The carpet industry in the United States began in 1791 when William Sprague started the first woven carpet mill in Philadelphia. Others opened during the early 1800s in New England. Included in that area was Beattie Manufacturing Company in Little Falls, New Jersey, a company that operated until 1979.

In 1839, Erastus Bigelow permanently reshaped the industry with the invention of the power loom for weaving carpets. Bigelow’s loom, which doubled carpet production the first year after its creation and tripled it by 1850, is now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collections. He continued to devote his life to innovation — 35 separate patents were issued to him between 1839 and 1876. Bigelow introduced the first broadloom carpet in 1877.

The power loom with Jacquard mechanism was developed in 1849, and Brussels carpet was first manufactured by the Clinton Company of Massachusetts. The Brussels loom was slightly modified, making possible the manufacture of Wilton carpet. Later, the Hartford Carpet Company joined with Clinton Company to become Bigelow Carpet Company.

In 1878, four Shuttleworth brothers brought 14 looms from England and established their manufacturing plant in Amsterdam, New York. In 1905, the company introduced a new carpet, Karnak Wilton. Its instant success was phenomenal. Flooded with orders, a new building had to be constructed to exclusively handle Karnak production. Weavers worked four and five years without changing either the color or pattern on their looms.

Alexander Smith started his carpet manufacturing plant in 1845 in West Farms, New York. An American, Halcyon Skinner, had perfected the power loom for making Royal Axminster in 1876. He and Alexander Smith combined, forming a very successful carpet company. Alexander Smith was elected to Congress in 1878, but died on the evening of election day. Sixteen hundred people were employed at his factory at the time of his death. Alexander Smith & Sons continued. During World War I, the carpet looms were converted to make tent duck and navy blankets. In 1929 Alexander Smith & Sons was the largest manufacturer of carpets and rugs in the world.

Simulating the “Oriental” Rug

Industrialist/retailer Marshall Field had a traditional Axminster weaving loom modified to create what no one else had ever created — a machine-made rug woven through the back, just like a handmade Oriental, featuring intricate designs and virtually unlimited color variety. Karastan’s rug mill was established in 1926, and introduced the first Karastan rugs to the public in 1928.

Alexander Smith, Bigelow, and Karastan are companies continuing today as divisions of Mohawk Industries, headquartered in Georgia.

There are many manufacturers today producing both simulations of antique designs and updated “oriental” type rugs by both weaving and tufting processes.

The Tufted Carpet Industry

Born in the U. S. A. – the Pride of Georgia

Through the late 1800s, Dalton, Georgia, struggled with cotton mills and steel manufacturing works to forge a small town in the north Georgia hills. Northwest Georgia, with its hard-packed clay, poor farmland, and rolling hills was among the last areas of Georgia settled. Rich in a heritage of Cherokee Indians and Civil War battles, that northern corner of the state was rugged and spawned people who were independent and self-sufficient. Those were the people who brought forth and nurtured the tufted textile industry. The industry’s infancy was in Dalton; it has gone through intense growth in Dalton; and it has now matured in and around Dalton. The carpet industry’s impact is great on this region, this state, and the nation; and the story of its growth is unique.

The Beginnings

The industry began in a simple way, around the turn of the century. A young, Dalton woman, Catherine Evans Whitener, recreated a bedspread in a hand-crafted pattern she had seen, for a wedding gift. Copying a quilt pattern, she sewed thick cotton yarns with a running stitch into unbleached muslin, clipped the ends of the yarn so they would fluff out, and finally, washed the spread in hot water to hold the yarns in by shrinking the fabric. Interest grew in young Catherine’s bedspreads, and in 1900, she made the first sale of a spread for $2.50. Demand became so great for the spreads that by the 1930s, local women, who were real entrepreneurs, had “haulers,” who would take the stamped sheeting and yarns to front porch workers. Often, entire families worked to hand tuft the spreads for 10 to 25 cents per spread. The local term for the sewing process was “turfin” for the nearly 10,000 area cottage tufters — men, women, and children. Bedspread income was instrumental in helping many area families survive the depression.

As an example of the spirit of these early entrepreneurial women, Mrs. J. T. Bates stated that she simply “shipped 15 spreads to John Wannamaker’s department store in New York. On a piece of plain tablet paper I made out a bill for $98.15 and put it in with the spreads. Although there had been no previous contact whatsoever with the store, Wannamakers sent us a check for $98.15.” Chenille bedspreads became amazingly popular all over the country and provided a new name for Dalton: The Bedspread Capital of the World.

