What Is Tufted Carpet?

Description

• Tufted carpet is a resilient and long-wearing form of carpet. It is manufactured by industrial machines and is the most popular technique for making carpets. The term "tufting" refers to the technique of clustering yarn carpet fibers. These yarn fibers are then drawn through backing material, which is secured by bonding adhesive, to form tufts. This backing material can come from a synthetic or natural source. The most popular forms of tufted carpet are velvet, twist pile and loop.

Machinery

• Tufted carpets are manufactured by tufting machines. The machine consists of mounted needles, which force the tufted fibers so they break through the foundation material. Each machine usually has several settings so the height and fullness of the tuft can be set before the carpet-making process begins. More advanced machines also have settings that allow for different heights of tufts to allow for decorative patterns on the carpet.

Lifespan

• Tufted carpets are often treated with chemicals, which decrease the likelihood of stains setting and ruining the color of a carpet. This helps keep the carpet looking attractive and new, meaning homeowners won't have to replace them for several years. Tufted carpet is usually used for indoor premises such as apartments, houses and offices. Due to the variety of fibers it can be constructed from, however, some types of tufted carpet are suitable for outdoor use too.

Cost

• As it's made by machinery from readily available fibers, tufted carpets are relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for homeowners and landlords who want to decorate and rent out apartments on a low budget. Tufted carpet is usually sold by the yard in carpet and hardware stores. However, some types of tufted carpet, such as living room rugs, are sold as finished products.