Have you ever shopped a flooring store and come away overwhelmed with the choices, styles and colors of the available carpet products? Pro-Care’s Carpet Selection Guide will help you get familiar with carpet terms and definitions so you can make an educated decision on selecting your next carpet.

Carpet Selection Guides Begin with the Basics

A GUIDE TO VOCABULARY

The field of carpet uses several industry-specific terms that help explain the construction of this textile.

  1. Gauge
    The distance between the needles on a tufting machine . the gauge is expressed in fractions of an inch, and refers to the number of needles which are positioned across the width of the tufting machine.
  2. Pitch
    Defined as the distance between the stitches made by the needles (the distance which the backing material travels before the needle inserts the next tuft). Pitch is expressed in terms of the number of tufts per inch.
  3. Density
    Refers to the closeness of the pile yarns. Density refers to the closeness of the pile yarns, and is an indication of both gauge and pitch. It is measured by the number of ounces per yard. Generally, the higher the density, the better the quality of the carpet.
  4. Face Weight
    Means the weight as expressed in the number of ounces per yard of fiber extending above the primary backing.

These factors (gauge, pitch, density and face weight) all have direct effects upon each of the others. For instance, if the density increases with the pile height remaining the same, the face weight will increase. Or if the pile height increases with the density remaining the same, the face weight will increase.

A Knowledge of Pile Types can Guide the Carpet Selection Process

The rest of this information will be based on Cut-Pile designs (59% of the current market), Loop-Pile designs (28% of the market), and Cut and Loop-Pile combination designs (13% of the market).

STANDARD CUT-PILE DESIGNS

Diagram of Types of Carpet - Carpet Selection Guide

  1. Saxony Pile
    A saxony configuration will generally have a pile height of about three quarters of an inch. The main distinction of a saxony has to do with the pile, created from twisted, heat-set yarns with sufficient density to cause them to stand upright to foot traffic. The saxony pile type makes up ninety percent of the expensive carpets on the market today.
  2. Plush or Velvet
    The density of the plush design allows these fibers to remain upright under normal traffic. The major distinguishing trait of a plush is that there is little or no twist set in the face yarns which comprise the pile. This introduces a smooth, uniform texture on the face of the plush or velvet carpet. This “velvet-plush” carpet can be sensitive to high temperatures in the cleaning solution, causing fiber distortion. Temperature settings should be turned down from the maximum settings.
  3. Shag Pile
    This design has almost disappeared from the current market, though since a number of shag carpets remain from the early seventies, it warrants some discussion. Generally, a shag carpet contains a pile height greater than one inch. However, that pile height, when coupled with low fiber density, creates a casual, random-lay effect so that the sides of the yarns are exposed to the foot traffic rather than the tips which are exposed on most other carpet configurations.

ADDITIONAL CUT-PILE DESIGNS

  1. Splush (short-shag or mini-shag)
    This carpet is halfway between the shag and the plush. The pile height is usually about three quarters of an inch, with a density which is insufficient to cause the yarn ends to stand upright to foot traffic. Although the density is greater than that of a shag, the same “random lay” effect is still apparent.
  2. Frieze(free-say)
    This design, made of very tightly twisted yarns, has a rough, nubby appearance.
  3. Grass-pile
    Made of slit-film olefin, grass-pile carpets actually simulate grass. It comes in a variety of colors.

LOOP-PILE DESIGNS

  1. Level Loop-Pile
    This design consists of uniformly level tufts in an uncut or loop-pile configuration. Commercial quality carpet is often of the level-loop configuration with high density but low pile height.
  2. Multi-Level Loop-Pile
    This configuration is also known as “high-low” pile carpet. It is formed by increasing tension on the yarn during tufting, which forms patterns with high and low loops.

CUT AND LOOP PILE DESIGNS

  1. Sculptured Saxony
    Sculptured saxony consists of higher, cut-pile yarns in the saxony tradition which are contrasted in texture by lower, loop-pile yarns which remain uncut.
  2. Sculptured Shag
    This design is similar to the sculptured Saxony though is composed of higher, less dense cut-pile yarns in a shag configuration, contrasted by lower loops which remain uncut.
  3. Level Cut-loop
    This technique is used to create a wide range of patterns using cut and loop piles of the same height.

Carpet Selection is Guided by Fiber Types

There are many different types of fiber used to make carpet. In this section we guide you through the carpet selection process with information about common carpet options, along with the PROS & CONS of the six most popular fibers, Nylon, Polyester, Olefin, Triexta, Wool and Viscose.

A GUIDE TO CARPET FIBER TYPES 

NYLON

Nylon is the most popular fiber type in the residential carpet industry today. It has a solid reputation for being durable and relatively easy to maintain and is highly sought after. Nylon seems to perform the best out of all synthetics in heavily used walkways. If pet accidents are a concern, make sure you get a solution dyed 6,6 nylon for ease of clean up.

