A Bit of History
One might be surprised to learn that the initial demand for carpet was out of a desire to emulate the beautiful Oriental rugs. When retailer Marshall Field created a machine-made rug woven through the back, reminiscent of the Oriental rugs that were so admired as a specialty. Not long after the tufted textile industry was born in Dalton by a woman who began weaving bedspreads.Prior to 1950, cotton was the main product used to create tufted products. Many of today’s residential carpets are still made of tufted material, which means they are put through an oversized sewing machine with hundreds of needles that insert loops of fiber into the carpet’s backing to form the backing of the carpet. It was around this time that man-made fabrics were introduced. After nylon was introduced it grew steadily to dominate the market, as it was a far more durable and easy to produce product. Today there are many different types of carpet materials to choose from, each with its own characteristics and qualities.
So What Carpet is Right For You?
Well, it really depends. There are many factors to consider when installing carpet in your residential or commercial space. Some of the deciding factors may have to do with the space, lighting, the purpose of the room, environment, and budget. You also want to consider the interior decor style you are going for.Nylon: As we mentioned, nylon revolutionized the carpet industry as a manmade fiber. It is a very strong fiber that is great for retaining its texture over time. Nylon is a desired and popular material because it is durable and has the capacity for stain resistance due to its absorbance. It is a rather versatile material that can range in price.
Polyester: While it might not be as durable and resilient as nylon, polyester is still a synthetic fiber in very high demand. A high-quality grade polyester, however, might be as durable. As far as stain resistance goes, polyester comes out on top, as the material is a hydrophobic fiber, which means that the fiber itself repels liquid. When it comes eco-friendliness, some forms of polyester have proven to have a high score on this.
Wool: As a fiber, wool is also very resistant and can retain its appearance for long periods of time with the right maintenance and care. String wool is usually the preferred choice for carpeting. Wool is also used as a hybrid with other man-made fibers. Because it is mostly a natural fiber, however, it is quite easy to care for with simple daily maintenance due to its natural oils.
When it comes to commercial marketing, different styles like cut pile carpets, level loop carpets, cut and loops, and broadloom carpet. Many businesses today are finding the great advantages to installing carpet in their office space or place of business. It can really transform a room into an elegant and cozy place.
