Carpet Types: Distinguishing the Differences
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By John Karmis, Karmis Carpets
Shopping for carpeting can be complicated. Style, color, stain-resistance, durability, padding options, and performance all need to be considered. But first, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the basic carpet types.
Carpets can be grouped in three primary constructions: loop pile, cut pile, and cut and loop pile.
Loop Pile Carpet
All carpet actually begins as a loop pile, and the loops are cut during manufacturing to give a cut pile appearance. Loop styles, Berbers, are very durable. They’re ideal for casual, active areas and hide traffic patterns well. Carpets come in solid colors, flecks, and patterns with varying loop levels.
Cut Pile Carpet
This type is the most popular for residential use, and includes several styles within the cut pile category. Saxony has a smooth, velvet plush look, with each yarn twisted and heat set uniformly. It’s good for formal areas and has the tendency to show footprints and vacuum cleaner marks. Frieze is the durable carpet. It features a high twist level in construction, causing the tuft to curl over at the end to give a kinked appearance. Frieze is a great performer in high traffic areas and hides footprints well.
Cut and Loop pile carpets combine cut and looped yarns that create pattern effects by the variation in surface textures. Cut and loop carpets can be used in casual and traditional settings, and also do a good job of hiding stains while standing up to foot traffic.
To learn more about carpet styles and performance, see John or Chris Karmis at Karmis Carpets, in Pickwick Place Plaza at 682 A Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4332
Tags:Home & Garden
