Design Directions: Carpet

Material Choices | Signs of Quality | The Making of a Karastan

SIGNS OF QUALITY

Trying to evaluate the huge amount of carpet types on the market can feel overwhelming. It is easy to be misled when comparing woven to tufted and cut-pile to loop. What you need to take into account when buying a quality carpet are the identifiable signs of quality:

Craftsmanship Most carpets are either woven or tufted. Weaving is the superior method as it locks each yarn into the backing, creating a highly durable carpet. Tufted carpets are less expensive because they can be made faster. Click on The Making of a Karastan for more information on woven versus tufted.

Materials Karastan uses only premium quality fibers to ensure a long life and maximum performance. Wool is the standard by which all fibers are judged. If wool is not your choice, look for premium nylon fibers like those from Karastan, Solutia or Stainmaster. If one of these fiber producers supplied the nylon, you’ll see their name on the carpet label along with the manufacturer.

Pile Density Density refers to the amount of pile yarn used in the carpet and the closeness of the weave. In general, the denser the pile, the better the performance. Take the sample and bend the face-pile away from you. Can you see the backing? The denser the pile, the less backing will be visible.

Face Weight versus Total Weight Face weight is the amount of fiber used on the surface of the carpet expressed in ounces per square yard. This should not be confused with total weight, which is the face weight plus the weight of the backing. Do not buy a carpet because it has a high face weight. Other qualities, like density, fiber, and weave are more important. Keep in mind: a lighter weight woven carpet will outperform a higher weight tufted product.

Twist Carpet fibers are twisted together for harder wear and a defined look. The tighter the fiber twist, the longer the carpet will perform.

Backing While you are looking at the label, also examine the backing of the carpet. Make sure the backing has a tight weave. This ensures quality and wear.

Finishes Stain-resistant treatments, like those from Karastan, Solutia and Stainmaster, are often applied to nylon carpets to make them easier to clean. Since wool is naturally soil resistant, it does not require further treatment.