Expert Guide: How To Judge Carpet Quality | Bloomsburg Carpet

When purchasing a new carpet, evaluating the quality of a carpet is crucial. Not all carpets are created equal – some are better suited for high-traffic areas, others for comfort, and some are perfect for bedrooms and smaller spaces. Educating yourself on the different types of carpets allows you to choose the best flooring option for your business or home. In this blog post, we’ll break down the different levels of quality and explain how to judge carpet quality. Keep reading to learn more!

Judging The Quality

The higher the quality, the longer your carpet will last – a better investment in the long run, but how do you determine a carpet’s grade and level of durability? Here are some key factors to consider:

Types Of Carpet

The types of carpet are as follows:

Wool

Wool carpet is known for its durability and high quality. It is perfect for high-traffic areas and can last for years with the proper care. Wool carpet is typically more expensive than other types of carpet but well worth the investment. Wool is the way to go if you’re looking for a long-lasting, high-quality carpet.

Nylon

Nylon carpet is less expensive than wool but less durable. Nylon is perfect for bedrooms and other smaller spaces but should be used in non high-traffic areas. Nylon is a good choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly carpet option. Nylon is dirt and stain-resistant and comes in various colors and styles. Nylon costs less and is easily replaced, making it a good choice for rental properties or temporary living spaces.

Olefin

Olefin carpets are budget-friendly and easy to care for. They are perfect for high-traffic areas and come in a broad span of colors and styles. Olefin carpets are dirt and stain-resistant and can last many years with proper care. If you’re looking for a durable, affordable carpet option, Olefin is it. Olefins are resistant to fading, making them a good option for areas with lots of natural sunlight. The cost and durability of Olefin make it a popular choice for commercial settings.

Polyester

Polyester carpet is less durable and should not be used in high-traffic areas. It is best suited for bedrooms and small spaces and comes in various colors and styles. Polyester is soft and comfortable underfoot, making it a good choice for bedrooms and other low-traffic areas. Polyester is also easily replaceable, making it a good option for rental properties or temporary living spaces.

Acrylic

Acrylic carpet is less durable and should not be used in high-traffic areas. It is best suited for bedrooms and small spaces and comes in various colors and styles. Acrylic is soft and comfortable underfoot, making it a good choice for bedrooms and other low-traffic areas. Acrylic is also easily replaceable, making it a good option for rental properties or temporary living spaces. The cost is around the same as polyester carpets, and it’s widely used as a wool alternative.

Styles of Carpet

The style of carpeting is also important in determining its quality.

The more intricate the pattern, the higher the quality and durability of the carpet. Below are some styles of carpet that are widely used.

In general, the carpet gets softer and more opulent as the pile height rises, making cleaning more challenging. Although there are many other carpet subcategories, they all belong to one of these three categories:

Loop-Pile Carpets

Loop-pile carpets are a popular choice for homes and businesses alike. These carpets consist of thousands of tightly looped strands of densely woven yarn, making them durable and comfortable underfoot. They are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, making it easy to find the perfect carpet for any space. Additionally, loop-pile carpets are typically less expensive than other types of carpet, such as cut pile or shag rugs, making them an ideal option for those on a budget. Thanks to their long-lasting durability and stylish appearance, loop-pile carpet remains one of the most popular choices for flooring today. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy reading nook or add warmth to your office reception area, these versatile carpets will meet your needs!

Cut Pile Carpets

Cut pile carpets are a type of carpet that features traditional, vertical carpet fibers. This type of carpet can be made in a wide variety of varieties, including both synthetic and natural materials. Cut-pile carpets are typically thick and plush, adding a sense of luxury and comfort to any room. Because cut pile carpet features individual fibers that stand upright, it tends to offer excellent durability and performance over time. It also helps to enhance acoustics in rooms due to their sound-absorbing properties, making it an ideal choice for busy spaces or homes with young children. Whether your goal is to create a cozy retreat with soft, nap-like fibers or a durable, easy-care surface for high-use areas, cut pile carpets have something to offer everyone.

Cut-Loop Pile

The cut-loop pile is a type of flooring material that features a tightly textured surface. This texture is created by alternating the loop pile sections and cutting the pile into each piece. The result is a stable and appealing surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic while retaining its beautiful appearance for many years. Additionally, the cut-loop pile has good sound absorption properties and helps to reduce noise levels in indoor environments. This makes it a favorite choice for commercials and residential installations, particularly in high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living rooms.

Overall, a cut-loop pile is an ideal flooring option for anyone who wants a rugged yet stylish surface that can handle heavy use and still look great over time.

How To Determine Carpet Quality

When shopping for a new carpet, ask about the specific fiber type, density, construction style, and any stain-resistant treatments that have been applied. These factors can make a big difference in determining your new carpet’s overall quality and longevity. The main factors are listed below.

Fiber

The type of fiber used in carpet construction will determine how durable and stain-resistant it is. Commonly used materials include wool, nylon, polyester, and Olefin (polypropylene). Natural or synthetic fibers both have benefits and drawbacks. Still, some are more resilient and regarded as being of higher quality than others. For example, a good carpet frequently contains wool. It has a luxurious appearance and feels and is resilient to crushing. However, it is readily stained and fades in the sun.

Twist

Carpet fibers are twisted to add strength and durability: the tighter the twist, the better the carpet’s quality and longer-lasting. The twist is represented by a number, with higher numbers indicating tighter twisting and better quality.

Density

Carpet Density is the measure of how closely packed together the carpet’s fibers are. Carpets with higher density will have a sturdier, more durable surface that is less likely to show wear and tear over time. High-density carpets may cost more, but they will also last longer and provide better overall performance.

Face Weight

Face Weight measures the amount of fiber per square yard in a carpet. A higher face weight indicates a denser, thicker carpet that is more resilient and has a luxurious feel underfoot. The quality number listed on a carpet’s label is often determined by its face weight. In light of this, high-quality carpet with fibers of medium length should have a face weight of at least 35 ounces.

Qualities Of a Good Carpet

When purchasing a carpet, it’s important to consider the qualities to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product that will stand the test of time. Here are a few of the qualities that you need to know

34- to 40-Oz. Face Weight

34- to 40-Oz. Face Weight means the carpet has a high density, adding to its durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. The higher the number, the thicker and more durable carpet is.

When buying, check the label for face weight information; buy a carpet with a label of at least 20-80 oz.

Twist Of 5 or Higher

The number of times the tufts are twisted together to form a 1-inch length is known as the twist. The twist measures how tightly the fibers are twisted, and a twist of 5 or higher means the carpet is durable and can resist crushing.

Density Rating Of 2,000 or Above

The thickness of the fibers and how closely they are packed together are known as density. A carpet with a density rating of 2,000 or above has a thick, sturdy surface that can handle weighty foot traffic and resist wear and tear over time. Avoid carpets with a density rating below 1,200, as they may be flimsy and prone to damage.

Texture Retention Warranty

A good carpet should also come with a texture retention warranty, guaranteeing that the carpet fiber will not lose its twist or density over time. This ensures that the carpet will remain looking and feeling suitable for years. Again, check the label for this warranty information before making a purchase.

Bloomsburg Your Next Carpet Destination

The fiber, style, and density of the carpet all answer how long it will stay and how well it will hold up to wear and tear. Pay attention to these details next time you’re shopping for a carpet, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one. If you want a luxury, high-quality carpet, then be sure to check us out at Bloomsburg. We are the premier top carpet manufacturer in the USA, making beautiful, quality carpets for your business, home, or venue. Feel free to call and speak to one of our design experts today!