5 types of carpet and their characteristics

WOOL



Wool comes from sheep in harsh climates such as the Middle East, Scotland,N. China and New Zealand. Wool carpet is the most expensive and is considered to be the benchmark that all other carpets are measured by. Wool carpet is expensive and luxurious but, wool is very durable. It is common for a wool carpet kept in good repair to last for 20+ years or more. Wool carpeting accounts for 3% of the total carpet production.



WOOL ADVANTAGES

1. today's carpet is moth proof
2. soft, very resilient
3. hides dirt
4. has an optical affect on light
5. absorbs water quickly

Wool Disadvantage

1. hard to dye to a specific color
2. wool stains easier
3. big collector of allergens

WOOL IS DESIGNED FOR EXCLUSIVE USE ONLY

SYNTHETIC

Nylon by it's natural is a synthetic. Synthetic fibers like nylon account for over 95% of all carpeting in the U.S.A. Their are four types of synthetic fibers nylon,acrylic,polyester and olefin. Of the 95%, 85% of the carpet production is nylon. Nylon was created 1930's. it was marketed in the 1950's - 1960's as dupont"501"nylon.

Nylon Advantages

1. very economical for consumer
2. easier to dye
3. easier to replicate
4. cleans and drys easier
5. has a memory which keeps the carpet pile resilient
6. doesn't support mildew or mold
7. non-allergenic

Nylon disadvantage

1. coarse texture
2. durability and cleanability diminished for estedic appearance
3. doesn't hide dirt
4. has no optical affect on light

NYLON WAS DESIGNED TO BE A MULTI-PURPOSES

ACRYLIC

Acrylic fiber originated in the 1960's to replace wool. Acrylic is a petroleum derivative. It is commonly known as Acrilan in the carpet industry. Acrylic fiber is usually mixed with a modified form of acrylic called modacrylic. This is added for fireproofing. Acrylic carpeting accounts for 15% of total sales.

ACRYLIC ADVANTAGES

1. great dye material
2. wool-like appearance
3. very versitate from outdoor to indoor
4. soft and very bulky similar to wool
5. non-allergenic
6. stain resistant

ACRYLIC DISADVANTAGES

1. low resilience
2. limited selection of styles
3. acrylic piles shed

ACRYLIC CARPET WAS DESIGNED FOR HI-TRAFFIC AREAS AND FOR INEXPENSIVE USE

POLYESTER

Polyester also originates from petroleum.