Carpet pattern seam elongation (pattern mismatch). With integrated pattern carpets this mismatch is referred to as pattern elongation. The patterns on one side of the carpets seam are longer than on the other side.
Elongation Along Seam of Carpet
With pattern elongation, along seam, one panel of the carpet may have 30 patterns in 15′ – 0″ section. On the other side you may have 30 patterns in 14′ 10″ section. This pattern mismatch or elongation, results in a design that appears to grow or elongate. A pattern mismatch to this degree is usually workable but can take additional installation time to make a match.
A Few Points on Pattern Elongation
- Pattern matching problems are more common when installed by a residential carpet installer.
- A carpet installer may be a genius installing cut pile carpet. This does not make them familiar with patterned commercial carpet.
- Carpet manufacturers do not guarantee that a pattern will match.
- Carpet manufactures will usually decline less severe pattern match claims.
- If severe and the manufacturer had instructed the installer or dealer to go ahead, they may stand behind it.
- While some seams are correctable by a knowledgeable installer not all seams are.
- A wise dealer or end user will make sure that they hire and installer that has the experience to work with these styles.
Also see Carpet Sidematch. Additional carpet pattern matching information found at CarpetsWallToWall.com.