17th Feb 2016
When it comes to purchasing carpets Stockport homeowners have a variety of options to consider. Carpet retailers have floor coverings available in a wide range of prices, colours, textures, designs, and materials to suit any customer’s individual needs. Consumers should consider a number of factors before making a decision about which product to purchase.
One thing consumers should consider is function. Some types of carpeting are best for serving a decorative purpose in an area that attracts only light foot traffic. Other types are better suited for those areas of the home that are the busiest, including entryways, family rooms, stairways, and game rooms. Carpeting can play a role in noise reduction as well as making a room warmer and more inviting.
Many stores that sell carpet offer consumers free samples. This allows them to take a small swatch of carpeting home and get a better idea of how well it will match or complement the paint, furniture upholstery, and other decorations in the room.
Carpet may be either tufted or woven. Woven carpets are typically made of wool and usually more expensive. The manufacturing process involves locking yarn in place using horizontal strands after it has been woven around or through wraps, which are vertical fibres.
Tufted carpets are far more common in most homes and are available in a vast range of patterns and colours. After the fibres are placed by machine, the manufacturer can dye the fabric using many different methods. Some carpeting then has the loops cut or is stretched. The fabric then goes through a secondary stretching process to provide more stability.
Loop carpet threads are textured or flat and offer a rugged look. The surface bounces back quickly making foot marks disappear. This pile is a good choice for areas in the home that are consistently busy but a poor choice for households with pets because their claws can easily get caught and pull the loops.
Pile refers to the surface texture of the carpet. To choose the right pile, homeowners must determine the degree of wear the carpeting is expected to receive. Twist carpet is commonly used in the busiest areas of the home because it does not fluff and foot marks do not show. It is available in solid colours and heathered, which is slightly mottled and ideal for hiding marks.
Velvet and Saxony carpet adds a touch of elegance to any room. Velvet is a cut pile fabric with straight fibres that appear darker or lighter depending on the lighting. It holds up better in light to moderate traffic areas and is commonly found in master bedrooms and formal living rooms. Saxony features a deep pile with a luxurious feel. Saxony carpet can be difficult to clean and it tends to flatten out, which makes it a better choice for rooms that are not heavily used.
The most common types of fibres used in carpet manufacturing are olefin, polyester, nylon, and wool. Polyester is very cost effective and resists stains, making it ideal for dining rooms. It wears well but it flattens easily and the colours can fade. This material is often used to produce Saxony carpet because it has a glossy finish. It is also found in synthetic and wool blends to reduce shedding and provide greater tuft definition.
Nylon is easy to clean and while it is extremely resistant to stains, it does hold onto soil. It is more resilient and bounces back into shape better than polyester. It is a durable material but does not maintain its appearance as long as wool.
Wool is a sustainable material that is biodegradable. It can make up the entire carpet or be blended with other types of fibres. Wool resists crushing and has a coating made of a natural waxy substance that allows it to repel dirt and liquid. It is fire resistant. Unlike synthetic fabrics, it will not melt when exposed to flames. This material is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for households where occupants suffer with asthma, emphysema, or other upper respiratory ailments.
Consumers have numerous options for buying carpeting, so it will take some planning and research to determine what is best for them. Appearance, durability, and cost are just three major factors to consider before making a final decision. An expert at a carpets Stockport retailer can help by providing more information about the various types of pile and fibres available. Regardless of budget size or personal preference, consumers will find carpet for the home that suits their specific needs.
