Types of Carpet
Having a basic understanding of carpet construction will help you determine the
best carpet for you. Some types do better in high traffic areas,
some have a more casual appearance, while others look more formal. Most carpet
today is tufted rather than woven. Machines sew the yarn into a synthetic
backing producing thousands of yarn loops.
- Loop Pile - The loops remain uncut and creates a
surface that resist crushing and matting.
- Berber - Limits footprints and vacuum tracks in informal areas.
Berbers can have thicker yarns than other loop pile carpets for high durability.
- Cut Pile - The loops are cut at the top to create a
variety of styles.
- Saxony - Tightly twisted cut piles that
are heatset straight. Consist of two or more fibers twisted together in a yarn.
They provide a soft texture for formal and informal areas. These carpets show
every footprint and vacuum-cleaner mark.
- Textures - The best-selling carpets and
work well in informal areas because of its soft feel. They are tightly twisted
and texture heatset for medium durability. They have a multi-colored look that
disguises tracks and footprints.
- Velvet/Plush -
Lightly twisted and have a uniform color. They are softer and more level than
textures. Ideal for formal areas because of its luxurious appearance. This type shows every
footprint and vacuum-cleaner mark.
- Frieze - Highly twisted cut pile carpet
suited for high traffic areas. It has short fibers that tend to curl in
different directions at the surface to hide footprints and vacuum marks.
- Multi Level Loop Pile - The loops have different
heights to create a
variety of patterns.
- Cut and Loop Pile - A combination of the two piles
to create a wide range of patterns.