This is the third time I’ve written about this subject and it is actually one of the most requested columns I’ve done in 21 year writing for FCN this same type of column a few years ago regarding visible seams.
I’ve had several calls and emails with photographs regarding seaming problems and in particular, visible seams. Some of them have had peaks, others gaps and yet others with color variations. Gaps and peaks are the result of installation issues and they can be corrected by remaking the seam with new technologies that exist in the industry today.
The truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as an invisible seam in a textile product which fits together in pieces. Just as an article of clothing or fabric on furniture has visible seams, carpet is no different, nor is it exceptional. For instance, all of my suits have visible seams where they’re sewn together. The same is true of women’s’ dresses, upholstered furniture, drapes, bedspreads, automobile seats, or anything constructed with yard goods, which includes carpet and even vinyl. Why then, would anyone think seams on carpet are going to be invisible when they are visible on just about any other product?
There are installation techniques that can be employed to minimize a seam’s appearance, but it is not always possible to completely eliminate seeing a seam in carpet. The type of carpet, yarn system, patterning, style or color, can and will help achieve as obscure a seam as possible. However, all floor coverings carpet or otherwise, will have a degree of visible seams. This fact cannot be helped because floor covering is installed in sections that require having to make seams, it is not painted on the floor.
Because of the types of products, which make up this industry, it is unreasonable to expect seams to be made that will not be noticeable to some extent. If the seam is tight and even, and the cuts are cleanly made, what results is as close a meeting of two separate pieces of floor covering material as a skilled human being can physically accomplish.
Granted, there are many carpet, vinyl and other flooring installations in which you would think the seams were invisible. And this is a credit to the skills of the majority of installers. However, there is no standard, rule, or policy anywhere in the industry, which states seams shall not be visible.
Some carpets just don’t lend themselves to hiding seams, and certainly, some installers really aren’t very good at seaming all products. But most installers I’ve met around the country do a good job. It is more the responsibility of the person selling the product to know how it will seam, to lay the job out to minimize and hide seams and to make sure the seams run into the light source and not against is whenever and wherever possible. It is also the carpet dealer’s responsibility to send out an installer who has the skills to work with the most challenging products.
Someone is apparently spreading a vicious rumor that seams are supposed to be the invisible. But again, sometimes, depending on the carpet, the seams are actually invisible and other times, depending on the carpet, they are not; there is no guarantee of this.
Take it upon yourselves to learn what products are the most challenging. Ask your installers which they feel tax their skills and why. Find out who is the best person to install those products or don’t sell them.
It’s also up to the mill to provide you with products which can be easily seamed and look good afterward. But this doesn’t change the fact; seams may still be visible.
Keep this article handy or pass it out to your customers with their information packet so you can dispel any illusions that carpet seams are supposed to be invisible, after all, it is a seam and sometimes they show regardless of how well they are made.
If you have a question or need some help, just call me. My mission is to make your life easier and your business more profitable.
Author: Lewis G. Migliore
LGM and Associates – The Floorcovering Experts