Quality and Lasting Performance
How can you tell how well a carpet will resist stains and dirt, and retain the rich clarity of its color? How can you tell if it will resist crushing and matting, and retain its textural appeal? Stain and dirt resistance, as well as lasting color clarity, are essentially functions of the brand of carpet fiber. That's why we recommend you look at the fiber label. If it lists warranted stain and dirt resistance, as well as warranted protection against static and wear, it's your assurance of outstanding performance. Resistance to crushing and matting is a function of the carpet's construction. To determine this, you have to examine the carpet sample in the store. Here's what to look for when judging the quality of a carpet.

Pile Density
Density refers to the spacing between the individual tufts or loops that make up the carpet pile. Dense carpet packs more fibers into the pile so that it wears longer, resists crushing and matting better and retains its texture longer in heavy use. Dense carpet also helps resist stains and dirt by keeping them on the surface of the pile, where they're more easily cleaned away. Compare density by bending the two carpet samples as they would be bent over a stair tread. Then look into the pile. The higher density carpet will show more pile fiber and less of the backing material. Or dig your fingers into the pile. A high-density carpet will make it difficult to feel the backing.

Pile Height
While density is the most reliable indicator of quality, the height of the carpet pile and the amount of fiber are also used as a measure. In carpets of equal density, the one with the higher or the heavier pile will generally perform better. As a general rule, the deeper and the denser the pile, the better the carpet will perform. These easy tests will allow you to quickly compare the quality of loop pile and velvet carpets. For most cut pile constructions, however, you'll have to consider twist level and twist stability as well.