The Real Deal
The Real Deal
A lot of info on choosing carpet fibre seems to focus on qualities like softness, warmth, and “the feeling between your toes”. It all sounds a bit … well, woolly.
Woollen carpets remain the highest-selling type of carpet in the country, but is it really worth the slightly higher price tag? Let’s examine the differences between the main types of carpet available in NZL
Woollen carpet
Wool has a natural resistance to moisture and dirt, and because it’s a big seller there’s naturally a wider range of colours, styles and patterns on offer. It’s generally more expensive than synthetic fibres, and sometimes it’s got less warranty cover in terms of stain resistance because it can’t be chemically treated. Wool is also sourced from 100% renewable resources.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon carpets come in two forms: standard nylon carpet and SDN (Solution Dyed Nylon) carpet. SDN carpet undergoes a dyeing process whereby the fibres are dyed while in liquid form. Because of this the colour goes right to the core of the fibre, making SDN carpets highly resistant to fading, staining and colour bleed - a good choice for sun-drenched rooms. Standard nylon carpets, on the other hand, are only dyed on the surface (the same as wool carpets) so the colour doesn’t penetrate right through the fibre strands. Nylon is tough, but slightly less resilient than wool and also less soft.
Polyester Carpet
Polyester carpet is less tough than other fibre types available, and the least common type of carpet sold in NZ. Its profile is quickly growing; however, due to its cheapness (polyester carpet tends to be less expensive than both wool and nylon). Polyester carpets also have great stain resistance, and are soft to touch. However, fade resistance is somewhat inferior compared to other types of carpet.
Wool Blend Carpet
Two sorts of wool blend carpet are currently available: Meltbond (80% wool) and Polyprop Wool (50% wool). Meltbond carpets have most of the same attributes as woollen carpets, but are usually cheaper, while Polyprop Wool carpets are more durable, lower cost, and tend to be available only in less bright shades due to the blending process.
Polypropylene Carpet
Usually used in industrial settings, polypropylene carpet is the cheapest type of carpet on the market. It’s tough, but less so than wool and nylon, and isn’t as soft to touch as the other fibres. The colour holds very well.
If you’re still not sure what carpet fibre type would best suit your specific needs, why not get in touch with one of our consultants? They’ll talk you through all our options and show you samples – so you can compare the fibre to the facts.
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