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Wool Carpet
For the ultimate in carpet, there's wool. Not only is it truly natural but it has many natural benefits:
- Natural soil resistance (although not inherently stain-resistant)
- Green, renewable, and environmentally friendly (including biodegradable)
- Soft and luxurious to the touch
- Naturally flame-resistant
- It's non-allergenic.
- Resilient and durable enough to perform well in high-traffic areas without wearing out
However, it absorbs moisture and can potentially be prone to mold and mildew in damp areas.
In appreciating wool, you realize the amazing qualities associated with this age-old flooring solution:
- The natural elasticity of wool fiber allows it to stretch up to 40% beyond its original length and return to its original size. Wool carpet not only retains its shape, even under heavy traffic but also resists furniture crush.
- Although wool can absorb moisture, the fiber itself repels water and stains due to a unique membrane covering the fiber core. Water and other spills remain on the surface, repelling stains and allowing spills to be blotted up with a clean and dry white cloth.
- That natural membrane fibers also allow for ease in cleaning. The membrane prevents dirt and dust from sinking below the surface, permitting regular vacuuming to keep wool carpet looking clean and new.
- Did you know that wool naturally resists static (because of wool's natural 30% moisture retention) and mildew (because of wool's naturally low pH)? Wool also improves and maintains indoor air quality by absorbing contaminants without re-emitting them.
That said, wool carpet must be maintained properly. It tends to fade in sunlight and has low resistance both to stains and to the chemicals used to remove stains. Unlike synthetics, wool can attract and suffer damage from moths, beetles, and other types of insects.
Carpet Construction Basics
Regardless of the carpet fiber you choose for your carpet, you can count on the following benefits:
- The carpet's cushioned surface absorbs sound; it's less noisy to walk on than hard surface flooring.
- In terms of affordability, carpet is one of the most economical flooring products to have installed.
- You will be amazed at the range of carpet styles, patterns, and colors to choose from.
- The insulating properties of carpet provide additional warmth underfoot during cold seasons.
- Carpet is a non-slip surface that is safe underfoot. It protects you as well as delicate objects from hurt and breakage.
- Most synthetic carpets are treated with static, stain, and soil-resistant treatments, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Carpet Customer Testimonial
"Very professional, great quality carpet and great job installing."
Grace I-P., Milford, Connecticut
As you evaluate carpet styles, you may encounter terms such as:
Carpet Twist
Twist refers to how tightly the fiber (carpet yarn) has been twisted. The tighter the yarn is twisted, the better the carpet will stand up to crushing and matting. This is especially important in cut pile carpet since the tips are exposed and can easily become untwisted.
Frieze carpet has the highest twist level at about 7-9 twists per inch (TPI), whereas most cut pile carpet styles have between 3-6 twists per inch.
Density
Density refers to both the amount and how tightly packed together the fibers are within the carpet. The closer together the fibers are placed, the denser the carpet will be, and the better it will wear and perform.
Ways to check for carpet density include trying to reach the carpet backing by pressing your fingers on the carpet fibers. The more difficult it is to reach the backing, the denser the carpet. Or with outward-facing tufts, bend the carpet into a U-shape and look at how much of the carpet backing is visible. The less backing that shows, the denser the carpet.
You may also encounter the following carpet construction terms:
Cut Pile
Cut pile carpet consists of yarns that are cut at the ends. The soft feel of cut pile carpet makes it a perfect choice for the most comfortable areas of your home - bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms.
There are five basic styles of cut pile carpet each of which differs in terms of how much twist is in each strand of yarn:
- Velvet
- Saxony
- Frieze
- Shag
- Cable
Loop
Loop carpet yarns are looped and uncut on the carpet surface.
The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has strength and soil hiding capabilities.
This style is ideal for heavy-traffic areas.
Cut-loop
The carpet construction combines loops and texture with a combination of high cut tufts and lower loops in a variety of sculptured patterns. Cut-loop carpets offer good performance but are slightly less durable than loop carpets.
>> See Buying Carpet? Here Are Our Top Five Guidelines
Also, check out the Custom Area Rug Guide.
Have More Questions about Carpet Fibers?
Was this Carpet Fibers 101 helpful? Do you have more questions?
We invite you to visit one of our two showroom locations in Middletown or Orange, where you can ask more questions as you examine different carpet fiber constructions and styles. Or, you can let me know of any questions in the comments or contact us.
We look forward to helping you.
Thanks for reading,
Janine & Michael
Note: We originally published this article on 04/10/2019, and have updated it for you.