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Fiber first
The primary element of all carpet is its fiber. Four basic fiber types are used in today's carpeting. Nylon, the most popular fiber, is chosen for its resistance to wear, soils and stains, its radiant color, and its good performance in high-traffic areas.
Another popular fiber, olefin, or polypropylene, also resists wear and stains as well as static electricity, moisture and mildew. Olefin commonly is used for Berber carpets.
Polyester offers soft texture, great color and is easy to clean and maintain. Also soft with strong performance, wool generally is more expensive than its synthetic counterparts. In addition, you can purchase carpet crafted from acrylic, rayon, cotton and recycled material. And, of course, many manufacturers blend different fibers together to create unique materials.
Texture tips
Another important element of carpet is its texture. Achieved through its construction, carpet texture generally comes in one of five types.
Cut pile, perhaps the most prevalent texture in carpet today, is produced when the carpet loops are cut, revealing individual yarn tufts. These tufts come in several styles: plush/velvet, Saxony or Frieze. Plush-cut pile is a smooth, level texture that produces a formal look; Saxony-cut pile also is a smooth, level texture, but the tufts are twisted to create a less formal look; and Frieze-cut pile features very twisted tufts, which create a curly texture.
Other textures include loop pile (produced when carpet loops are left uncut, making them resistant to matting and crushing); level-loop pile (even loops that result in an informal look); multi-level loop pile (similar to level-loop but features loops at different heights, which create patterns); and cut-loop pile (a mixture of both cut and looped yarn).
Go with a pro
When choosing carpeting, always consult a professional. "Go into a specialty store where people live and breathe flooring," says LeRoy Clayton, co-owner of All Floors of Orlando. "These people will be able to ask you the proper questions to help you decide on the right type of carpet for your home and needs."
Avoid making a choice based on the lowest cost. "The worst thing you can do is buy carpet on price," Clayton says. "What you're looking for is appearance retention so you don't have to respend your money in a few years." Professional installation is key to carpet performance. Even the most expensive carpet will perform poorly if not installed properly. Choose a professional installation company that is licensed, insured, and experienced, suggests Skip Reed, vice president of Sales and Estimating at Hamway Flooring in Orlando. "You also want to look at their reputation and longevity in the business," he says.
Many carpet dealers have an in-house installer or hire the work out to a subcontractor. Make sure you find out who is responsible for installation; this is important if you run into problems during or after the installation. Find out if the installer is certified by the Certified Floorcovering Installers. While this is not a mandatory certification, the organization is widely respected in the flooring industry.
Fiber flexibility
Like carpet, rugs contain fibers, which play a role in their appearance and performance. Common rug fibers include nylon, olefin, polyester, wool and acrylic. Rugs also are available in other natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk and jute; however, the downside to natural fibers are that they tend to be less durable and harder to clean.
A matter of style
Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles. In addition to the rug styles listed below, you also can find rugs made like carpet, but cut for smaller areas. Common rugs styles include flat weave which is traditionally hand-woven from cotton or wool; braided which consists of braided strips of cloth; hooked consisting of yarn or fabric pulled through a backing; needlepoint featuring woolen yarns stitched on a canvas; and Oriental with authentic styles being hand-woven of wool, silk or other natural fibers.
Budget basics
Budget always plays a role in making any purchase; however, with the vast array of choices in the marketplace today, finding a carpet or rug to meet your budget could not be easier. The key is finding a floor covering that meets your needs, then searching for one that fits your price range.
Ground Rules: Proper care for carpets & rugs |
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The experts at Hamway Flooring in Orlando suggest the best ways to maintain and extend the life of your home's carpeting and area rugs: Vacuum regularly. In order to maintain the look and feel of your floor covering, vacuum at least once a week, consisting of at least seven strokes with the vacuum in a forward-back-forward motion over a general area. Some manufacturers even recommend daily vacuuming. Use preventative care. Small area rugs should be placed in high-traffic areas. To prevent crushing of the fibers, heavy furniture should be moved occasionally and rests used under all furniture legs. Protective mats should be used under furniture with rollers, such as desk chairs. Clean stains immediately. Blot a spill instead of rubbing it further into the fiber. Apply cleaner to a clean, white cloth and then dab onto the spill; never apply cleaning solvent directly to a floor covering. Upon stain removal, brush the pile gently to blend with other areas, let dry, and then vacuum. If spot does not come out, contact a professional carpet or rug cleaner. The best guidelines for proper care are the manufacturer's instructions, so read them carefully and consult with the sales staff where you purchased your floor covering before you clean if you have any questions! |
GO GREEN UNDERFOOT: Eco-friendly carpet selection and usea | |
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Rug Care 101 |
Source: Capel Rugs, www.capelrugs.com |
| Editorial Resources |
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All Floors of Orlando, 12919 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32826, (407) 243-1911, or 8255 Lee Vista Blvd., Ste. H, Orlando, FL 32829, (407) 243-2685, www.allfloorsoforlando.com. Capel Inc., P.O. Box 826, 831 North Main St., Troy, NC 27371, (800) 382-6574, www.capelrugs.com. Hamway Flooring Inc., 7505 Exchange Drive, Orlando, FL 32809, (321) 281-9371, www.hamwayflooring.com. Karastan, 508 East Morris St., Dalton, GA 30721, (800-) 234-1120, www.karastan.com. Masland Carpets & Rugs, (800) 633-0468, www.maslandcarpets.com. Mohawk Industries, P.O. Box 12069, Calhoun, GA 30703, (800) 241-4494, www.mohawkind.com. Shaw Industries Inc., P.O. Drawer 2128, 616 E. Walnut Ave., Dalton, GA 30722-2128, (800) 441-7429, www.shawfloors.com. |
