What Is the Difference Between "Density" and "Weight"?

           Although twist and fiber are the two main components of the carpet selection process, “density” and “weight” are two terms that one must also be familiar with. “Density” is used to describe the thickness of the yarn being used and how closely each tuft of yarn is spaced from one another. The higher the density (the more tufts per square inch), the better the carpet will perform. “Weight” is used to describe how much fiber is in a carpet. Pile height (the length of the yarn from backing to the top of the tufts) and density combined determine the “weight” or “face weight” of a carpet. Therefore, a carpet with a higher pile height with low density may have the same face weight as a carpet with shorter pile height and high density. Pile height differs between carpet styles and should be taken into consideration when thinking about care and cleaning; while the density will affect the over-all carpet performance.