Nylon Pros

  • Good Elasticity – Nylon will stretch up to 100% of its length and still regain its original shape. This is very important in heavy traffic areas where people may drag furniture across the carpet.
  • Very Abrasion Resistant – It even surpasses wool. Many manufacturers offer wear guaranties.
  • Static Resistant – Not its ancestry, but today’s fibers do very well.
  • Heat Sets Well – When properly heat set, nylon retains its crimp, twist, and dye extremely well.
  • Good resiliency – Even after long periods of crushing, nylon can still regain its original shape.
  • Non-Absorbent – Nylon dries quickly since it will absorb less than 8% of its weight in H20.
  • Mildew Resistant – Nylon provides no food source, but mildew can grow on it if another food source is available. Notice the damage that can be done under an over watered potted plant.
  • Nylon responds very well to most professional cleaning methods and treatments.

Nylon Cons

  • Nylon is almost always acid dyed. It is rarely solution dyed, so it can have problems with bleaching, fading, urine reactions, etc.

POLYESTER

Polyester’s popularity seems to go up and down like a roller coaster. Because it’s relatively inexpensive to produce, manufacturers are regularly reintroducing this fiber to the carpet industry. Although it has some excellent qualities, and is a great fiber for clothing, it does have some limiting factors when used in carpet.

Polyester Pros

  • Since polyester does not have dye sites, it requires a disperse dye or solution dye method to retain color. The qualities of polyester makes it very resistant to bleaching, fading and soil dye reactions.
  • Stain Resistant – This applies only to water-based stains.
  • Low Absorbency – Quick drying

Polyester Cons

  • Polyester resists dyeing and usually requires solution dye protocols, which limits the variety.
  • It is not resistant to oily stains, and in fact an oily spill or spot left without proper cleanup can oxidize and even chemically bond with and become part of the fiber. You need to know that some of these spots just won’t come out.
  • Crimp Loss – Early polyester was a mess. A new polyester carpet was fuller, fluffier and more luxurious than anything on the market. Six-month-old polyester was an owner’s nightmare. Due to loss of twist and crimp, the traffic areas, became clogged with long, stright fibers. This, in turn, caused matting and tangling and destroyed the original look of the carpet. Heat setting and the use of finer yarns have resulted in definite improvements, but the fiber can still be vulnerable to crimp loss. This is a characteristic of polyester, not a defect.

OLEFIN

Olefin is a very versatile carpet fiber. Manufacturers use this fiber to make carpet backings (called polypropylene), face yarns and even AstroTurf. The olefin fiber has become almost synonymous with one of its trade names “Herculon” a trademark owned by Hercules Corporation, a major manufacturer of olefin.

Olefin Pros

  • Olefin is very moisture resistant. It will absorb only one tenth of 1% of its weight in water. This leads to some pros and some cons.
  • Very difficult to stain.
  • Great for outdoor applications (stadium or pool)
  • Chemical Resistant – Most chemicals and bleaches won’t damage it at all
  • Solution dyeing makes it resistant to fading.
  • Lightweight – It is the only common carpet fiber that will float on water. ( Except celluloid)
  • Strong – It wears well except for resiliency factor (see cons).
  • It has good cleanability and stain release. (Except oil/petroleum-based stains – see cons)

Olefin Cons

  • Olefin is not a resilient fiber. When crushed it does not regain its original shape easily. Traffic areas tend to lie down, showing “apparent soiling”. Furniture marks can be permanent reminders to the owner of where his furniture used to be.
  • It is a very heat sensitive fiber. Its melting point is around 300 degrees but damage can occur at lower temperatures.
  • Olefin easily suffers damage, due to friction – Even dragging a heavy piece of furniture across an olefin carpet can cause permanent marks from the heat generated by friction.
  • Like polyester, extended exposure to oil-based soils may become permanent.
  • Olefin is very difficult to dye due to its low absorbency rate. The fiber color relies on a solution dyeing method.
  • Quite often, Olefin is in a glue-down situation, which creates a potential to brown from soil wicking from the base of the yarns due to incomplete soil removal. Over wetting and/or slow drying increases the likelihood.

Triexta

Triexta (PTT) is the first new residential fiber since 1960

In the market place this fiber goes by Dupont Sorona and as Mohawk SmartStrand®. Though triexta carpet fibers have a chemical structure similar to standard polyester carpet fibers, there is a substantial difference between the two.

Triexta Pros

  • When compared to standard polyester carpet fibers, triexta carpet fibers are incredibly soft and durable and have superior built-in stain resistance that never washes off, making carpet cleaning a breeze.
  • Triexta carpet fibers also have excellent fiber strength and retain their appearance over time. These fibers don’t tend to suffer from matting, fuzzing, or piling seen in other polyester carpet fibers.
  • Time and time again, carpets made with triexta carpet fibers are have out performed standard polyester carpet fibers in independent tests.
  • Permanent Stain Resistance – Offers good permanent stain resistance to common household foods including red wine, colored beverages, mustard.

Triexta Cons

  • Anticipate re-soiling issues from sticky residues more than with polyester.
  • It is not resistant to oily stains, and in fact an oily spill or spot left without proper cleanup can oxidize and even chemically bond with and become part of the fiber. You need to know that some of these spots just won’t come out.
  • Crimp Loss – Although its resiliency depends on its density and pile height, expect it to perform better than many polyesters.