Mechanization – the 1930s

Buyer competition, which tended to lower the prices, the change in the minimum wage laws, and development of machine-produced spreads soon made the hand-crafted spreads too expensive. Gradually the industry began to pull the workers from surrounding hillsides and small towns into mills in Dalton, beginning the rapid growth of the mechanized tufting industry.

In the 1930s, as a result of the demand for more bedspreads, the first mechanized tufting machine, attributed to Glen Looper Foundry of Dalton, was developed. Looper modified the single needle commercial Singer so that it would tuft the thick yarn into unbleached muslin without tearing the fabric and an attached knife would cut the loop. Machines quickly developed into four, then eight, twenty-four, and more needles to make the parallel rows of tufting known as “chenille.” By 1941, all but about one percent of tufted bedspreads were machine made. Mats and rugs were created with the same process, using cotton yarns and fabric. Volume increased rapidly after World War II, because people were hungry for color and beauty. To show the extent of growth, 30,000 bales of cotton were consumed in 1946 by the industry. By 1950, approximately 500,000 bales were used, and the industry was the third largest consumer of cotton grown in Georgia in 1952.

Sales were created by correspondence or by taking spreads to department stores, but by far the most famous and enjoyable way to buy a spread was on “Bedspread Alley,” U. S. Highway 41 between Dalton and Cartersville. This stretch of the major north-south highway got its nickname because of the bedspreads the tufters hung on clotheslines to dry in the breeze and sun.

The salesmen and tourists enjoyed seeing the colorful, gaudy spreads and enjoyed the novelty of buying them “off the line.” The most popular pattern to the travelers, outselling all others 12 to 1 was the Peacock — feathered birds facing each other and spreading tails over the breadth of the spread. This “Bedspread Alley” phenomenon lasted into the ?70s, and even now a few spreads can be seen on lines just south of Dalton.

As the number of tufted products produced annually went into the millions, the job of supplying the industry became equally important. Yarn, sheeting, duck mills, and agents were established in the area, with their entire output going to the industry; and larger mills elsewhere vied for the growing business. Machine shops were established to manufacture the thousands of single and multi-needle machines needed, as well as to design improvements aimed at making even more beautiful and better spreads, bathroom sets, robes, beach wear, and rugs. Dye plants for yarn were built. Laundries were erected for finishing the spreads. Printing shops were established to supply the millions of tags and labels needed. Box factories turned out cartons for shipping. Moving these spreads to market was big volume for rail and motor freight lines.

Machinery was developed for making chenille rugs and was widened, creating larger rugs and broadloom carpet. At the same time, machinery was changing, developments of new fibers accelerated the growth of broadloom carpet.

Synthetic Fibers are Introduced

Until about 1954, cotton was virtually the only fiber used in tufted products. Wool and manmade fibers — polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylics — were gradually introduced by textile men in Dalton. Nylon was first introduced in 1947 and grew steadily to dominate the market. Polyester was first used in 1965 and was followed soon by polypropylene (olefin). Most manufacturers will agree that the single most important development in the industry was the introduction of bulk continuous filament nylon yarns. These yarns provided a luxurious quality, durable carpet, similar to wool, that was more economical to produce. Therefore, a durable, luxury product was offered to the consumer for less money.

In 1950, only ten percent of all carpet and rug products were tufted, and ninety percent were woven. However, about 1950, it was as if someone had opened a magic trunk. Out of that trunk came man-made fibers, new spinning techniques, new dye equipment, printing processes, tufting equipment, and backing for different end uses. Today, tufted products are more than 90 percent of the total, followed by less than 2 percent that are woven, and 6.7 percent for all other methods, such as knitted, braided, hooked, or needlepunched. By 1951, the tufting industry was a $133 million per year business made up primarily of bedspreads, carpet, and rugs, with carpet accounting for $19 million. The industry broke the billion dollar mark in 1963. Through the years, the Dalton area has continued to be the center of the tufted carpet industry, and today, the area produces more than 70 percent of the total output of the world-wide industry of over $9 billion. Dalton is now known as the “Carpet Capital of the World.”

