Fiber
Carpet fibers are divided into two categories, synthetic and natural, but outdoor carpets are mainly concerned with the synthetics.
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- Nylon is the most common synthetic fiber. 90% of all carpets are constructed of nylon or a nylon blend. Strong, hard-wearing, and long-lasting, with the exception of petroleum products, nylon is also very stain-resistant.
- Olefin (polypropylene), due to easy-cleaning durability, is one of the best bargain fibers for outdoor wear. It may show a tendency to mat over time, but is stain-, mildew-, and water-resistant.
- Polyester is less expensive than nylon and has excellent color qualities, but it fades and weakens in sunlight, and is less resilient than other fibers.
- Acrylic carpets are another good alternative. Although not as strong as other synthetics, acrylic is very stain-, water-, sunlight-, mildew-, and insect-resistant, and resembles wool in its appearance.
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Yarn
Fibers are combined into either a staple yarn (short strand) or continuous yarn (long strand) and then twisted together and held in place by a process called heat setting, to prevent unraveling. These yarns are then woven, tufted, needle-tucked, or bonded into a backing fabric.
Construction
95 percent of today's carpet is tufted. Tufting produces a looped or cut loop pile.
- The process for constructing woven carpet is time-consuming and woven carpets are the most costly.
- Needle-punch construction, once used extensively for indoor/outdoor carpet, is now used exclusively for commercial coverings.
- Bonding is also used primarily for commercial carpets.
- Braided, needlepoint, rya, and hooked rugs may be made by hand or by machine, and are used only for special, decorative purposes.
Texture
Texture or style is the surface appearance of the carpet, created by the type of loop, size, and twist of the yarns. The way in which the yarn is attached to the backing determines the surface texture of the pile. The following is a list of the different types of contemporary outdoor textures:
- Level-loop pile is ideal for basements and kitchens.
- Multilevel-loop pile has loops of different heights, creating a sculptured surface. This texture hides soiling better than level loop pile, but is not as durable.