WOOL

Wool comes from the fleece of sheep or lambs. This is one of the oldest fibers used by man, dating back over two thousand years. It is still one of the finest face yarns available for carpet. Wool’s chemical make-up includes standard organic elements like sulfur. This accounts for the smell wool gives off when it is damp.

Wool Pros

  • Wool has excellent soil hiding capabilities. Wool will not exhibit or show soil as much as other fibers. The reason for this is that wool is an opaque fiber (as opposed to synthetics which are transparent) and wool doesn’t refract and reflect light like synthetics. The naturally dull appearance provided by the scales of the epidermis makes soil much less apparent to the human eye.
  • Wool is very strong, elastic and resilient. Wool face yarn in a well-constructed carpet will stand up to the heaviest traffic and still look beautiful. (Notice the carpet in most casinos and finer hotel lobbies and hallways).
  • Natural crimp makes wool and excellent insulator.
  • Good Absorbency – This means that wool reacts well to a number of dye types and techniques. Keep in mind, this means easy staining also.
  • Soil Release – Wool responds very well to cleaning as moisture makes the fiber swell and release dirt.
  • Wool is naturally flame retardant.

Wool Cons

  • Wool is a very expensive material. This arises mainly from the processing cost, the cleaning, and the preparation, etc., rather than the actual cost of the raw material.
  • Fiber Distortion – Wool is very prone to distortion by excess agitations such as jet streaks and wand marks. Heated conditions can worsen this condition.
  • Stains Easily – Due to its absorbency and ease of dyeing, wool has a vulnerability to staining substances like wine, Kool-Aid and other acid dyestuffs. Remember that absorbency is the same quality that makes wool so desirable as far as dye acceptance and obtaining the beautiful rich colors that you often find in wool carpets and oriental rugs.
  • Chemical Sensitivity – Wool is sensitive to alkaline chemicals above a pH of 9.5 after prolonged exposure. This exposure will tend to make wool brittle and discolor somewhat. We refer to this problem as “felting”. Wool has a strong sensitivity to chlorine bleach, such as Clorox, a common item in homes and grocery stores. Chlorine bleach will completely dissolve wool within a matter of minutes. The New Zealand Wool Bureau recommends water-based cleaning solutions with a pH not lower than 5.5 and not higher than 8 pH.
  • Staple Yarn – Fuzzing can be a source of problems because wool only comes as a staple yarn and excess agitation can cause that fuzzing effect.

Viscose

Also known as art silk (i.e. artificial), bamboo silk, banana silk, manmade silk, lyocel, tencel, and faux silk.

Viscose is rayon. Manufacturers create viscose from wood pulp and cellulose waste by-products. These fibers go through an extremely aggressive chemical process to make those fibers soft and shiny. In fact, the rayon making process is so toxic, they stopped all rayon making in the US many years ago. Instead, rug makers have gone to India to do their pollution making.

If you are thinking about buying a viscose rug, or viscose furniture, please watch this short video to see what you need to know about this fiber and all of its aliases:

https://rugchick.com/viscose-bamboo-silk-banana-silk-art-silk-what-you-need-to-know/

Information on Viscose provided Lisa Wagner. www.RugChick.com

Viscose Pros

  • Has an iridescent quality that looks like silk.
  • When new, it is very soft to the touch.

Viscose Cons

  • Viscose sheds, breaks, distorts, yellows horribly with even just a water spill (you should see what a pet stain does!), fades, and wears away quickly with even only months of use.
  • To the uneducated eye, the fibers are very soft, and look silk-like. But where silk is strong and can last decades under use, viscose is one of today’s “disposable fibers” due to how weak it is.
  • With viscose rugs pulls/sprouts are very common. In fact, in most traffic areas it starts to look like a cat clawed at it. You will have thin strands popping up all over. And beater bar vacuums will make this MUCH worse.
  • Pet Damage and Water Damage – In these instances, your rug is likely a goner. Viscose sitting in water leads to dark yellowing and structural damage. Since water, even “clean water” moves through floors and walls with soil, you usually get dark discolorations from flood damage. The rug will never be back to new again, so unless you plan to place furniture over the damaged area, it would be wise to replace it.

If you insist on getting Viscose, have Pro-Care apply Fiber ProTector IMMEDIATELY!

The only chance of helping to save these rugs from any spill is to have fiber protector applied on day one. Fiber protectors today provide great repellency to soil and spills/stains. It cannot bullet-proof the fibers, especially viscose, but it does help give you more time to clean up the disaster and hopefully have less signs of it afterwards. Remember viscose is pricey paper, so anything that can help create some repellency will help the fibers last.

A Few Last Carpet Care Pointers

It is important to be aware that any bodily fluid on any type of fiber can cause some type of permanent damage. This is especially true for wool if there is not a fabric protector applied to it. Click here for more information on having Fiber ProTector® applied to your wool area rugs or wall to wall carpet.

It’s also important to know that all carpet will eventually show abrasion dullness with wools taking the longest time to show and polyesters taking the shortest time. To learn more about abrasion dullness, click here.