Carpet Comparison
What makes one carpet better than another?
by Alan J Fletcher ©2007-2008
How to compare carpet
Generally speaking, carpet is graded by the materials used, the amount of fiber weight and how well it is constructed. To make it simple and easy to understand, let’s narrow it down to three basic characteristics: Fiber, Density and Twist. But first let me tell you a little about the fibers used to make carpet.
Continuous Filament BCF, CF, CFN
If the carpet you are considering has the letters BCF, CF or CN it states that it is made of a Continuous Filament strand, then you will be happy to know that you have chosen a carpet that will not shed or fuzz very much.
However, if the carpet you select is NOT marked a BCF, CF or Continuous filament, then be prepared to vacuum up bags and bags of loose fibers, as it will be shedding and fuzzing for up to a year after being installed.
You see, if the fiber is made in one continuous strand, then it doesn't generally shed or fuzz very much. But if your carpet is made with a "staple " fiber, it means that they used short lengths of fiber to make the carpet. These shorter lengths cause the carpet to shed and fuzz like crazy. You will swear that your carpet will be completely bald in a matter of weeks!
I suggest you be sure to buy a carpet that is a continuous filament to save yourself from going crazy. This typically applies only to nylon and polyester Plush, Textured Plush, cut pile or Saxony style carpets. This is not an issue with Berbers or commercial carpets made with Olefin.
Carpet Density
Carpet density is the key to having a carpet retain its like new appearance longer. The higher the density the more durable the carpet will be. I suggest a minimum density rating of 2500 if possible.
Density is determined by pile yarn weight, pile thickness and pile height. Think of it like a densely wooded forest where the trees are thick and close together. The higher the density the more durable the carpet will be. Dig your fingers into the pile of the carpet. Are the fibers tightly packed or are your nails digging into the backing of the carpet? Thin threadbare carpets are less expensive and don’t wear as well. Thick plush carpets are more expensive and wear longer.
Density is the weight of pile yarn in a unit volume of carpet. U.S. government FHA density (D), expressed in ounces per cubic yard is given by the formula:
D = W x 36 divided by T; in which D is density, W is pile yarn weight in ounces per square yard, and T is pile thickness or height in inches.
Average carpet pile yarn density is:
W x 36
T
Examples:
A 40-ounce cut pile with ½ inch pile height (.50) would have a density of 2880
(40 X 36 = 1440 ÷ .50 = 2880)
A 45-ounce cut pile with ¾ inch pile height (.75) would have a density of 2160
(45 X 36 = 1620 ÷ .75 = 2160)
Of the two examples shown above, the 40-ounce cut pile carpet would wear better than the 45-ounce cut pile because the pile height is shorter making the pile denser. For this reason I suggest a minimum density rating of 2500 if possible.
Carpet Tuft Twist
The tuft twist number is the key to having your carpet retain its like new appearance longer. The tuft twist is based on the number of twists per lineal inch per tuft. The twist numbers range from 3 to 9.
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Next check the fiber tuft twist. With plush styles of carpets, the tufts of fibers are twisted in the same way that people curl their hair. The carpet fibers are grouped together into tufts and twisted while heat is applied to "set" the fibers permanently, hence the term "heat set". The tighter the fibers are twisted the better. Lower twist carpets (3 to 4) tend to untwist or “blossom” at the yarn tips creating a worn out or matted down appearance more quickly. For this reason a carpet with a higher twist count will retain its like-new appearance longer. Tuft twists of 5 to 6 is good, 7 to 9 is best. When comparing carpets side by side, you must consider the tuft twist to help you determine which carpet is the better choice.
If the carpet sample does not list the tuft twist then you can count the number of twists on each tuft or group of carpet fibers yourself. Five or more twists per lineal inch is good. Less than four is not as good. Inexpensive carpets with few twists will lose the "twist" on the tufts quickly and then the carpet will mat down and look bad. Frieze style carpets commonly have excellent "twist" and are known for being very durable and a longer lasting carpet. Check out a Nylon Frieze!
There is much more to learn about comparing carpets than listed here. There are a lot of carpet scams that you must learn how to avoid. Order my ebook now to get the latest up-to-date carpet information and carpet buying advice.
Next: Selecting Carpet Wisely
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Notice Please don't buy carpet until you read my ebook. Doing so may cause you to select the wrong carpet, overpay or become the victim of a carpet scam. |
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