Welcome to
Cut Cost Carpets
Top Brand Names at Low, Low Prices
"we cover the North East of
Tel / Fax : 01779 477229
Useful Information
Carpet Fibres
There are many different names for fibres used in the manufacture of carpeting, but the vast
majority fall into four distinct categories: wool, (or
wool man made mix), nylon (polyamide), polypropylene and polyester. The names
may be familiar to you but what the differences are between each one may not.
Wool (Wool/Nylon Mix)
Wool is still regarded by most to be the
best fibre used in carpet manufacture for the simple
reason that in most cases it will look better for longer than equivalent
carpets made out of other fibres. With its natural
resilience it recovers quickly from compression. It takes dye very well which
enables many variations of shades to be produced and is very soft to touch,
making it warm and comfortable to walk on. It retains a degree of natural stain
resistance, making it easier to maintain and has naturally low flammability
properties, which make it safer for the home.
Usually wool is mixed with nylon in an 80% wool, 20% nylon ratio, (carpets using this
combination are often referred to as 80:20s). This combines the benefits of
wool with the excellent wearing characteristics of nylon to produce a more
durable carpet.
Unfortunately wool is also more expensive
than most other carpet fibres.
Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon is the hardest wearing carpet fibre and possibly one of the most misunderstood.
Unfortunately nylon developed a poor reputation as a carpet fibre
in its early days. Today however, nylon yarns are some of the best available on
the market. Nylon products have exceptional wear qualities and fibre dyes extremely well giving a vast array of colours
and shades to choose from. The problem of static build-up has been eradicated
in most nylon yarns and when protected with stain resistant treatments nylon
can easily be cleaned and maintained.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is being used more and more
widely in the manufacture of carpeting due to its high resilience to wear and
stain proof properties.
During manufacture of the yarn it is dyed to
the colour required; this is locked in and cannot be removed. It can also not
be re-dyed, consequently it is stain proof and all marks can be removed. In
extreme cases a dilute bleach solution can be used to remove stains.
Polypropylene yarns are also highly resistant to fading. Polypropylene has low
electro-static build-up and consequently does not attract dirt and dust or give
you those nasty shocks. As demand has increased for polypropylene the colour
banks have improved dramatically and now offer an excellent choice.
This is possibly the best choice for
families where stain resistance is an important consideration.
Polyester
Polyester is not so widely used as the
previous products, namely due to its cost. However it is hard wearing and
cleans well. It is soft to handle and feels luxurious under foot.