27/08/2019
Guide To Buying Carpet Tiles, Timber, Laminate, And Vinyl
Measurements
Carpet tiles, timber, laminates, and vinyls are all supplied in different carton sizes, roll widths, and lengths. To make it easier to compare these products they are generally priced per square metre.
Choose Your Carpet Type
Cut Pile
Cut pile carpet is manufactured by cutting the tops of the loops so the pile stands upright with an even, and smooth surface. This pile gives a very soft, luxurious look. This is our most popular pile sold.
Loop Pile
Loop pile carpets are made by forming a loop in the thread. This pile is hard wearing, durable and doesn’t tend to show tracking (footprints). Loop twills are made by blending different colour yarns, making them better for wear with high traffic, and being very durable.
Cut & Loop
Combination, level, and textured cut loop pile carpets. Create a very fine and luxurious and prestigious finish to living areas.
Textured
Textured carpets are a type of loop pile. They’re generally manufactured using a single colour. Manufacturers continually work on developments to maintain a modern, and contemporary look for this type of carpet. Designs range from high and low thread ups, to level loops.
Carpet Gradings
Carpet is graded to determine the quality, however be careful in making comparisons. Grading is usually either Medium, Heavy or Extra Heavy Duty. Also check the stairs grading on the carpet if required.
Carpet Fibres
Wool is a natural carpet fibre. Carpet made from wool is warm in winter and cool in summer and bounce back well from foot traffic. As is sustainably sourced. Wool is a good choice environmentally due to it being a natural fibre and is also naturally fire retardant. One great aspect of buying wool is you are most likely supporting our local carpet manufacturers, and New Zealand farmers.
Carpet Characteristics
Shading
Cut pile carpets, particularly those that are plush or near plush, may develop lighter or darker areas depending on the angles from which they are viewed. This phenomenon is generally referred to as “Shading”, “Watermarking” or “Permanent Pile Reversal. The causes of shading are not understood and it cannot be accurately predicted or prevented though it is thought to be caused by the permanent bending of the carpet fibres in different directions which then reflect light differently. Shading does not affect the wear or durability of the carpet and is not caused by the manufacturing or installation process.
Textured Carpets
It is common to find that the texture lines (both up and down and sideways) may be slightly irregular. These irregularities are not a manufacturing flaw, but appear naturally in the production of these products.
Cut Pile Carpets
Particularly “plush pile” will in some circumstances show the condition known as “Shading, Watermarking or Pile Reversal”. This condition is characterized by random light and dark patches appearing some weeks after installation , caused by permanent reversal or bending of the carpet pile fibres with consequential different light effects. It can neither be predicted nor prevented. It does not affect the wear or durability of the carpet. It is beyond the control of the manufacturer and is not recognized as a either a product defect or a manufacturing fault. Tracking is caused by imprints left in the carpets , primarily from feet walking on the carpet . This is not a defect or manufacturing fault, but an inherent fibre characteristic. Most carpet styles and textures show some effect from pile flattening or a change in pile lay due to frequent walking or other forms of traffic. You are advised to consider these characteristics before purchasing.
Tracking
Tracking is caused by imprints left in the carpets, primarily from feet walking on the carpet or from pushing the vacuum cleaner in different directions and can be more noticeable in certain cut pile carpets. This is not a defect or manufacturing fault, but an inherent fibre characteristic due to light reflecting from different parts of the fibre in different directions. Some carpets have less tracking than others and are generally in those carpets with short tight piles or carpets with a low sheen or lustre. Most carpet styles and textures show some tracking effect from pile flattening or a change in pile lay due to frequent walking or other forms of traffic. You are advised to consider these characteristics before purchasing.
