Carpet Fibers

Hello

With this blog I hope to answer all questions concerning floor covering.

I think for starters we should look at the various fibers used to create carpet.

Carpet can be made from many single or blended natural and synthetic fibers. Fibers are chosen for durability, appearance, ease of manufacture, and cost. The most important yarn constructions are:

Wool and wool blended with synthetic fibers:
Wool has excellent durability, can be dyed easily and is fairly abundant. Blended wool yarns are extensively used in production of modern carpet. Wool is relatively expensive, most wool is imported and the method of acquiring it is labor intensive. One recommended manufacture is Godfrey Hirst

Nylon:
This is the most popular synthetic fiber used in carpet production. Nylon can be dyed topically or dyed in a molten state (solution dying). Nylon can be printed easily and has excellent wear characteristics. As nylon is petroleum-based, it varies in price with the price of oil.

Polypropylene:
This polymer is used to produce carpet yarns because it is inexpensive, but it does not wear as well as wool or nylon. It is primarily used in outdoor(grass) or low pile commercial carpet.

Polyester:
Polyester, also known as "PET", is used in carpet manufacturing in both spun and filament constructions. After the price of raw materials for many types of carpet rose in the early 2000s, polyester became more competitive. Polyester has good physical properties and is inherently stain-resistant. Color is infused in a molten state (solution dyeing). Polyester has the disadvantage that it tends to crush or mat down easily. It is typically used in mid- to low-priced carpeting. It also soils faster than nylon or wool.

PTT:
PTT (Polytrimethylene terephthalate) polymer, also called Sorona or 3GT (Dupont). It is a variant of polyester and new to carpet production. At this point the durability in my mind is up in the air. But this is the softest fiber I have ever felt.

In my opinion the best all around carpet fiber is nylon. The durability is excellent, it is cleanable and you can still, even with the volatility of the petroleum market, find it in most price ranges.

Now for the most important tip I can give on the purchase off any new flooring.....find something you can love. Really, if you love your flooring you will be happy for years to come.