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Carpets
When choosing a new carpet, consider where
in your home it will be used, how much traffic
it will have, and its exposure to sun and
dirt. This will help you choose a carpet
with the appropriate durability, fade resistance,
and ability to clean. Next, consider the
texture and feel.
Materials
There are five common types of yarn used
in carpets: nylon, olefin, polyster, acrylic,
and wool. Nylon is the most common and has
excellent durability. Olefin (polypropylene)
is also a durable material but has more of
a plastic feel (it is what artificial turf
is made out of). Polyester is softer. Acrylic
is similar to wool and is moisture and mildew-resistant,
so it is frequently used in damp locations
like bathrooms and basements. Wool is the
softest and most luxurious of all fibers.
Frequently, carpets are made from a blend
of these yarns.
To create depth, carpets are
made as loop
pile or cut pile. Loop pile has
the yarn
in a twisted loop that extends
upward from
the carpet. For cut pile rugs
they simply
cut off the top of the loop so
that the yarn
is in individual strands.
Carpet Pads
Carpet pads are available in many materials
-- polyurethane foam, fiber, or rubber. While
thicker pads enhance the softness and sound
insulation of the carpet, a pad can be too
thick and cause excessive wear. In high traffic
areas, use a thinner pad than in low traffic
areas. Consult your salesman for the proper
thickness for the type of carpet you have.
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