Types of Carpet, Cut Pile, Loop Pile, Nylon, Polyester, Wool

If you are in the process of selecting carpeting for your home, learning about the styles and types of carpet that are available will make your purchase decision easier. Understanding the options will help you choose carpeting that is best suited for the room or rooms where it will be installed. Learn more in this informational video by Owen Carpet:

Types of Carpet: Cut Pile and Loop Pile

Cut pile gets its durability through the twist of the yarn, the density of the tufts and the fiber used. Cut pile comes in five styles:

Cable: Made with thicker, longer fibers, this style provides a cozy feeling when walked on.

Frieze: This style features long fibers with more twists, resulting in an informal texture. Although it conceals footprints and other marks more easily than other carpets, it is not considered suitable for high traffic areas. “Shag” refers to frieze carpeting with longer piles.

Plush: This style has a smooth even finish that provides a more formal look.

Textured: Made from low density fibers of uneven height, this style hides dirt with an informal look, but it is not suitable for high traffic areas.

Saxony: This style has twisted fibers longer than a textured plush and has a smooth even finish. Saxony is the most popular carpet style on the market, but it tends to show footprints and other marks more than other styles.

Loop pile carpets have uncut yarn tips, making the loops visible. They are considered an “all-purpose” carpet and are durable in construction. Loop pile comes in three styles:

Cut and Loop: A mixture between cut pile and loop pile fibers, this style creates a textured appearance that works well in high traffic areas. This type of carpet also hides stains and dirt.

Level Loop (Berber): This style features packed short looped fibers that provide a durable surface for high traffic areas with an informal appearance. Dirt may hide more easily due to color flecks in the fiber, but the fiber height may make seams more visible.

Patterned Multi-Level Loop: This style features loops of varying heights which creates a pattern or a texture.

Factors in Carpet Quality

The quality of a carpet is determined by factors such as density, weight, fiber construction, fiber type and twist.

Density refers to the number of fibers used in the pile and how closely they are tufted together. A higher quality carpet is a denser carpet. If it is difficult to feel the backing when you run your fingers through the carpet, it is the sign of a dense carpet. A related measure of quality, the weight of a carpet shows how many fibers are present. More fibers make for a heavier and higher quality carpet.

Acrylic, nylon, wool, polyester, olefin and blends are the most common fiber types. The fiber used in making a carpet affect its appearance, durability and price.

Wool, the only natural fiber used in carpet production, is also the most expensive fiber. It is durable and resistant to dirt and stains, but it fades easily in direct sunlight. Wool feels good under bare feet. Acrylic is less expensive than wool but provides a similar look and feel. It is resistant to mildew and mold and is not a major conductor of static electricity.

Nylon is the most popular fiber type used for carpeting. Dye is added during manufacturing to produce a wide variety of colors. It is resistant to wear and tear and is highly durable. It does not repel stains well, but it can be treated to provide stain protection. If exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, it will fade. During manufacturing, dye is added to produce a variety of colors. It is a conductor of static electricity, and when left in direct sunlight for long periods of time, will fade.

Polyester is more affordable than other fibers and is increasing in popularity. It has a soft feel if used with a thick cut-pile construction. Polyester is more likely to show fade and damage and is less resilient than nylon, and it is not suitable for high traffic areas.

Olefin is a strong fiber that is not as resilient as nylon but is less likely to fade and resistant to wear and tear. Because it is resistant to mildew and mold, it is ideal for outdoor use. Olefin, however, is not comfortable for walking barefoot, and the carpet fiber seams may be more visible than with other fibers.

Blends of the fibers just described are used to improve the overall carpet quality in terms of durability and look and feel. Wool/nylon, and olefin/nylon are the most commonly used blends.

Colors and Dirt/Stain Masking

You will be able to find enough colors and patterns to suit any decor, regardless of the type of carpet you buy. Any type of pattern is great for a child’s room. A multi-colored carpet may make a room look dated, but it will hide dirt and debris. Medium colors work well near entrances as they tend to hide dirt and stains. A light-colored carpet will stain easily and is not a good choice for high foot traffic, even though it will make a room appear larger.