Courtesy The Carpet and Rug Institute

Before you begin calling around to find an installer, there are a few questions you need to know to ask a potential installer in order to be sure you find a good one.

1. Are you licensed bonded and insured? Many states now require contractor certification. Even if your State does not require a license, always hire an installer that is bonded and insured.

2. What is your state issued registration number?

You can call the State and verify the status of his license and see if there have been any complaints filed against the installer.

3. How long have you been installing carpet? Always ask for references and require at least 5 years experience.

4. What type of experience do you have? (Apartment work, new construction, custom homes or remodeling?) You want to hire someone who is experienced with your type of work.

5. Do you use a power stretcher?

Good installers always use a power stretcher to install carpet properly.

6. How much do you charge per yard?

The going rate for apartment grade carpet varies in geographical areas. Don’t assume that the cheapest price is the best price. It can be wise to pay a little more for a job well done.

7. How long do you guarantee your work?

Most will offer a one-year warranty. Better installers will offer two years and some will even offer a lifetime warranty. If your carpet comes loose or develops wrinkles it is nice to know you can have it fixed at no charge.

8. How far in advance must I schedule you?

You need your carpets installed in short order. Your hope is to find someone who you can depend on to show up on time and finish on schedule.

9. Can you supply me with some references?

Ask for several from jobs similar to yours. Check references.

10. Will you measure how much carpet I need?

If you don’t know how much carpet you require, an experienced carpet installer is qualified to measure for you. Some installers charge for measuring but will refund the charge if you hire them to install your carpet. Proper measuring and seam placement is essential in saving money.

©2002-2005 Alan J. Fletcher

Comfort- Insulation
Carpet provides an added measure of warmth and insulation with its millions of fibers and places between them to hold warmth or to insulate against extreme heat or cold. It’s warmer to sit on or work on, providing more stable temperatures for foot and leg comfort near the floor. In colder climates or seasons, it retains warm air longer, an important benefit in our energy-conscious world. In warm climates, it also insulates against invasive heat.

When the insulation value is important, the carpet’s label may offer an “R-value,” and a cushion label may offer one, as well. When the carpet R-value is not available, CRI suggests multiplying the total carpet thickness measured in inches by a factor of 2.6 to approximate the carpet’s R-value. The R-values are additive for any combination of materials. For example, a combination of carpet with an R-value of 1.3 and a prime polyurethane cushion with an R-value of 1.6 will yield an overall R-value of 2.9.

Aesthetics – The Foundation of Decorating
Because carpet is a foundation of decorating, covering a large quantity of the surface of our living spaces, it is an important consideration in the overall scheme of color and texture. It can provide simplicity and casualness for softness and liveability; or it can provide pizzazz with vibrant color and heavier textures for making a decorating “statement.” Carpet can be one of the easiest ways to personalize an environment – its color can be a neutral foundation “in the background,” or it can be a vibrant focal point.

Safety from Slip/Fall
Especially for small children, seniors, and generally the entire family, safety in the home is a primary focus. We seek a stable, non-slick walking surface that prevents slips and falls and for the time when someone does trip, a surface that protects from bruises and other injuries. Carpet is great for cushioning our foot steps, minimizing slips and minimizing injuries from falls. It’s hard to watch a toddler take his first steps on a cold hard floor. Carpet’s softness and cushioning nature is ideal for family activity – whether it is the first steps of a toddler, the slow steps of the grandparent, or the fast action of the mother or teen-ager.

Sound Reduction Qualities of Carpet – Carpet is as Easy on Your Ears as Your Feet

With the introduction of computers, speaker telephones, big screen TV’s and video games, our homes have become a lot noisier. Fortunately, the solution to this problem of airborne sounds can be found right below our feet — carpet.

Carpet not only serves as a beautiful floor covering, it also provides sound insulation. Additionally, carpet creates an aesthetic ambiance conducive to lowered voices and heightened privacy. The sound-reducing qualities of carpet include:

* Carpet absorbs sound

Recently, home builders have moved towards reshaping the home by combining all of the living area rooms into one big, open space. This layout promotes the family togetherness, but also creates a noisy atmosphere. With the addition of carpet, sound is absorbed rather than bounced off the floor and back onto the walls and furniture. Results from tests show that there is a pronounced “hush” in carpeted rooms.

