Performance and Durability

Think of your house as a network of roads - some quiet, and some very busy. Halls and doorways get the most traffic, and turning areas wear faster than straight walks. If you are carpeting your whole house, establish your most demanding wear situation and select a carpet that will stand up to that traffic.

Carpet grading schemes are an easy way of determining carpet performance. In Australia and New Zeealand, manufacturers submit their wool carpets to Wools of New Zealand or the International Wool Secretariat, where they undergo up to 24 technical tests. The carpets that meet the requirements are also awarded a 'Usage Category' which corresponds to the location recommended for its use. This is based on the level of wear each carpet will stand up to on your floors, after correct installation, and correct maintenance.

Heavy Duty

This is the general purpose lounge and living room carpet for active families as well as for larger families. Think of it as a six-person carpet. Use Heavy Duty in most hallways, rooms where you entertain frequently - anywhere there is a heavy flow of household traffic.

Extra Heavy Duty

This type of carpet is designed to give outstanding performance in all heavy traffic flow areas of the home and is suitable for use in some commercial offices and shops.

Stair Rated

Heavy Duty or Extra Heavy Duty that is also 'stair rated' indicates that this carpet will perform on flat walking surfaces as well as on stairs. When this phrase is not included, it doesn't mean that the carpet is of lower quality or performance. It simply means that that the appearence retention properties (such as exposing the backing fabric) may be unacceptable on the step edge of the stair.