1. INTD 503- Materials Topic: Soft Flooring
Prepared by: Dr. Mamdouh Zaky
University of Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman.

2. Soft Flooring
Carpets and Area rugs are the two common types of soft flooring.
Carpets are used to cover a larger area and area rugs are used for small specific areas.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages
Provides warmth and comfort
Provide thermal resistance.
Comfortable place to sit, play or work.
Adds beauty and style
Variety of styles and colors.
Can be a neutral foundation or a focal point.
Soften slips and falls
Cushioning for footsteps.
Reduces slip and fall.
Minimizes injuries during fall.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages
Reduces noise
Absorbs sound.
Cushion underneath the carpet further reduces the noise.
Works as sound barriers between floors.
Reduces constant footstep sound if used on stairs.
Wears well
Maintains its life and beauty if properly cleaned.
Disadvantages
Regular cleaning by using vacuum cleaner, and professional cleaning periodically.
Not preferred in places used by pets.

5. Carpet industry is minimizing the impact on environment through “3Rs”: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Old carpets are reused to make new ones or recycled into a variety of products like roof singles, railroad ties, automotive parts etc.

6. Types of carpets Cut pile
Durable because of the type of fiber used, density of tufts and amount of twist in the yarn.
Textured plush- preferred for busy houses. Decorated and textured surfaces hide foot prints.
Saxony- refined surface which is ideal for living and dining rooms.
Frieze- curly textured surface with twisted yarns. Informal look and minimizes footprints and vacuum marks.
Plush(velvet)- dense luxurious look. Shows footprints and vacuum marks. Best for low traffic areas.

8. Level Loop pile Multi level loop pile Loops are of same height
Creates an informal look
Lasts long time in high traffic areas
Multi level loop pile
2 or 3 different loop heights to create pattern
Good durability
Casual look

9. Cut-loop pile Combination of cut and looped yarns
Variety of surface textures
Sculptured effects of squares etc
Multi color effects hide soil and stains.

10. Carpet fibers Nylon Variety of colors Excellent resiliency Durable
Abrasion resistance
Texture retention
Resistance to stains and soil
Suitable for all types of traffic

11. Olefin (polypropylene)
Permanent resistance to water based stains
Color fastness
Resistance to static electricity
Resistant to moisture
Used in both indoors and outdoors
Polyester
Permanent stain resistance
Available in bright colors
Good abrasion resistance, fade resistance
Cleanable

12. Triexta Wool Excellent color fastness and bright colors
Permanent stain resistance
Texture retention and resiliency
Wool
Natural fiber
Luxurious
Inherent flame retardant character
Soft hand and color variety

13. Carpet rating Carpet are rated from 1 to 5.
This scale represents the Carpet’s ability to withstand extended wear.
Carpet with higher rating (5 or 4) will maintain its new appearance for a longer period in high traffic areas.
Rating of 4.0 is outstanding and recommended for heavy traffic locations.
Range 2.5 to 4.0 provided normal durability.
Below 2.5 used for light to moderate traffic areas.

14. Color and pattern
Carpet is dyed for colors and pattern in the following ways.
Solution dyed yarn: color pigment is inserted into the melted polymers during making. Color is throughout the yarn. Offer excellent cleanability and colorfastness. Most popular option.
Stock dyeing: color applied after extrusion but prior to spinning.
Yarn dyeing: finished yarn is dyed.
Piece or continuous dyeing: dye is injected into the face of carpet in a continuous process.

15. Carpet backing / cushion
Selecting the backing or cushion is important according to the function of the space.
Some of the carpet today are directly glued to the floor without a cushion.
Three main types of carpet cushions used are fiber, rubber and poly urethane foam.