Look for carpet with a twist level of 5 or more. The higher the twist level, the better. Four or fewer twists can lead to poor performance.
The number of twists is measured per inch and can range from 2.5 in low-quality carpet to 6 in the best carpets. Manufacturers usually indicate the twist as a single number. Anything above 4 is considered good quality.
Face weight is the weight of the carpet pile per square yard of carpet, measured in ounces. Generally, a higher face weight represents a more durable carpet. Most carpets have a face weight somewhere between 20 ounces and 100 ounces, with the average for residential carpet falling somewhere between 35 to 60 ounces.
In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.
In general, you'll find carpet across a full spectrum of face weight, somewhere from 20 to 100 ounces. For residential use, most carpet weight settles in between 35 and 60 ounces. A higher face weight does not equal a better grade of carpet.
For optimal performance in normal household conditions, a density value of 3,000 or higher is ideal. According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc., extra heavy traffic conditions (such as are found in heavy commercial use) require a minimum density of 5,000.
Weight. Generally, the heavier the weight of a carpet, the greater resistance it has to flattening or compression from traffic and furniture. A 40oz or 50oz carpet for example is ideal for hall, stairs, landings, and living areas. Whereas a 30oz carpet is spot on for bedrooms.
Twisted pile carpet is the most popular style of carpet and comes in a large variety of colors. The yarn has been tightly twisted and the loops are cut to become this style of carpeting.
A carpet's fiber twist, also known as the twist number, is a measure of how many times a carpet's fibers twist (or turn) around themselves per inch of fiber. It's always a single number, and you'll frequently see it abbreviated as a TPI, or turns per inch.
Weight and Carpet Style
A very good quality Berber carpet might have the same face weight as a saxony of mediocre quality, for instance. A 28-oz. berber, for example, is most likely going to outperform a 28-oz. saxony.
Most residential carpet requires a pad that is between 3/8 of an inch and 7/16 of inch thick with a minimum 6-pound density rating. However, low-profile carpets, such as berber, should not use padding that is thicker than 7/16 of an inch (3/8 of an inch is commonly recommended).
Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Because of it's durability, nylon carpet is perfect for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
Face weight – This refers to the amount of fiber used per square yard, the higher the better for quality and performance. Anything around 40 oz is good; 63 oz or over is best!
Dark brown is one of the best carpet colors for hiding dirt. The darker the shade, the better the dirt will blend into the carpet. Powder and dust won't show up against the dark brown color. While a lighter brown can also be an attractive option, it won't hide as much dirt.
While Berber is able to hide stains and dirt better than plush carpet, it doesn't mean you should take less care of it. You still need to frequently vacuum and occasionally shampoo and clean your carpet no matter which style you choose.
Masland. Masland carpeting is another premium carpet brand that offers unique styles and a great product. What you get with Masland is comparable with Karastan on many levels. Like Karastan, you will also find a lifetime warranty, though the lower end products drop to a 10-year wear and tear portion.
A carpet is considered to be a Builder Carpet when it is neutral in color, on the lighter side in ounce weight, and does not show traffic patterns in the early period of it's installation. Often, a builder will choose a polyester carpet because of the low price point for this type of fiber.
3 Types of Carpet Styles
Carpets are made of fibers that are cut, looped or cut and looped. Although there are several different subcategories of carpet styles, all fall within one of these three groups.
There are three basic styles of carpet – cut pile, looped pile, and cut-loop pile.
According to research from the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association (UHMA) and advice from The Carpet Foundation, you should be looking for a combined tog rating of less than 2.5 for your carpet and underlay for underfloor systems to operate efficiently.
Most weights nowadays are between 40oz and 70oz. The heavier the weight/density, the greater the luxury of the carpet pile. You will find that stair and lounge carpets are generally about 50oz, whilst 60oz to 70oz carpets are commonly a more luxurious carpet.
Most carpets have a face-weight somewhere between 20 ounces and 100 ounces, but the average face-weight for a residential carpet is about 35 to 60 ounces. A higher face-weight does not automatically mean the carpet is a better grade; is a higher quality; is more durable; or is more costly.
Put simply, GSM or 'grams per square metre refers to the actual weight of one square meter of that particular fabric.