Selecting the proper carpet can seem like a daunting task to the average homeowner. There appears to be a never ending assortment of styles, colors, textures and brands. For those who are unprepared for this task, then it can seem to be very complex. Fortunately, there is good news. Selecting carpet can be a pleasurable task, as long as the buyer has the correct information. Today, we are going to be arming you with the knowledge that you need to know in order to know how to select carpet that is both functional and adds to the aesthetic value of your room.
The first thing that you will need to know are the difference in the various carpet styles. While it’s true that some people choose carpet styles that reflect the different characteristics of the room in which it’s placed, most people choose one style for every room in their home. Covering the entire home in one style of carpet can introduce continuity throughout the house and keep the seams from being too noticable.
There are four distinct types of carpet available to the consumer. These four are cut pile, Berber, cut loop and frieze carpets. Let’s take a moment to talk about the various characteristics of these three carpet types.
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Cut Pile Carpet
Cut Piles Carpet can be broken down into two distinct categories: textured cut pile and formal plush cut pile. Textured cut pile is the type of carpet that you most often see in apartment buildings. They have alternating lengths of fibers that prevent it from showing vacuum tracks and footprints. This type of carpet is perfect for general use and is often used in living rooms. Formal plush cut pile has fibers that are level and are usually extremely soft. While this carpet is often very luxurious, it also requires a higher level of care than the textured cut pile. This type of carpet will show every footprint and vacuum track that is placed upon it. Plush cut pile is often used for bedrooms because it is comfortable on bare feet.
Berber Carpet
Many people believe that Berber carpet is a brand of carpet, but it is not. Any carpet that is made up of fibers that form small loops is a Berber carpet. This type of carpet is especially durable and is often used in high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs. And like the textured cut pile, it doesn’t show footprints easily.
Cut Loop Carpet
A cut loop carpet is one that combines the benefits of a cut pile carpet and a Berber carpet. It is made by placing a layer of Berber underneath a layer of cut pile. This is done to create various textures and is usually a lot softer than conventional Berber.
Frieze Carpets
This type of carpet is one of the most durable types of carpets that a consumer can buy. It is made by taking a cut pile carpet and flattening out the fibers. This type of carpet is not as beautiful as the other types of carpet, but it is very durable.
Consumers can also purchase carpets according to what materials the fibers are. Carpet fibers are often made out of one of four main materials, which include nylon, nylon tactesse, wool and polypropylene. Let’s explore these materials in depth.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon is the most common material used to make carpets. Almost eighty percent of the carpets on the market are composed of nylon fiber. Nylon is a good choice because it is usually very soft and is highly resistant to staining.
Nylon Tactesse
Much like nylon, nylon tactesse is soft and stain resistant. It is also much softer than conventional nylon and over the past few years it has become increasingly popular. The downside of this type of carpet is that it is often more expensive than conventional nylon carpet. If you can afford the additional cost, it is well worth the investment.
Wool Carpet
Wool carpet is the most expensive type of carpet fiber available on the market today. It is also the carpet fiber that is the most durable and is also one of the softest carpets fibers that you will ever walk on. A downside of this type of fiber, besides its cost, is that it is not very resistant to stains. It is definitely not the type of fiber that you will want to have around pets or children.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a carpet fiber that is often known by the name Olefin. This synthetic fiber is extremely durable, but it is also extremely rough. It is most often used in industrial settings.
Now that you know the various carpet fibers and styles, you can choose the one that benefits you the most. For additional information on carpets, consumers can check out the Carpet and Rug Institute. They offer an excellent resource for choosing the right carpet for your needs and proper carpet care.
