 | Mike Goebel
has been involved in the construction and home improvement industry for more than 40 years and is currently the Senior Vice President of the Home Center Division at Star Lumber & Supply Co. Inc. You may contact Mike by e-mail at mgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Home Improvement
2002-04-01 14:37:00
Carpeting, Floor Covering & Decorating
Answer: This is a good question and one that many folks have... and even more should... before buying carpeting for their home. I will do my best to explain.Nylon: Nylon is the most widely used synthetic fiber in manufacturing broadloom carpet today. The advantage of nylon over other fibers used in making carpet is its ability to bounce back after heavy use and its resistance to abrasion. Even though nylon has good stain resistance it needs to be treated for additional stain resistance. It is very good in accepting dyestuffs making the range of color virtually limitless. Polyester: Polyester is reasonably durable, though it is not in nylon's class for resiliency. Polyester is easily cleaned although it is somewhat more susceptible to oil-based stains. This fiber is most commonly used in cut pile carpets. Because it tends to "pack down" easier than nylon the level of the yarn twist and the density of the pile are crucial. Polypropylene: Polypropylene is moisture resistant making it inherently more stain resistant than other synthetic fibers. Polypropylene has no memory and tends to "pack down" more so than any other fiber. Polypropylene is generally used in low pile level-loop commercial carpeting where maintenance is top priority. Polypropylene is also widely used in looped Berbers where the pile height is generally low in profile. Polypropylene is often blended with nylon to help give it more resiliency while taking advantage of its ability to resist stains. Wool: Wool is an extremely durable fiber although wool typically does not clean as easy as the synthetics. Wool does not melt so it is resistant to cigarette burns. Wool, being a natural fiber, tends to be expensive. Wool carpets are available in fewer shades since it doesn't take bright color dyes as well as the synthetics. Cotton: Cotton is rarely used in carpet today. Although cotton it is reasonably durable it is extremely absorptive. This trait makes it easy to stain. It works better in bath towels than it does in carpeting.
