What Are the Different Carpet Choices?
When we talk about choices of carpet, there is obviously your personal preference. You may prefer patterns, stripes or plain carpets, and carpets of a particular colour. But let's look at the carpet choices regarding the pile construction and the fibres used to make carpet.
Pile Construction
There are three basic types of construction, each one affecting the overall wear properties of your carpet. Although there are several sub-categories of pile, they are all variations of the three main types of pile. Each has its characteristics and is suited to different situations. The three types are:
-
Cut -
Looped -
Cut and Looped
Cut Pile
Cut pile is a durable style of fibre and is constructed with a high density of fibres. It is, therefore, suitable for high-traffic areas of the home. There are various forms of cut pile, each offering superb resilience to wear, stain resistance and the ability to maintain the carpet's shape and appearance. This choice of carpet will give you many years of service, retaining its good looks and unique characteristics. Indentations, footprints, and tracking from the vacuuming process are not visible.
Looped
Looped is where the fibres are not cut, and no raw ends of the fibre show. Because all the loops of fibre are tightly bound together, this carpet also offers high durability and is suitable for general areas of the home. The loops can be of varying lengths or levels. Different lengths of loops lend versatility to the look of your carpet without sacrificing wear quality.
Cut and Looped
Cut and looped is, as the term suggests, a combination of cut and looped piles. This type of carpet makes it possible to produce pattern and texture, making it an exciting carpet choice with excellent wear and dirt resistance properties. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference, the application (where you intend to use the carpet), and the visual effect you wish to create.
Carpet Fibre and Pile Choices
This is a quick list of carpet and pile options from homestratosphere.com
-
Berber Loop Pile -
Level Loop Pile -
Multi-level Loop Pile -
Saxony Cut Pile -
Textured Cut Pile -
Frieze Cut Pile -
Pattern (Cut and Looped) Pile -
Shag Pile -
Lush Pile -
Nylon -
Olefin -
Polyester -
Acrylic -
Wool -
Triexta
Fibres
There are also several types of fibre used to make a carpet. Your choice when carpeting a lounge will have a direct effect on the durability, visual appearance, and comfort of the area underfoot. Each material used has its own properties. When buying a lounge carpet, some fibres are much more suitable than others. The main materials used are:
-
Wool -
Nylon -
Polypropylene -
Polyester -
Acrylic
Each material has its pros and cons.
Wool
Wool, for instance, is hardwearing and luxurious. It is a natural product with no chemicals or additives used to manufacture the carpet. This makes woollen carpet an ideal choice if you suffer from allergies. It is very soft underfoot and will last for many years. As an organic fibre, however, it is not recommended for any area with high humidity, as it can be prone to mould or mildew. Sometimes low-grade wool is used. While this results in a less expensive carpet, it has the disadvantage of showing stains and will not provide the same level of durability as a carpet manufactured from high-grade wool. The main disadvantage of lounge carpeting made from high-grade wool is that it is costly. As the lounge is usually the largest floor area to be covered, your budget may not allow for this type of fibre. If you can afford it, wool offers supreme comfort underfoot. It also provides good insulation and will give your lounge many years of wear and good looks.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the more popular carpet choices – and for a good reason. It is less expensive than wool, is very hard wearing and is not so susceptible to staining. Also, it can be dyed in a vast range of fade-resistant colours. Though more expensive than other synthetic yarns, it could be an excellent choice for your lounge. It offers durability, softness, and an extensive colour range.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is gaining popularity for domestic applications. Similar in texture to wool, it is stain-resistant and easy to clean. It is not as soft or as resilient as nylon but has the advantage of being less expensive. It could be ideal as less expensive carpeting for any lounge or living space.
Polyester
Polyester carpeting has one big quality – it can be manufactured in vibrant, permanently dyed colours. Another carpet fibre which is hypoallergenic and therefore good for allergy sufferers, some versions of it can be manufactured from recycled plastic, making it 'green'. Again, it is not as resilient as nylon. It is prone to permanent flattening under pressure and therefore does not provide a robust carpet for your lounge or any other high-traffic area of your home.
Acrylic
Acrylic carpet does have some desirable qualities but isn't on of the more popular carpet choices. It is soft and resistant to fading, static, and moisture (therefore mould), but it lacks long-term durability and would be a less suitable choice for your lounge.All these factors will have a bearing on your final carpet choices. The choice can be overwhelming, so the guidance of an experienced person who is fully aware of the pros and cons of each carpet style can help you reach a decision that meets your aesthetic, financial and usage criteria. A lounge or living room carpet is a significant investment. It will provide style and comfort underfoot if chosen carefully and contribute to the ambient character of your home. Whatever your preferences are, we hope this has given you a better understanding of the existing carpet choices. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel to get more helpful tips about flooring.