Staple Nylon

Staple Nylon is less expensive and has a more natural fiber appearance (i.e. wool). In new carpet, staple nylon pile contains numerous loose fibers and cuttings, which are left over from the manufacturing process. These loose fibers are normal and are eventually collected with vacuuming as they work themselves to the surface.

BCF Nylon

Bulk Continuous Filament nylon is more durable and resilient than staple nylon; it has a more synthetic appearance (i.e. plastic) and a higher cost.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber commonly used in level loop and Berber style carpets. Its lack of porosity compared to nylon fiber makes it naturally more stain resistant, moisture resistant, and fade resistant (i.e. color fast). However, this non-porous feature also limits the variety and boldness of colors for polypropylene carpets.

Stain Resistance

Almost all carpets are treated by the manufacturer for “resistance to soiling”; carpets which have additional chemical treatment for protection from staining and identified as being “stain resistant”. There is a difference in these two levels of treatment. Soil resistance is achieved by coating the surface if the carpet fibers with a chemical that prevents soil particles from clinging to the fibers, thus making routine vacuuming more effective. Soil resistant treatments will wear off the carpet over time depending on traffic patterns and frequency of cleaning. This type of carpet protection can be reapplied in the home by a qualified independent technician. Stain resistance, however, is achieved by a different type of chemical treatment, which involves a patented manufacturing process performed at the mill. This type of carpet protection requires the application of chemicals at high temperatures which soak into the open pores of nylon carpet fibers, filling them up and thus limiting staining agents from penetrating into the fiber. No carpet is completely stain proof; stain resistance is primarily meant to guard against common food and beverage stains -� not all substances and chemical which may be used in the home. Consult each carpet product’s specific stain protections warranty for details.

Face Weight

The fiber content of a carpet is what determines the cost and is what makes the carpet last. The more the face weight, usually the better the carpet.

Twist

Twist measures the number of times the yarn strands is twisted together in a one-inch length. The more the twist, the more the carpet resists crushing and matting.

Density

Density measures how tightly the yarn is stitched into the carpet backing. Higher density determines the appearance and the feel of the carpet.

Durability Rating

This rating indicates a particular carpet’s ability to maintain its original appearance over time. Published only by Shaw Industries, durability ratings are affected by a combination of the above specifications and are established by physical testing. Values typically range from 2.00 to 4.00 on a 1 to 5 scales, with 5 being the absolute best.