Choosing carpet may sounds like a relatively straightforward decision, ruled by colors and patterns and trends. However, once you look past the aesthetics, there’s far more to picking the perfect wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet types may seem to be bit of a minefield, so many material and fibers and then there’s pile and backing choices too. How do you pick the right one for your space? what’s the most durable option? the most sustainable option? the most affordable option? and (the most important) the most on trend option? but fear not, we’ve asked the experts for all the answers and pulled together a straightforward guide to carpet types that makes sense of all those seemingly jargon words you come across when deciding on the perfect floor type.

If you’ve made a commitment to carpet in your home, there’s plenty to learn before sealing the deal. From basic utility to all things aesthetic, flooring plays a great role in the look and feel of a space. There are hundreds of different carpet types, and understanding the benefits of each will help you make a decision that works best for you. Before you get lost in the abyss of nylon, cut loop, and more, here’s a simple guide that won’t leave you guessing. Carpet construction the way a carpet is constructed determines its quality and durability, two important factors to consider before making a purchase.

It would be easy to think of buying new carpet as a process where you like the look and feel of something, so you choose it. Job done. However, what many people don’t know about carpet is that factors like foot traffic, climate, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning are important considerations when it comes to choosing something that performs well for years. It is these considerations, as well as budget, that influence your choice of natural fibre or synthetic fibre, and type of pile cut. We’ve put together this handy guide to give you a quick and easy explanation of the main types of carpets, so you can buy with confidence.

Part I: Types of Carpet Fibers

The two most common carpet types are cut pile and loop pile. There are various style options within each respective construction type: cut pile: this carpet gets its durability through the fiber used, the density of the tufts, and the twist of the yarn. There are four popular styles to choose from: textured plush, saxony, frieze, and cable. • plush: this has a smooth and even finish, providing a more formal look. •textured: this style uses low density fibers of uneven heights. The resulting look hides dirt with an informal look, but it is not suited for high traffic areas. •saxony: this has a smooth and even finish, but the fibers are longer than a textured plush, and the fibers have a twist.

As the name implies, cut pile carpets have the tops of the yarn loops cut off. They are sheared at different lengths and angles for different types of carpet, resulting in a wide variety of styles, heights, and thicknesses. Cut pile carpets are the most popular carpet pile type, even though they are less durable than loop pile and more prone to crushing. Saxony cut: saxony carpet consists of densely weaved, twisted carpet fibers that are closely packed and stand up straight. The fibers are evenly cut, creating a uniform look and smooth, velvety surface. However, they have little resilience and don't bounce back quickly, making saxony suitable for low-traffic areas.

Nylon outperforms all other fibers in durability, resilience and easy maintenance. This is a good choice if you want your carpet to last a decade or longer, for high-traffic areas, and in homes with kids and pets (photo 1). Higher quality nylon fibers are “branded,” and the carpet label will use terms like “100% mohawk nylon” or “100% stainmaster tactesse. ” lower-quality, “unbranded” nylon fibers are listed simply as “100% nylon. ” the strongest and softest type (and most expensive) is 6. 6 nylon. Nylon carpet cost is $10 to $45 per sq. Yd. Triexta (brands include smart-strand and sorona) is a newly classified fiber derived partly from corn sugar (photo 2).

The 3 Main Types of Carpet Piles

Level loop level loop pile is made by weaving even loops of yarn into carpet backing at both ends. This type of carpet is very durable and track resistant as well as having a natural, casual appearance even when made from synthetic fibres. Higher loops create a more luxurious appearance. Level loop piles with short and densely packed loops are easy to clean and so offer a good blend between luxury and practicality. This type of carpet is ideal for high traffic areas. The loops can be vunerable to pulling from pets claws etc. The best-selling type of carpet is textured cut pile.

The term ‘pile’ essentially refers to how the loops or tufts of fibre are attached to the material backing of the carpet. In broad terms, carpet can be divided into two categories: tufted and woven, and there are numerous variations of each. Bear in mind, not all pile types are suitable for every application. Made by weaving the front and back of the carpet at the same time using traditional looming methods, woven products tend to be more time-consuming to produce and are typically more expensive as a result. However, you’ll get a high-quality finish and a carpet that will hold its appearance well over time.