per square yard for olefin; $12 to $15 per square yard for polyester; and $30 to $60 per square yard for wool.
• Last but not least, always shop at a reputable carpet store for your best selections and expertise.