CARPET TALK 1

So being a giant flooring geek I thought it would be fun to send out a questionnaire to a couple of Rep friends and ask a few questions about carpet and get some outside opinion to offer you. This is the result of one on them.

I have known Treg since he became the territory manager for Tuftex, He and I have very similar backgrounds. He is from a floor covering family as well and knows carpet.

Flooring Savvy: In you opinion what is the best fiber used in carpet?
Treg: BCF Nylon.
(BCF = bulk continuous filament)
FS: What are the trends you are seeing in style and color?

Treg: Carpet trends are going to textures and LCL's(Loop Cut Loop).

FS: Why do you feel the tends are leaning towards textures and LCL's? And by the term texture to you mean friezes or more the shorter textured plush?

Treg: Total Tuftex LCL business went from 15% to over 40 % in 2009. Textures...both friezes and textured plush. Cables are non-existent and frieze business is way down.

FS: What do you foresee carpet prices doing in the future?

Treg: I think they are going up a little. Expect price increases beginning of 2010.

FS: Do the manufactures expect the increases to come from the petroleum or other chemicals used in the manufacturing process?

Treg: When oil goes up so do carpet prices.

FS: What is the newest technology your company using to prevent staining and soiling?

Treg: We are using a new type of yarn called TRB at Tuftex. It is a soft nylon yarn. As far as soiling and staining. R2X, Anso, and Stainmaster fiber, all day long baby!

FS: When will see TRB in samples soon? What does it stand for? Is it an ANSO yarn?

Treg: You will see TRB yarn soon. Twin Roller Box. It's inexpensive non-branded BCF nylon.

FS:What is the warranty differences between wear and texture retention?

Treg:Interesting question. For exact warranties, log on to shawfloors.com for exact warranties.

Thanks Treg I really appreciate you giving me some of your time.

If any of you readers have carpet/Tuftex questions please feel free to leave a comment and I will get an answer from Treg.