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When it
comes to purchasing a carpet or rug, the
material or fiber with which the carpet
is made of should be of utmost
importance. Wool, silk, jute and other
synthetic materials are the basic Fiber used for carpets.
Wool: Wool carpets or rugs can be
used in high moisture areas, thus
offering the best durability with
elegance. Since wool can be easily dyed
and has excellent piling quality, they
are generally suited for rough and tough
areas. Being a natural fibre, chances of
allergies are highly reduced. Wool is
the most favored material for the piles
of oriental rugs and carpets. They often
have cotton foundation but at times the
weft may be of wool. Cotton foundation
provides a better strength.
Silk: Silk is a natural lustrous
fibre that has a high tensile strength.
The fibre is so lustrous that weavers at
times exploit the play of light in their
patterns. Silk makes wonderful oriental
carpets or rugs. It is also used as
pattern highlights in woollen carpets.
These carpets are rich and expensive and
are usually made on the cotton
foundation but some may even have silk
foundation. Silk carpets or rugs are
highly preferred in soft, even and dry
areas owing to the delicacy of the
fibre. Also, silk carpets require a high
maintenance as compared to that of wool
carpets.
Jute: Jute carpets or rugs are
very economical. They are woven into
beautiful patterns and form perfect area
or accent rugs. Only problem that a jute
rug may have is that it does not hold
very well in moist or dampness. Jute can
be woven, knitted, twisted, corded,
sewn, or braided.
Synthetic fibres: Nylon is the
most preferred synthetic carpet
material. Other fibres are polyester,
olefin and acrylic. Nylon is the most
durable of all, resilient, and easy to
clean and maintain. Olefin is preferred
for outdoors due to its resistance for
water damage pilling and static.
Polyester is not so durable but easy to
maintain. It offers a wide variety of
textures but susceptible to piling and
shedding.
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