There is a common tendency among carpet-buyers and sellers alike to attribute the quality of a carpet to little more than its face weight, the general notion being that heavier carpet is somehow better. while the face weight is an important consideration, it is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are more than a few other considerations to make when choosing a new carpet for installation- Here's the lowdown on what to really look for.
Face weight
Again, this isn't the most important consideration, but it is a consideration, nevertheless. This is basically just the weight of the carpet per square yard. It is a good, general overview of the quality of the carpet, because the weight is dependent upon a number of factors, each an indicator of quality. Consider a higher weight a good average score, but not the main determiner of whether you choose a carpet or not.
Fiber density
This is basically just how close the fibers are stitched together into the carpet backing. The higher a carpet's density, the more resistant to crushing and matting. In short, the denser the fiber, the more durable the carpeting.
Twist
Fiber twist is the number of times the fibers are twisted within a one inch space. Knowing the twist rating of your carpeting is another way of getting an idea for its longevity. The higher the twist rating, the more able the fiber will be to spring back to its original shape. The lower the rating, the more likely the fiber will be to suffer from wear, crushing, and matting.
Fiber type
One of the most important considerations is the material that makes up the carpeting. Walk into any carpet warehouse and you will see an array of fiber choices some natural, some synthetic, and some falling somewhere in between. Each of these fibers has distinct qualities, pros, and cons. Whole books could be written about the subject of choosing between them, so it's best if you find a knowledgeable vendor to help you sort through them. We mention it here because this is easily one the biggest considerations of choosing a carpet.
We're here to help!
We know that that's a lot to sort through and, honestly, the only way to really get a feel for a carpet's quality is to see it and feel it in person, and talk face-to-face with someone who knows the ins and outs of carpeting who can act as a guide.
If you'd like to arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate, we'd love to help! Simply contact us via email, phone, or better yet, stop into our Carpet Giant carpet store in Houston, TX, to get started right away and take advantage of our incredible carpet sales!
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