There are many types of carpeting styles, patterns and colors to choose from to find the perfect look for your space. Carpet’s cushioned surface absorbs sound and is less noisy to walk on than hard surface flooring. When considering affordability, carpet is one of the most economical flooring products to have installed. The insulating properties of carpet provide additional warmth underfoot during cold seasons. Carpet is safe and provides a cushion to prevent breakage when delicate items are dropped. So to pick the right carpet fiber, consider how you live in each room. So if you want to learn more, here are the basics for the different types of carpeting.
Basic Types of Carpet Fiber:
Nylon
Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. In other words, Nylon is perfect for heavy traffic in hallways and stairs.
Polyester
Known for its luxurious look, feel and wonderful selection of colors and styles, Polyester is a good value for homes with a normal amount of traffic.
Olefin
Olefin offers good stain and moisture resistance, but scores below nylon and polyester for wearability.
Wool
Favored for its natural beauty, Wool creates a timeless look and is well constructed. Wool carpet has natural soil resistance qualities, but is not inherently stain resistant.
Carpet Construction
Tufted carpet makes up 90% of residential carpeting. A tufting machine works like an over-sized sewing machine with hundreds of needles that insert loops of fiber (tufts or stitches) into the carpet’s backing to form the face pile of the carpet. So quality construction will affect the durability, appearance and price of the carpet and is most influenced by the twist of the fibers and the density of the tufts.
Twist
Twist refers to how tightly the fiber (carpet yarn) has been twisted. In other words, the tighter the yarn is twisted, the better the carpet will stand up to crushing and matting.
Density
Density is the amount, and how tightly packed together, the fibers are within the carpet. Therefore, the closer together the fibers are placed, the denser the carpet will be, and the better it will wear and perform. Ways to check for carpet density include trying to reach the carpet backing by pressing your fingers on the carpet fibers. The more difficult it is to reach the backing, the denser the carpet. Or with outward facing tufts, bend the carpet into a U-shape and look at how much of the carpet backing is visible. In other words, the less backing that shows, the denser the carpet.
Carpet Textures:
Cut Pile
Cut Pile carpeting has yarns that are cut at the ends. The soft feel of cut pile carpet makes it a perfect choice for the most comfortable areas of your home. So there are five basic styles of cut pile carpet: Velvet, Saxony, Frieze, Shag, and Cable. Each provide a different look and texture. However, the primary difference among these styles is the amount of twist in the yarns that will ultimately influence the carpet’s durability.
Loop
Loop carpet’s yarns are looped and uncut on the carpet surface. The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has, strength and soil hiding capabilities. In other words, this style is ideal for heavy traffic areas.
Cut-loop
As the name suggests, this carpet has a combination of high cut tufts and lower loops in a variety of sculptured patterns. Cut-loop carpets offer good performance but are slightly less durable than loop carpets.
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