Welcome to CarpetGirl’s new blog. I decided to start this due to the overwhelming response I have gotten on ivillage’s GardenWeb Flooring forums. I realize carpet is a confusing and often complicated process and I would like to help everyone to navigate the waters more smoothly. I am open to discussing any flooring related questions people have, but my expertise is in carpeting and has been for nearly 17 years.
Posted by Jeff on July 1, 2009 at 1:27 am
Good start. Check out mine at http://jefflikescarpet.blogspot.com.
Posted by judy on August 18, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am interested in buying Smartstrand carpet, but am confused about the differences between Smartstrand with Sorona & Smartstrand without Sorona. an you enlighten me, and list the differences?
Thank you, in advance
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 18, 2009 at 7:28 pm
SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer is made with 37% sugar which has replaced petrochemicals. SmartStrand does not have this environmental feature.
Either will perform equally well in your home.
Posted by judy on August 18, 2009 at 7:54 pm
That’s it? I thought there was a difference in the stain protection.
Specifically, we are looking @ Miami Shores which we have only found at one outlet. Is it an older product? Could we find it in a newer product under a different style name, and how would it compare to Karastan Woodland Pass, which we are also looking at.
Thanks, again
Posted by CarpetGirl on August 18, 2009 at 8:12 pm
The polymers react the same regardless of the corn sugar being a replacement. Both will be equally stain resistant. Of course one is sourced from DuPont as well, if brands are meaningful to you.
Miami Shores is a great product and was introduced in 2006. It is about 3 ounces lighter than Woodland Pass (intro’d summer 2007) and has fewer colors to choose from. If you find a color in Miami Shores you are happy with, you’ll be perfectly happy with the carpet.
CG
Posted by Bobby on September 19, 2009 at 2:04 am
Am looking at Smartstrand and differents retailers; one has Latest Craze, New Sensations, etc and the other has Wilmington Heights, Trimaran, etc. neither has what the other one has. Is one set more recent; are they the same things named different; what is going on here and what’s the diff between these “lines”
Thanx you are doing a great job informing us of carpet knowledge
Posted by CarpetGirl on September 28, 2009 at 12:01 am
Bobby,
Sorry for the delay!
Different stores do have different names for the same or very similar products. That is probably what you are seeing. Sometimes the color names are the same…sometimes not, but if your intention is to do a direct comparison you can try that.
CG
Posted by jean frederic on October 10, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I’m considering ordering dupont sorona carpet from Owen Carpet in Georgia> I live on the west coast. The one I’m looking at is Smartstrand Intelligent style. I called Owen carpet and he quoted a price of $1.96 sq ft. Prior to this I was looking at HD Smartstrand Command Performance for $2.85 sq ft and Smartstrand Prominant for $3.27. Do you know how these compare. I don’t know the weight for the Intelligent style although owen carpet said it would be at least 70 oz. Is this a trustworthy company?
Posted by CarpetGirl on October 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Owen is a reputable company. No worries there. Your post was not clear as to whether shipping was included in that pricing or not. Or if install was included in the Home Depot quote. It is very important to ask specifically what is and is not included in those numbers. Oh and your sales person was a little off – Intelligent Style is 60 oz as is Prominent. Command performance I is 40oz and CPII is 50.
CG
Posted by Jay on October 27, 2009 at 4:47 am
I went into Luna today in the Chicagoland area and came across a Mohawk carpet called Garza’s which had 66% Smartstrand, the remaining 34% was PET. I didn’t know such a combination existed. Will this be as soft as 100% Smartstrand and perform as well? Also, I cannot seem to locate the Aladdin line from Mohawk. Seems like it should be less expensive than other lines, and I want to see Nature’s Blend in person based on Jeff’s raving blog.
Posted by CarpetGirl on October 27, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Yea that one is a one of a kind. It is currently the only PET/SmartStrand blend that we have. It is not quite as soft and won’t be as bleach resistant as 100% SmartStrand would be. Performance would probably be slightly less but since 2/3 is SmartStrand – not that much of a change.
Visit MohawkFlooring.com….log in and then go to the product gallery. Once you find the product you are looking for, then search for a dealer. The system will only pull dealers who have that style. In your case – just pick Nature’s Blend.
CG
Posted by Jay on October 27, 2009 at 5:31 pm
CG, Thanks for the info. I will pass on the PET/SmartStrand blend based on your advice. Maybe you can steer me to the right SmartStrand carpet for me and save me a lot of looking around.
I want something on the less expensive side that is a frieze, but looks close to a cut pile. In other words, I don’t want a frieze that is too shaggy or one that has strands far apart from each other. Also, since price is an issue, I’m not concerned about having the Sorona or Dupont name — plain SmartStrand is fine.
