When purchasing a carpet, in addition to the points we have mentioned in describing, there are other factors you should consider.
Budget
As with purchasing any valuable article, your budget is always the
first thing in your mind. The carpet's reflects its quality, better
carpets cost more. An intricate design and colors may add to the
cost. Our suggestion is to buy the best carpet you can afford.
Pile Weight
Pile weight or face weight is the number of ounces of fiber
per square yard or of grams per square meter. Obviously, a carpet
with a heavier pile provides a superior performance and of course
costs more since more fiber is used. Generally speaking, carpets
with higher pile weight are better.
Density
Density is a criterion. This also has a correlation with the pile
thickness. It basically indicates how tightly the fibers are stitched
into the carpet backing. Generally the carpet containing more yarns
has higher density and heavier pile weight. And higher density carpets
have better appearance and provide a more comfortable surface, creating
resilience to wear and crushing.
Density is expressed in ounces per cubic yard. A formula is given
to calculate it by U.A government FHA: D=WX36/T; (D is Density,
W is pile yarn weight in ounces per square yard, T is pile thickness
or height in inches).
Twist
Twist is the number of times per inch the fiber yarns are twisted
together to form the strands. Obviously, a higher and tighter twisted
carpet is more durable and resists to crushing and matting. Twist
can also affect the appearance of a carpet.
Durability
Durability is a term for the resistance of material to loss of physical
properties or appearance as a result of wear or dynamic operation.
The most accurate and reliable measure of a carpet's durability
is to test it under actual foot traffic. Most carpet companies will
give the rating figures according to their tests, which will help
you to choose a carpet for light traffic, normal traffic or heavy
traffic room.
When purchasing a pure silk carpet, the number of lines is an important element to consider. It refers to the number of warp and weft yarns per square foot. If a carpet is of 200 lines it means in one square foot, there are 200 warp yarns and 200 weft yarns woven together. The other standards commonly met are 240 lines, 260 lines, 300 lines, 360 lines, 400 lines and 500 lines. As you will appreciate a silk carpet with more lines is of high density and takes longer to finish and so is of greater value.