Carpet Durability Value

There are many different things that can be done to improve the appearance of a home, one being the installation of new carpeting. However, upgrades and improvements also mean making some kind of financial investment. Although there are always sales and places where quality carpet can be purchased at a discounted rate, you can still expect to pay a good price, which is why considering the carpet durability is an important factor when buying. Of course, you certainly want to buy carpet that will look gorgeous but this is only one of many dynamics that come into place.

Durability Factors

Remember that the way in which carpet performs depends on several factors. One of these would be the construction. Some carpeting is designed for low traffic areas while other carpeting is made to withstand a lot of heavy traffic. To ensure you end up with carpet durability that matches your needs, you would need to understand the importance of gauge and yarn size coordinating. Even techniques used to color carpeting will have an impact on the durability. Some of the specifics you should consider when shopping for the best carpet durability includes:

Yarn Density and Gauge

Each manufacturer uses its own level of yarn density and gauge but this information is readily available and usually, included in the description. Typically, the denser the yarn and the greater amount of yarn used, the gauge, is the best choice.

Tuft Quantity

Another consideration associated with carpet durability has to do with the number of tufts per inch. The industry standard is that carpet listed as 1/8 gauge would have eight rows of tufts per inch whereas 1/10 gauge would have 10 rows. Additionally, the size of the yarn used for these tufts would be significant to durability. For carpeting to be deemed appropriate for "extra heavy duty traffic," it would need 5,000 density or greater.

Fibers and Filament

Carpet durability also has to do with fiber and filament. You will find that some manufacturers use staple fibers, also known as spun fibers, whereas others use BCF or Bulked Continuous Filament. The difference is that with staple fibers, shorter carpet fibers will initially shed somewhat, decreasing over time whereas carpeting that sheds continuously is BCF. Interestingly, while it might seem like one is better than the other, when it comes to carpet durability, differences are minor.

Carpet Classification

When you get ready to shop for new carpeting, we strongly recommend you shop around and never be afraid to ask questions. Manufacturers use a classification system in the making of carpet but this is also something you can use to help understand durability. For instance, carpeting designed for moderate to severe traffic would be classified using a number of factors such as traffic type, number of people and pets, how often the carpet would be walked on, etc. Always remember that the classification associated with carpet for durability will always be stated for the minimum.