Carpeting
Carpet is one of the softest flooring materials available, providing a cushioned surface for your feet in almost any location. It's important to know the characteristics of the different types of carpeting available, to ensure you get a style that's appropriate for your installation space.
Types of Carpet Fibers
There are a variety of synthetic and natural fibers which are used in the construction of carpets. Below you will find the four most common materials.
Nylon
Nylon is very soft, durable, and resistant to stains. It is the most popular carpet material and is used in roughly three-quarters of all manufactured pieces.
Polyester
These fibers are prized because they can hold vibrant, dramatic colors that do not fade much over time. They are non-allergenic. In many cases this material is crafted from recycled plastic bottles, making it eco-friendly. The only drawback is that it's susceptible to having its fibers flattened under repeated exposure to weight, making it a bad choice for high traffic areas.
POLYPROPYLENE CARPETS
Polypropylene is almost as soft as nylon. These fibers are extremely resilient and resistant to stains, mildew, and shedding.
Wool
Wool is a natural, luxurious, long lasting material that is the softest carpet fiber you can find. Unfortunately low-grade wool is more susceptible to staining, while high-grade wool is extremely expensive. Some manufacturers combine wool with synthetic fibers in order to create a carpet with the benefits of both.
TYPES OF CARPET PILES
Carpet is made by looping yarn through a piece of backing material in a movement that is similar to sewing a button on a shirt. These loops can then either be left intact or cut at various angles. The way the loop is treated is known as the carpet pile. Below you will find the most common carpet pile types available for your flooring.
Uncut carpet pile
Also known as "loop pile" or "Berber pile." This method leaves the entire loop intact on the surface of the piece. These carpets tend to be highly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, making them perfect for high traffic commercial applications. Uncut pile carpets also don't show indentations caused by footprints and vacuum marks.
The drawback is these carpets tend to be less soft and padded than their cut counterparts. Also, the loops can be a snagging hazard if you have pets or small children.
CUT CARPET PILE
This method tends to produce very soft, pleasant looking carpets that are easy to clean. The drawback is that the rigid nature of the threads makes it easier to see foot marks and vacuum trails. It also makes wear and tear more obvious, which means that these carpets need to be replaced more often.
Different styles can be created by changing the angle of the shearing that slices the loop, or by using different treatments on the thread before and after it is inserted into the backing.