* Carpet and cushion reduces noise better

Carpet serves as an effective noise-reducer because it absorbs the sound of foot traffic within the home. These results are even more pronounced with the addition of carpet cushion. Research shows that properly specified carpet and cushion combinations produce better noise-reduction than carpet alone. Carpet cushion also increases comfort and ergonomic qualities, adds insulation, and extends the life of your carpet by protecting it against wear and tear.

The CRI “Residential Carpet Installation Standard, CRI 105″ calls for carpet cushion that is both firm and resilient and no more than 7/16 of an inch thick. Under the thinner carpet styles, such as some Berbers, use an even thinner cushion – maximum 3/8″.

* Carpet and cushion insulate between floors

Carpet works as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to rooms below. Carpet and carpet cushion are especially effective in masking the “hollow” sound from foot traffic often associated with staircases. Specific noise reduction data can be obtained from CRI.

Simple Maintenance
Regular, but simple, care on carpet helps counter the abuse your carpet suffers and help it retain its beauty. What other home furnishing is walked all over? Vacuum every few days in high traffic areas, and once a week in less-used areas. Use a well-functioning vacuum cleaner, with an enclosed, efficient, dust-catching bag.

Most carpet today has been treated for stain resistance and soil retardance, but stain resistant does not necessarily mean “stain proof.” Address spills quickly and remove them as soon as possible to afford the easiest spot removal. Act preventively and avoid contact with difficult spots that are hard to remove – makeup, pesticides, disinfectants, iodine, mustard, and plant food products. Have carpet cleaned on a regular schedule, before it begins to show soil – a schedule of every 12 to 18 months by a professional cleaning company is reasonable for more used areas of the home.

Benefits for Seniors
Well known for its ability to provide warmth and style to a room, absorb unwanted noise, and provide firm traction, carpet is continuing to gain a reputation as the floor covering of choice for senior adults and their families.

* Safety is tops

Safety is a top consideration for seniors, who seek a stable, non-slick walking surface that protects them from “slip and fall” accidents. Carpeted surfaces are significantly more effective at preventing slips and falls than hard, smooth surfaces.

Maintaining balance, a consideration for individuals who use braces, a cane or a walker, can be less difficult with low pile carpet combined with an extra firm cushion. CRI also recommends securely fastening carpet and rugs to provide firmer footing.

Carpet can also reduce or eliminate reflected glare, minimizing disorientation, and can reduce leg fatigue associated with walking or standing on hard surfaces.

* Healing colors

Studies have shown that color has psychological affects on moods. With this in mind, blues, greens, teal, mauve, coral, peach and warm neutrals are often chosen for their soothing effects. Avoid “hot” tones such as red, which may raise blood pressures for some, and yellow, which may cause nausea and anxiety to someone that already is not feeling well.

Color also plays a significant role with Alzheimer’s patients. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, patients remember colors better than numbers; therefore, color in carpet can provide a memory link and better help to orient a person to a specific room or area.

* Acoustics – It’s quieter

Privacy and unwanted noise can sometimes challenge senior parents, who appreciate their independence and may not be used to the noise levels created by visiting family members.

Carpet’s ability to absorb airborne sound, reduce surface noise (“footfall noises”), and block sound transmission from floor to floor is well known. Carpet with an attached or separate cushion is the most effective way to control noise and minimize sound indoors.

* Comfort – Warm your ankles

Seniors whose feet and ankles are susceptible to temperature changes, will stay warmer on carpet due to its natural insulating properties. The surface temperature of carpet is substantially higher than that of hard surfaces due to its pile construction that acts as an efficient thermal insulator.

The Carpet and Rug Institute

• Light colors generally show fewer footprints, while dark colors show less soil and stains.
• Low-luster yarns will show fewer footprints, while high lustre, shiny yarns show more highlights and accents.
• To minimize maintenance light colors are best restricted to low traffic areas such as dining rooms, formal living rooms and guest bedrooms.
• Multi-colored carpets are extremely effective in minimizing the effects of everyday dirt and soil.
• Carpets with higher twist levels will hold their like-new appearance longer, even in traffic areas.

