The Durability Factor: Understanding Carpet Density and Twist Rate
When you walk through a Jordans Flooring showroom in Calgary or Coquitlam, you are surrounded by hundreds of beautiful textures and colors. While the “hand-feel” of a carpet is important, the true measure of how that carpet will look in five years lies in its technical specifications. To ensure you select a carpet engineered to withstand the heaviest foot traffic in a busy home, you need to understand three key metrics: face weight, density, and twist rate. Understanding these terms empowers you to look beyond the surface and choose a product built for performance.
What is Face Weight?
Face weight refers to the weight of the carpet fiber per square yard, measured in ounces. While many consumers believe a higher face weight automatically means a “better” carpet, this is a common misconception. A high face weight in a shag carpet might feel plush, but it may not be as durable as a lower face weight in a tightly packed Berber. Face weight must be considered in conjunction with density to determine actual quality.
The Importance of Density
Density is perhaps the most critical factor for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs. It refers to how closely the fibers are tufted together. A simple way to check density in-store is the “grin test”: bend a sample of the carpet into a U-shape. If you can easily see the primary backing through the fibers (the “grin”), the density is low. High-density carpets resist crushing and prevent dirt from sinking deep into the backing, making them much easier to clean and much harder to wear out.
Understanding Twist Rate
The twist rate is the number of times the carpet fiber is twisted around itself within a one-inch length. You can see this by looking closely at a single strand of yarn. A higher twist rate (usually 5 or more) creates a “tighter” yarn that is less likely to bloom or untwist over time. This is why high-twist carpets, like friezes, are renowned for their ability to hide footprints and vacuum tracks while maintaining their structural integrity.
Fiber Geometry and Long-Term Resiliency
While density and twist rate are the primary pillars of durability, the literal shape of the fiber often referred to as “fiber geometry” also plays a subtle but vital role in how your carpet ages. High-performance carpets often feature “tri-lobal” fibers, which are shaped like a three-bladed propeller. This specific shape is engineered to reflect light in a way that masks soil and prevents the “dulling” effect that occurs when light is absorbed by dirt particles. For homeowners in high-activity regions like Calgary or Edmonton, where winter grit is frequently tracked indoors, choosing a fiber with advanced light-scattering properties ensures that the carpet retains its “new” look even between professional cleanings.
Another technical aspect to consider is the heat-setting process. During manufacturing, high-twist yarns are “set” using steam or dry heat to lock the twist in place, much like a permanent wave in hair. A carpet that hasn’t been properly heat-set will lose its twist within months of installation, leading to a “fuzzy” or matted appearance in hallways and doorways. At Jordans, we vet our suppliers to ensure that every high-traffic collection we carry has undergone rigorous heat-setting. This technical detail, combined with a high density-to-weight ratio, ensures that the carpet’s “memory” remains intact, allowing the fibers to bounce back after being compressed by footsteps or furniture, maintaining the luxurious texture you fell in love with in the showroom.
Choosing the Right Spec for Your Lifestyle
If you have a quiet home in Nanaimo, a medium density and moderate twist may be perfect. However, for a busy family in Edmonton with pets and children, we recommend looking for high-density products with a high twist rate to ensure the carpet doesn’t “ugly out” before it wears out.
The story of Jordans Flooring is one focused on a commitment to quality in both product and service. Our success, longevity, and reputation are achievements we take pride in. We are here to guide you through these technical details to find the best value for your budget.
To find the most durable flooring for your home, we invite you to Contact us or visit us. We have showroom locations in Victoria, BC – Vancouver, BC – South Surrey, BC – Richmond, BC – Red Deer, AB – Nanaimo, BC – Langley, BC – Kelowna, BC – Kamloops, BC – Edmonton, AB – Coquitlam, BC – Calgary, AB – Burnaby, BC – Abbotsford, BC.