Frequent Asked Questions about Paint

Q: What is twist?
A: Twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rules the more twist or turns on a fiber the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are twisted tighter, however have a different "feel" than those that are less tight.

Q: A rating system will insure I get the right carpet.
A: A rating system developed by a manufacturer is their own evaluation of products based on their set of standards and "testing" methods. These Rating Systems cannot be compared across manufacturers since most are based on people's opinion and not strict testing methods.

Q: If I know the weight or other technical specifications, can I compare products?
A: Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, however many other factors can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.

Q: If I bend the carpet and see the backing the carpet is low quality?
A: No. All carpets, except woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts (ends). Remember, except for stairs, carper is flat on the floor. You can feel the thickness or density of different carpets by sticking your fingers in the pile, but do it on a flat surface. As a general rule, thicker, tighter, denser carpets perform better.

Q: I've heard that you can save money by buying an unbranded yarn as opposed to a branded yarn. You get the same thing, but you don't pay extra for the brand name.
A: As a rule similar products with unbranded yarns can be less expensive, however you do not get the same thing. Just like the difference between buying a Mohawk branded carpet and an unbranded carpet, branded fiber brands and treatments such as DuPont Stainmaster®, Anso Crushresister®, Solutia WearDated®, and 3M Scotchgard® are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Using branded fibers also can give you extended warranties backed by the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer. By using both branded fiber and unbranded fiber, Mohawk can offer you a wide variety of styles, colorations, and price points.

Q: A good way to save money is to buy a less expensive carpet, but put the best cushion under it.
A: The is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, however remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you end up buying a cheaper carpet that doesn't meet your needs, you'll have a carpet that doesn't look the way you want it to over a cushion the feels great.