How to Identify a High-Quality Carpet
People who work in the carpet industry can see the difference in quality between carpets very easily, but for the average person, they can all appear to be very similar. In reality, carpets vary greatly in quality, and there is no one metric which differentiates them. There are several aspects of a carpet that need to be considered before you make a choice, not least of all, what works for your budget and style preferences. This guide won’t turn you into an expert, but it should help you to understand more about carpet quality than the average person. In order to identify a high-quality carpet, you need to use your senses of touch and sight to get up close and personal. What are you looking for? Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a new carpet for your home.
Face weight
Broadly speaking, the higher the face weight of a carpet, the better the quality. The face weight is how much a square yard of the carpet weighs in ounces. While a higher weight is often associated with quality, there are several other factors that need to be taken into consideration when assessing carpet quality.
Density
The density of a carpet is the angle at which the fibres are stitched into the carpet backing, i.e., the closer the fibres are stitched or tufted together, the denser the carpet. The denser a carpet is, the more comfortable it will feel underfoot and, arguably, the longer it will last.
Fibre twist
You may never have been close enough to a carpet to notice, but the twist of the fibres in a carpet is a key indicator of quality. The twist or the TPI (turns per inch) is how many times the strands have been twisted together across a vertical inch of fibre. The greater the twist, the better the quality and the longer its durability. For luxury carpets that will stand the test of time, and do so in style, contact carpet fitters in London.
Synthetic or natural
The choice between synthetic and natural fibre carpets will often be a personal choice as both options carry their own pros and cons. Synthetic carpet fibres include polyester, olefin, nylon, triexta and polypropylene, while natural options such as wool, jute or seagrass are also becoming popular. Natural fibres are more environmentally friendly but generally more costly, while synthetics are more durable.
Manufacturer’s warranty
The manufacturer of the carpet will usually include a warranty with their product, which will indicate how much confidence they have that the carpet will stand the test of time. Some will also offer additional guarantees such as texture retention, while some will stipulate that the warranty is void if the carpet is fitted in a bathroom or kitchen or high traffic area, such as a hallway.
Style and performance
It’s also important to consider the style of the carpet. The most popular styles for domestic fittings, for example, are saxony, freize, berber and cut and loop styles, but some are better suited to certain environments. Carpets in hallways should be durable, while bedroom carpets may be denser and more comfortable.