Fiber composition: Today, the vast majority are manufactured with synthetic materials (primarily polyester, polypropylene, and nylon) while a very small percentage are made with wool. The ones made with nylon fibers perform well, have good fade and stain resistance and good color retention. Those manufactured with Polypropylene come in a more limited choice of colors but also do well with fade, stain and moisture resistance. Polyester offers good stain and fade resistance but doesn't take wear as well as nylon. The most expensive fiber is wool. While these fibers don't wear and repel moisture as resiliently as synthetics do, they'll withstand cleaning and retain a certain beauty even as they age.
Weight and density: Measured in ounces, weight refers to how much fiber is in a square yard. Density is about how tightly the yarn is stitched into the backing. Higher density stands the test of time better than lower density.
Pile height (nap: This refers to the carpet's "tuft" and measures the length from the backing to its fiber/yarn tips. In this respect, longer is not better and the shorter pile wears better.
Let our knowledgeable staff at Carpet Giant help you choose a floor covering that's right for you.
Wondering how to prepare for your new carpet installation?
Once you've decided on the right soft surfacing for your home, give thoughts to the following:
- If you have pets, make plans to have them kept away from the area(s) where the work will take;
- Plan to remove any breakable items (i.e. lamps, tv's, etc.) ahead of time;
- If you have very heavy furniture pieces, bring this up with our estimator to determine what you may need to have professionally moved in advance.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed with all these details, worry not! Our pros at Carpet Giant will take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect soft surfacing and installation solution for your needs. Furthermore, if you don't have the time to come visit our showroom, we'll bring our giant warehouse to you! Call us to find out about booking your "shop at home" appointment and leave the guesswork to us.
