Which carpet is right for you?
There are four basic fibres that are used to manufacture carpets today, 3 of which are man made fibres. All have unique qualities and strengths, and all make excellent carpets. Ultimately though, your choice should be determined by the characteristics that are most important to you and your home.
Polyester
Exceptionally Stain & Fade-Resistant, Soft, & Budget-Friendly
Polyester offers exceptional softness and colour clarity and is also naturally stain and fade resistant. If you need stain-resistance, this is your carpet!
While not as inherently resilient as nylon, polyester carpets will perform well if constructed well. So, choose a polyester carpet with a higher pile and medium-high density to ensure maximum appearance retention and long-term wear. As a general rule though we would not recommend Polyester for high traffic areas.
Polypropylene
Colour Fast, Naturally Stain Resistant, Economical
Polypropylene is one of the most colourfast fibres on the market. Unlike the other fibre types, polypropylene will not absorb water and must be solution dyed to impart colour. Solution dyeing is a pigmentation process in which colour is built into the fibre when it is formed, thereby becoming an inherent part of the fibre. The colour will not fade, even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, or other harsh chemicals. However, since it is not as resilient as other fibres, polypropylene is better suited to low-profile loop (Berber) carpets in which there is less need for superior resiliency.
Polypropylene carpets work well anywhere you need fade and stain resistance – in rooms with strong sunlight, indoor/outdoor rooms, kitchens, children’s bedrooms and basements.
Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN)
Durable, Resilient & Versatile
Nylon is generally more expensive than other synthetic carpet fibres and is the most commonly used carpet fibre today. Nylon is the most versatile of all fibres, providing flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles – from sumptuous plush to fashion-forward patterns to low-maintenance loop (Berber). Its strengths include good resiliency, good yarn memory to hold twist, good stain resistance with stain treatment applied, good soil hiding ability, and good abrasion resistance. It is the strongest fibre, making it an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas, active households or commercial facilities.
So there you have it, the choice is yours and you now have a little more knowledge to assist in choosing your carpet.
Flooring First Taupo.
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Article courtesy of Puchers blog. puchers.com...
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.8% Second half of November
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43.9% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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32.6% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below