Specification

• Yarn/Fibre
• Rows/Stiches per dm or inch
• Pitch/Gauge per dm or inch
• Yarn Count/Weight
• Length of the pile
• Pile Weight above backing
• Backing
• Finishing techniques
• Flammability Requirements
• Specific Certification, i.e. IMO for Cruise (see Certifications)

The key is specifying a soft floorcovering that is “Fit for Purpose” so budget will also play a role in the final product selection.

Outlined below is a table guide to help understand which carpet specification suits which area within a hotel or cruise ship. This is clearly generic but provides an outline of the ideal selection of product qualities for varying functions.

How carpet is constructed, and what yarn is used does dictate performance and appearance, so understanding the difference is important to ensure the correct specification. It is also important to realise that appearance retention is more important than resilience as you want the carpet to look good for a period of time. The factors that contribute towards appearance retention are below:

• Initial Appearance
• Retention of Aesthetic Look. Continuing to look good for a period of time
• Ease of Maintenance
• Fit For Purpose
• Final Appearance
• Impact on Interior & on Property
• Overall Life Cycle

From a performance perspective woven carpet is the optimum specification in hospitality and cruise environments; it will provide better long term appearance retention (stays looking better for longer). The construction method is also popular in hospitality locations because of its ability to produce critical matching and complex designs in unlimited pattern repeats.

In contrast Wilton carpet can be created in varying textures and so is the preferred weaving method when a cut and loop texture is desired. Quality is altered through row count just like Axminster and so the higher number indicates better performance. Pile weight will vary in different Wilton constructions depending on whether it is cut pile, loop pile, or cut and loop pile, and the weight of the carpet will be heavier because of the yarn that appears in the back of the carpet.

Acoustics have also become more important when considering the optimum specification as carpet absorbs sound and creates a less stressful atmosphere. It insulates sound transmission between floors and with use with good underlay will increase sound absorption even more. A cut pile carpet will absorb more noise than a loop pile carpet.