* Color
Color is always first on our minds when it comes to choosing a floor. Consider how you want the carpet to coordinate with your interior. Do you want the carpet to be the focal point or blend with your interior?
* Foot Traffic
High Traffic areas, such as hallways and enteryways require durable carpets made of resilient fibers engineered to resist wear abrasion, crushing and matting. Other areas, such as bedrooms and family rooms may have high traffic areas as well. Take a moment to inspect the carpet you are replacing before it is removed to identify high traffic areas in your home.
* Performance
The performance and quality of a carpet is directly related to the amount and quality of fiber that goes into the pile. The better the fiber and the denser it is packed, the better the carpet will perform. Thin, less dense carpet will lose its surface appearance faster. It is best to buy the highest quality carpet and cushion that you can afford.
* Carpet Fibers
The most common fibers used in carpet today are nylon, olefin, polyester and natural fibers such as wool or sisal. The inherent characteristics found in each of these fibers helps determine their use and color offering. Premium, nylon soft fibers are extremely popular and offer superior soil-hiding characteristics, comfort, durability and brilliant color palettes.
* Soil Resistance
With soil-resistant treated carpets you no longer have to be afraid of choosing a lighter, more vibrant color to enhance your decor.
* Odor Protection
With Mohawk Carpets treated with Odor-Eaters™ technology worries about pet and food spills are minimized.
* Stain Resistance
Most residential carpets offer some type of stain resistance. Those who enjoy entertaining or who have children and pets should consider carpets with high levels of stain resistance.
* Carpet Construction
Carpet construction varies from loops, cut piles to patterns which produce different degrees of texture, appearance and durability. Each type of construction is designed to meet the diverse lifestyles of today’s families. Click here to learn more…
* Carpet Cushion
Carpets last longer and perform better when the proper cushion is used underneath. Although carpet cushion is often thought of as an add-on it is an integral part of the carpet system. See Mohawk’s Carpet Cushion for more detailed information.

]]> http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-basics/feed/ 0 http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-styles/ http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-styles/#comments Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:10:36 +0000 Flooring News http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-styles/ How to be a smart carpet shopper!

Common Carpet Styles

For most applications the carpet style you select is a matter of preference. You can also buy varying qualities of all styles available. First, select the style of carpet you like best and then consider what quality you should buy. Rather than post pictures of carpets for you, I recommend that you visit a retail carpet store and get your hands on some actual carpet samples. Take some samples home for a couple of days and take your time making your decision. Just remember, as soon as you walk through their door, retailers will use every trick in the book to try to get you to buy from them. Remember, even if you check-out and take home some of their carpet samples, you are not required to buy from them. Shop at more than just one store.

PLUSH

This type of carpet is usually one solid color and has a smooth, even pile height. During manufacturing, the tufts of this type of carpet are sheared to make the pile perfectly flat. It is the most popular style used in homes and apartments today. You can find practically any color imaginable. When made of nylon this type of carpet cleans easily and will wear well if properly maintained. Plush carpets will show footprints and vacuum marks. The standard life span of apartment-grade plush carpet (about 26 ounce) is about 5 years. Higher face weights can increase the life span significantly.

TEXTURED PLUSH

This plush carpet style often has more than one color of yarn and has varying tuft heights, thus reducing footprint and vacuum marks. It comes in many colors and has about the same cost as an even pile height plush style.

FRIEZE (my favorite)

This style of carpet has very tightly twisted tufts and wears very well. This style of carpet can last 15 years or more. It is often used in heavy traffic areas and provides reduced footprint and vacuum marks. Typically more expensive than plush styles, this would be a durable and elegant selection for the home.

SCULPTURED

This type of carpet has two types of tufts used in its construction, one is looped and one is not, which gives this carpet a hi-low appearance. The color usually varies in shade from light to dark and is rich in appearance. Not as popular as it was during the 70′s and 80′s, it is often used in apartments.

SAXONY

A cut pile carpet in a relatively dense erect configuration, Has well-defined individual tuft tips (this means it is easy to see each tuft on the surface of the carpet, giving it a rougher look or appearance). Similar to a plush style.

BERBER

This has become quite popular in recent years because of its elegant appearance. The tufts are looped and aligned in rows for a clean uniform look. When choosing this carpet be sure to select one with smaller loops to get the best wear. Large looped Berbers tend to collapse quickly and look worn-out sooner.

I don’t recommend Berber carpet in apartments or homes with small children or domestic pets as this carpet can snag and run easily and is difficult to repair. This carpet is usually made of Olefin fiber but is also available in nylon.

