Wondering about primary and secondary backing in carpeting? When it comes to carpeting, there are many steps that go into making it that ensure a top-quality product. Knowing a little bit about the components of a carpet can help contractors, installers, and flooring inspectors better communicate with each other and with their clients. For example, it’s a good idea to know about and be able to explain the difference between the primary and the secondary backing when it comes to carpeting.
Manufacturers generally construct the primary backing from woven polypropylene. It provides a base. It holds the carpet yarn in place. The carpet yarn, or pile, is usually a synthetic fiber. It maintains its appearance. It resists soil and stains. Manufacturers weave it tightly so it performs well for years.
Secondary backing is also generally made of a woven synthetic material like polypropylene, and it helps hold the carpet yarns in place. It reinforces the carpet piece and gives it some dimensional stability. Together, the primary and secondary backing help carpeting stay durable, versatile, and beautiful for the lifetime of the product.
[…] someone is in the carpet business, they probably aren’t familiar with secondary backs in carpets. Most customers focus on the top of the carpet for the color and texture of the tufts of fiber. […]