How can you tell if carpet is high quality?
Carpet is a popular flooring choice for many homeowners due to its soft feel, insulation properties, and variety of colors and styles. However, not all carpet is created equal, and it’s important to choose a high-quality material that will withstand daily wear and tear. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine the quality of your carpet. So how can you tell if carpet is high quality or not? Let’s break it down.
How can you tell if carpet is high quality?
When trying to decide whether or not carpet is high quality, there are a few things you should pay attention.
- Fiber Type – One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing a carpet is the type of fiber it’s made of. The most common fibers used in carpet are nylon, polyester, olefin, and wool. Each fiber type has its pros and cons, but generally speaking, wool and nylon are the most durable and long-lasting materials. The cheaper options, polyester, and olefin, are softer but tend to mat and wear down quickly.
- Density – Density refers to the amount of fiber piles packed into each square inch of the carpet backing. The denser the carpet, the more durable and long-lasting it will be. You can test the density of the carpet by running your fingers through the pile. A denser carpet will require more effort to push your fingers through to the backing.
- Twist – The twist of the carpet fibers refers to how tightly they are spun together. More twists mean a more durable carpet because it allows the carpet to better withstand foot traffic and retain its shape. To test the twist, fold back a small section of the carpet and examine the yarn’s individual fibers. If they look kinked or frayed, the twist is not tight enough.
- Face weight – Face weight is the amount of material used per square yard of carpet. The higher the face weight, the more material in each fiber pile, making the carpet more durable and higher quality.