Also, I’m confused about carpet names. I understand that each store comes up with their own name for the same carpet. If this is the case, what do posters mean when they provide a style such as “Smartstrand Intelligent”? How can anyone know what this is if each store makes up its own names (and a store name isn’t provided). If I go to Mohawk’s website and find a product, how can I find this same product at a store without knowing what the specific store calls it?
Please enlighten me.
Posted by Jay on October 29, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Carpetgirl,
Haven’t received a response for my most recent question, but I now have another one:
Just got off the phone with a salesman from a Mohawk dealer. He indicated that there are now two types of SmartStrand:
1 – SmartStrand which is PTT/Triexta
2 – SmartStrand Sorona 3GT
He claims that #2 is more expensive, softer, and more durable than #1.
Is this true?
Please clarify,
Thanks
Posted by Jay on October 29, 2009 at 8:01 pm
CG,
Thanks for the clarification. If I go for SmartStrand PTT, then I would like to stay away from the older yarn systems that you mention since I want a carpet as soft as possible. How do I determine if a carpet is made using this older yarn system? Is there something specific on the label I can look for?
Thanks again.
Posted by Kristen on November 6, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I am trying to decide between SmartStrand and EcoChoice (made by Shaw) both from Carpets Plus. The Smartstrand is a longer plush (60 oz.) with a 10 year stain and texture warranty. I am concerned that it may matte or not wear as well in high traffic areas (stairs, hallways, etc.) The EcoChoice is a little bit shorter plush (54 oz.) with a 20 year warranty all around. I cannot find reviews on EcoChoice or Shaw to see if this would be a good carpet to go with. Also, how do I know if the SmartStrand I am looking at is the more durable, Sorona 3GT? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Kristen
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 6, 2009 at 6:10 pm
EcoChoice is a line for CarpetsPlus I think and not a Shaw name…probably why you can’t find much on it. I THINK the Shaw EcoChoice is nylon – which I really don’t understand being EcoChoice. Mohawk’s EcoChoice is SmartStrand Sorona. They basically gave each major manufacturer a display for thier key “green” product. The warranty differences don’t make a lot of sense to me either and you might want to ask. SmartStrand Sorona typically carries a lifetime stain warranty, so the lower warranty could be something unique to CarpetsPlus.
The SmartStrand you are looking at is Sorona and it is still your best option…unless you are ok with the temporary stain protection on the nylon. It washes off with cleanings. Wear and traffic wise, density can play a factor, but it sounds like you simply have one whose pile is a little shorter and overall is lighter. I tend to always go heavier even with a longer pile. Density factors in a number of things including weight, pile height and how close together the tufts are.
Good luck – CG
Posted by Jill on November 11, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Hi CG -
I have run across your postings on the ivillage GardenWeb Flooring Forums – so very insightful/informative and helpful!
I have a quick question – I have been researching various types of carpet (Stainmaster and Wear Dated nylon Tactesse, Stainmaster Luxura and Xtra Life, Wear Dated Solutia Soft Touch nylon, and Smartstrand BCF PTT/Triexta) – and trying to decide – if the Smartstrand fiber/polymer is REALLY as durable as nylon (and will stand the test of time, which I think you definitely believe!) PLUS has the superior stain resistance, then it seems like the best of both worlds! – a no brainer -
I have found one Mohawk Wear Dated Solutia Soft Touch (Brentwood) nylon that I like, however – 53 oz, twist 5.5, density 2822 (I would like a bit of a higher twist but perhaps that very high density makes up for the twist in terms of durability). And then there is a Smartstrand BCF (not Dupont Surona, though) PTT – Hunter’s Haven – 50 oz – which I am heavily considering – I called Mohawk to try to get the twist and density info (the dealer did not have it on hand) but they said a dealer would have to call them to get it – so I just called my dealer (whom I have an appt to meet later today) and my contact said she would get it for me before I come in -
I am not sure how often you check this blog – but even if it’s after today, if you could please reply, I would be so appreciative – which of the two above would you recommend? In your opinion, is the Smartstrand to which I am referring a good, LONG-lasting (stain-resistant AND resilient/durable/will spring back, etc) carpet for the whole house (living room and 3 bedrooms)? Or is the Wear Dated Soft Touch a better choice? If I’m going to be paying close to 4 grand, I just want to be sure to make the right decision (!)…
Thanks and again, I so appreciate any input/insight you can provide!
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 12, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I’m sorry Jill. I am traveling and just getting to where I could logon and reply.
I have seen all the test data to prove to me that the SmartStrand wears and stands up to traffic as well as nylon – so I consider that a wash decision wise. I also worked for Wear-Dated for about 9 years and know that brand well. 5.5 turns is good…any more would probably look so different that you may or may not like the style anymore. Hunter’s Haven is actually 55 oz – so weight is a crapshoot too. I do not have the twist levels here with me. If you like the look of the styles equally and you’ve found a color in both, then it is all about stain resistance. I go SmartStrand…everytime.
