Buying carpet can be overwhelming with the variety of options to choose from. However, taking a second to learn about the styles and types available will make the purchase decision easier.
Below are 3 common types of carpets:
Loop Pile
Loops of yarn create a stylish finish with a soft, smooth feel and can have a range of distinctive patterns created by a combination of higher and lower loops.
a) Level Loop Pile: A distinct textured loop finish created by a simple loop.
- Well suited to heavy traffic areas
- Does not show footprints
b) Multi Level Loop Pile: A textured finish made using loops of various heights.
- This style is also sometimes called High-Low Loop pile
- Can be used in a random or sequenced design to create textures or patterns
- Extremely durable
c) Sisal: A textured loop pile that is made in straight rows.
- Comes in a variety of patterns and textures
- Loop heights can vary to produce different patterns and textures
d) Berber: Usually a thicker loop pile in neutral shades from browns to beiges with occasional flecks of different shades throughout.
- Thicker than usual loops of yarn
- Hard wearing with flecks that can hide soiling
- Can also be a made as a cut pile Source: GodfreyHirst
Cut Pile
Cut pile is created when the loops that result from weaving are cut to the same height and allowed to slightly tuft, giving the carpet a dense, soft appearance. Cut pile carpet represents the largest share of the residential market and comes in four primary subcategories:
- Saxony – Saxony (also called: plush) is what probably comes to mind when you think of carpet — all those thousands of perfectly even, solid colored strands of fiber standing at attention like a freshly cut lawn. This is the stuff that’s thick and soft and shows footprints and vacuum lines. You probably had it “wall to wall” when you were growing up. Today we know that Saxony tends to wear much quicker than other styles. It’s probably best kept for those low foot traffic rooms — like the formal living room that Mom saved for “company.”
- Textured Saxony – If you don’t require that “freshly mown” look to your carpet, then Textured is the way to go. Because it’s twisted differently than Saxony and steamed to create a permanent curl, this product is “trackless” and reduces light reflectivity so it won’t show footprints. Textured carpet is casual, it’s cool and it will show far less wear and tear than other styles.
- Frieze – There’s nothing frosty about Frieze. Knobby, yes. Chilly, no. This cut pile offers a tighter “twist” than the Textured style. The yarn actually curls over, creating a very durable and elegant product that hides footprints and vacuum lines.
- Cable – Constructed of thicker. longer yarns than its cut pile companions, Cable is beautiful, comfortable and very luxurious. It can crush and matte with heavy foot traffic, however, so we don’t recommend Cable for parade routes, military yards or busy areas of your home. Source: WFCA
Cut and Loop or Pattern
Cut and Loop or Pattern offers a combination of the above, allowing more options of textures and patterns. Cut and loop achieves a sculptured pattern with varied levels of uncut low loops and sheared top loops. The pattern looks as if it’s been cut into the carpet and usually features several tones from the same color family. The change in color helps disguise wear and soiling. Cut and loop doesn’t necessarily hold up as well as loop pile, but is considerably softer. Source: Lowes
