Carpet Quality

Fibre, Twist & Density.

The three most important factors to determining carpet quality are its fibres, its twist and its density.

Density is determined by how many fibres there are in a particular squared area of a carpet. This can easily be determined by bending the carpet and viewing how close together the pile is made. The closer together the strands of the fiber are together at the base of the carpet, the more dense the carpet and the better quality. Higher density improves resistance to crushing and matting. The density is important as it effects how the carpet, over time, is going to look and perform and the higher the density, the better the durability.

Another factor determining the quality of a carpet is its twist factor. The Twist level is the amount of twist that two or more piles of fible are given. The more twist in the carpet, the less dense the carpet needs to be. So high twist level and a high density level add up to a high quality carpet. A twist level of 6 per inch is a good quality and it can go up from there. More Information on fibres can be found on the fibres page under the carpet menu.

Here are some general terms for understanding how carpet is made and how to judge carpet quality. Remember, the best way to ensure that you get a high quality, durable carpet is to ask our Holistic Flooring Carpet Expert.

Carpet Durability

The measure of how long your carpet will look and feel good. Ideally, carpet will retain its original texture and appearance for years to come. Durability depends on finding the right balance of three important factors defined below:

Fibre

During carpet manufacturing, natural or synthetic fibre is converted to yarn and tufted, or locked into a backing to form the pile or surface that you walk on. There are five major types of carpet fibre; the most popular being nylon. Ideal for carpeting, nylon is a man-made fibre that is wear-resistant, resilient, and provides brilliant colour.

Twist

The twist of the fibre is the way the fibre filaments are spun into yarn, and how the yarn is in turn twisted upon itself. Twist is usually locked into the fibre with a steam or heat-setting. The tighter the twist, the more the carpet will resist changes in appearance and texture.

Density

Density describes the amount of pile in the carpet and how close the tufts are to one another. In general, the more dense the carpet the better the quality. Check density by pressing your fingers on the carpet and trying to reach the backing. It will be difficult to reach the backing of a very dense carpet. With the tufts facing outward, bend the carpet into a U shape to see how much of the carpet backing shows. The less backing you see, the more dense the carpet.

Carpet grading - Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS)

For peace of mind, look for carpets that have been graded by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS). Carpets are classified under the ACCS labelling system according to their durability and appearance retention. Carpets graded by the ACCS carry distinctive labels featuring a star system that provides guidance on the likely appearance retention and performance properties of the carpet.
The more stars the better the carpet's durability and appearance retention properties.
All ACCS graded carpets carry a minimum two-year performance warranty, supported by the manufacturer or supplier.

Be sure to look for the numbered ACCS label - these carpets have been tested by NATA accredited laboratories and assessed by the ACCS Panel of carpet experts. Beware of untested claims of carpet's suitability for different uses.