CG
Posted by Jill on November 12, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Hi CG – no need to apologize – I so appreciate your providing this forum/medium for dialogue and for getting back to me!
I did wind up going with the SmartStrand (!) – once I saw the technical specs, I was definitely sold! The twist on the Hunter’s Haven is 5.5 x 5.5, and the density is 3234 – and yep, my dealer had 50 oz marked on the sample, but then once I looked at the actual spec sheet that Mohawk faxed over yesterday, I saw the certified pile weight actually shows 53.90 oz. Oh, and the PAR is 4.
Also, thanks for your reassurance regarding the durability – again, from having read your postings, I highly trust and respect your opinion and expertise!
Now we are just waiting for word on the final production date – it’s been pushed a couple of times (we’re ordering Hunter’s Haven in Wheat Flower), apparently (as the dealer has checked on this for a couple of other people previously, it turns out) – but as of late yesterday the dealer talked to an expeditor who said this will definitely be rolling soon (we heard that demand for SmartStrand has picked up considerably this year, and the production expectation based on last year’s sales is being exceeded – perhaps at least partly due to the FTC’s classification of PTT as Triexta!).
Anyway, yes, I had found a color that I liked in both styles – although of the two colors, I did like the SmartStrand Wheat Flower better – also, I am in my (almost) mid-thirties and my husband in his late 20s – we don’t have any children (yet) but he is bad (no matter how much I try to train him otherwise – ha!) about tracking in dirt from outside – so given that tendency as well as the possibility of kids in the future, the stain resistant feature was definitely VERY important to me, and also helped to tip the hat toward the SmartStrand. And, I actually had a preference (installment-wise) for the dealer who has the SmartStrand versus the one at whose location I had seen the particular Wear-Dated I liked. So all in all, I feel very confident and happy/at ease with my choice of the SmartStrand Hunter’s Haven!
Again, thanks so much!
Posted by Jill on November 11, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Also, I meant to add – the price across the 2 carpets that I am considering is roughly the same (25.40-25.54 per square yard)…
Posted by Doug on November 13, 2009 at 1:40 am
If I use a 10lb moisture resistant pad will the aladdin smartstrand hold up ok. I know it,s not the heaviest weight.
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 15, 2009 at 2:56 am
Doug – 10lb is what I put down with my SmartStrand. Go with it.
Posted by Rex on November 14, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I’m working with a local retailer and considering a purchase of Smartstrand 3GT Sorona. Your posts have been a huge help to me in understanding what we are looking at.
The carpet style is “Posh Origins”. I can’t find reference to this style anywhere on the web or even on the Mohawk site! This is a major purchase for us ($5,000 for three bedrooms, stairs, and hallway) and I also wanted to price shop some online. Does this product go by another style name? Why can’t I find it anywhere but it is in the local carpet shop?
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 15, 2009 at 2:58 am
Hey Rex…strange that you are looking at a builder brand at a local retailer but he probably does a good bit of builder work. See what you think about Intellegent Style. Those two should be real close.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on October 29, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Sorry Jay – I get to this as often as I can but occasionally I am a little slow.
If you go online and choose a retailer you will only see what they have at their store. If you do not choose a dealer and simply pick a style, the brand a retailer carries will determine the names they have and it could be more difficult. Stores typically do not make up names…we will however, change names depending on channels, brands and sometimes even warranty requirements. I know it is not ideal for consumers but it is the only way we can track sales by channel.
It’s very difficult for me to choose specific styles for you. There are a number of very traditional textures in the line that should be far enough from a frieze to make you happy.
As for the two SmartStrands – the primary difference is that one is a DuPont eco-friendly polymer and the other is not. You’ll see that one marked 3GT or Sorona which are DuPont trademarks. Softness, stain resistance and durability are essentially the same…tho you might find a few carpets in the generic SmartStrand line that seem a little harsher…those are older yarn systems that are indeed not as soft as the new ones. If Brand and Green is important to you consider Sorona, if price is the only driving factor – SmartStrand PTT is fine. Based on your earlier note – you seem like a SmartStrand guy.
CG
Posted by Jay on October 29, 2009 at 8:02 pm
CG,
Thanks for the clarification. If I go for SmartStrand PTT, then I would like to stay away from the older yarn systems that you mention since I want a carpet as soft as possible. How do I determine if a carpet is made using this older yarn system? Is there something specific on the label I can look for?
Thanks again.
Posted by CarpetGirl on October 30, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Jay –
There is no label or such…you can feel the difference.
CG
Posted by CarpetGirl on November 12, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Yay! So glad you found what you LOVE and you sound so excited! Do hang in there on the arrival dates. Demand has far exceeded expectations and our PTT suppliers are having a hard time keeping up. It’s gotten MUCH better but still longer than we like. I should refrain from the younger man comments…but you go girl! I am almost forty and the hubby 46 – I can’t train him either so good luck with that:)
CG