Years ago, there was a PBS show called Connections. The host, James Burke, demonstrated how various discoveries, achievements and historical events affect the course and result of our technology. Burke’s view was that everything is built upon other discoveries and seemingly unrelated connections. Two examples -
1. The search for quinine led to the discovery of ammonia which spurred DuPont’s discovery of nylon polymers which are used in carpeting.
2. The modern computer’s existence was dependent on inventions related to water power, the Guttenberg Press and the Jacquard Loom.
All this got me thinking about wall-to-wall carpeting – something that didn’t exist until the 20th century. Looms and polymers figure heavily in the construction of carpeting.
In the early 1900’s, a young homemaker in Dalton, Georgia was inspired to create a bedspread using thick, cotton yarn looped into designs on a plain cotton background. The ends of the loops were clipped so to make a fluffier top resulting in Chenille bedspreads. The hand-tufted bedspreads became so popular that a tufting machine was created to support demand. Mills sprung up around Dalton and soon, machine-woven carpeting was born. The term ‘broadloom’ refers to 12-15 foot wide woven, tufted carpeting. Over time, synthetic fibers (thank you, Mr. DuPont!) replaced cotton and wool tufts as the standard.
These days there are hundreds of choices for carpeting but only three types of construction:
• Loop pile – All carpet starts out with loops pushing up from a backing. Example: Berber
• Cut & loop pile – Mix of cut and uncut loops provide texture or pattern. Example: Tone on tone pattern with height variations
• Cut pile – Loops are cut for smooth, velvet surface. Example: Used most often for residential and shows vacuuming marks.
Today commercial carpeting covers office, hospital, hotel, retail store floors and athletic fields. Because of commercial needs, Contract Grade carpets are constructed to repel stains, discharge electricity (for computer environments) and resist bacteria. Custom-designed patterns or logos can be incorporated into carpet tiles, broadloom or printed carpets for attractive options.
To make the best decisions for your business needs, consider the following:
• Avoid very dark and very light colors which show more soiling.
• Use middle-tones, multi-tones tweeds and patterns for heavy traffic areas.
• Invest in an excellent carpet installer for expert seaming and yardage calculations.
• Run seams the length of the area so to flow with traffic.
• Do not allow seams in high abrasion areas such as doorways (between rooms).
• Use appropriate padding for proper cushion so to extend wear.
• Trap soil with an entry grate or walk-off mat to prevent carpet damage.
• Achieve design flexibility with carpet tiles which can also be replaced if an area is damaged or stained.
• Make decor interesting by selecting decorative patterns with multiple colors.
• Choose wool for premier carpet construction and an eco-friendly choice.
• Purchase single color throughout at one time so to ensure same dye lot.
• Buy carpet for main area first, then later select complimentary patterns/colors for flanking areas when making changes over time.
Every carpet manufacturer states the best way to ensure a long-lasting investment is to vacuum daily. Pay extra attention to all entry areas. Be sure to vacuum in a cross pattern to lift the threads each way. NOTE: One of my co-workers stated that she’d rather have matted carpeting than vacuum every day – and she’s happy that way!
In 1951 as the post-war housing boom was beginning, about 6 million square yards of carpeting were sold. By 1968, almost 400 million yards were sold. In 1999, home installation alone was estimated at 1.5 billion square yards (National Assn. of Home Builders). A whopping 70% is still produced here in the U.S. I’m floored at the exponential growth!
So, from quinine to ammonia to Dupont’s discovery of nylon polymers, these “connections” have resulted in new fiber technology ensuring comfort and convenience for all.
Norman Vincent Peale said that “Imagination is the true magic carpet!” Imagination allows us to test ideas and to make connections. And that can take us anywhere.
Resource: Carpet Buyers Handbook by Michael Hilton
Resource: EH.Net Encyclopedia