The Basics of Carpeting - What You Need to Know
Flooring in Fayetteville, NC
Carpet is the quintessential soft flooring solution, covering floors from wall to wall in warm, cushioned comfort. A popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other cozy home spaces, carpet is unique among other flooring options with several distinct styles and features not available from hard surface solutions. Read on to learn more about carpet and the terms used to describe it.
About Carpet Loop and Pile
The first decision to make when choosing a carpet is the type of pile you’d like.
Cut Pile refers to any carpet with sheared strands, where each fiber’s ends are exposed. The most popular type of carpet, it’s available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses depending on the feel you’re looking for. One key component of cut pile is the twist, which refers to individual twisted strands. Tighter, heavier twist gives a carpet added durability in the face of matting and crushing, as well as texture.
Loop Pile, in contrast, refers to carpet with un-sheared loops of fiber. This construction allows manufacturers greater creative freedom when it comes to adding pattern and texture to carpet, and gives the carpet itself extra durability. Tighter, more heavily twisted loops mean better resistance to matting and crushing. One thing to consider with looped pile, however, is that pulled-out loops can lead to runs that will damage your carpet.
Another option is Cut & Loop Pile, which intuitively combines both types into patterned surfaces. None of these three distinct types are inherently better than the others – most of what differentiates them is up to your personal taste.
Each type of carpet can be further divided into several different styles.
Some styles of cut pile include:
- Saxony – The iconic style of long, plush pile with extra twist in each fiber.
- Plush – Shorter pile than Saxony, with a soft, velvety appearance.
- Frieze – Also known as shag, with a less formal appearance.
Some types of loop pile include:
- Level loop – A simple, repeated loop for a uniform carpet surface.
- Sisal – A textured loop, made in straight rows.
- Berber – Often characterized by chunky loops, originally popularized in commercial settings.
There are four basic fibers that are used to manufacture carpets today, and they all have unique qualities and strengths.
In overall performance characteristics, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers, providing excellent durability and flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles. Nylon is the most commonly used carpet fiber and can be found in a wide range of both cut pile and loop pile styles. Nylon also has great color flexibility and uniformity, and many nylon yarn systems are exceptionally soft. Though not inherently stain resistant, most Shaw carpets made with nylon feature a stain-resist carpet treatment for protection against household spills and stains.
Carpet Care & Maintenance
Get helpful how-tos for maintaining and cleaning the like-new look of your Shaw carpet flooring. Learn all about the care of your new Shaw carpet. Whether its spills, stains, or just general tips on how to care for and maintain it for years to come.
CARPET FEATURED BRANDS