CUT PILE BERBER

This style of Berber is not really a Berber at all. It does not have loops. It has a similar appearance of a plush style carpet but has a multicolored appearance, a speckled look. Usually the main color is light with darker flecks of color throughout.

COMMERCIAL CARPETS

Level loop and cut pile styles

Commercial carpets are generally used in offices and commercial applications where there is heavy traffic. There are two types I want to mention. Commercial Level loop has small loops and Commercial Cut Pile is a short napped plush type of carpet. Both are usually made of nylon or olefin.

Recent advancements in olefin fibers have allowed for a carpet with brighter colors and more durability than previously available. Commercial carpet is usually glued directly to the floor although it can be installed over 1/4″ high-density (6 to 8 pound) padding.

Any looped carpet can easily snag and run, and for that reason is not often used in residential settings where there are children or pets. This may be a good choice considering this carpet lasts a long time and takes a beating! The negative aspect of using commercial carpet is that this type of carpet is much thinner than non-commercial carpets and is not as soft underfoot.

©2002-2005 By Alan J. Fletcher- National Consumer Carpet-Buying Advocate

]]> http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-styles/feed/ 0 http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-fibers/ http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-fibers/#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:19:29 +0000 Flooring News http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-fibers/ Selecting The Right Carpet Fiber For You

In this section we will be discussing carpet fibers, the most important aspect in selecting the right carpet for the home, office or rental. To make it easy on you, I will give you a two word crash course on carpet fibers; Buy Nylon! Nylon is by far the best wearing fiber available. You may choose another fiber for various good reasons, but all in all nylon is the best choice.

NYLON

Nylon is a synthetic fiber and outperforms all other fibers. It wears well, resists abrasion and is easy to clean. It comes in all styles and colors. What more can you ask for? This is the best wearing, most durable fiber available. Insist on nylon to reap these benefits: Inexpensive, Lasts the longest, Easy to clean.

OLEFIN (Polypropylene)

Olefin is a strong good-looking synthetic fiber that is inexpensive to manufacture. Some carpets that are made of olefin are Berbers or commercial carpets with small loops. Olefin wears well and has good stain resistance when anti-stain treatment is applied. Olefin has good anti-static properties. However, Olefin is hard to clean. It has poor resiliency and tends to look dingy when soiled. It is also called polypropylene or polyolefin. Outdoor grass styles are made from Olefin. This is not the best selection for rental units in most cases, however some have had great success using a commercial level loop carpet in apartments. Glued directly to the floor, it is not as soft under-foot, but it will last significantly longer than if used with a pad placed under it. Wheelchairs roll easily over glued down commercial level loop carpets and are a good choice for handicapped units and perhaps retirement home applications.

POLYESTER (also called P.E.T.)

(May be manufactured from recycled soda pop containers)

Don’t be fooled by the softness of this fiber. This is a very soft synthetic fiber that holds its color well; however it is difficult to keep clean and has very poor resiliency. Traffic areas will usually mat down quickly and soon afterwards may never return to its original appearance. When new, polyester looks great and feels so soft and wonderful, but it won?t be too long before it doesn’t.

Sales people often recommend this type of carpet to consumers without sufficient fiber knowledge or experience. Because polyester is so inexpensive to manufacture and higher profits using this fiber, carpet manufacturers continually try to enhance carpets made with polyester hoping that they can create a carpet that wears well. So far they have had limited success.

Because prices are lower for polyester carpets you may be tempted to buy a carpet made from polyester, just be sure that your expectations are not very high. Generally, I do not recommend buying carpets made from polyester fibers to those who need a carpet that wears well and resists matting and crushing.

WOOL

Wool is very expensive and is considered an elite fiber. Open your checkbook, sign your name and leave the amount blank. Wool make a great carpet but is costly to buy, install, and maintain. Not every installer is qualified to install a wool carpet. You must call a wool carpet cleaning specialist when cleaning is necessary. It all adds up to a whole lot of money. But all in all, if you can afford wool then go for it.

As a natural animal fiber, it was not designed to tolerate much abrasion. It is difficult to keep clean, but has wonderful resiliency and it resists burning. Although still very costly, some carpets are made with an 80% wool / 20% nylon blend. I do not recommend wool carpet for rental applications.

©2002-2005 By Alan J. Fletcher- National Consumer Carpet-Buying Advocate

]]> http://www.flooringnews.com/carpet-fibers/feed/ 0