Textured cut pile has fibers of uneven lengths to create a rougher surface texture. Frieze carpet has long fibers and isn't recommended for high-traffic areas. In its most extreme form, it's known as shag carpet. Cable has long, thick fibers and is very comfortable underfoot.
3 Types of Carpet Styles
Carpets are made of fibers that are cut, looped or cut and looped. Although there are several different subcategories of carpet styles, all fall within one of these three groups.
Carpet will typically be classified as low pile carpet, medium pile carpet or high pile carpet. Low pile carpet has short fibers that look and feel flat and dense.
Wool: Wool has long been used in carpet manufacturing and is still recognized as the best fiber for carpet. It has a luxury feel and a low propensity to soil. It is also naturally flame-retardant. Wool is resilient, soft and warm, and retains its appearance.
While some consider it outdated, berber is known for being one of the oldest and most durable kinds of carpet. Berber carpeting is typically found in low maintenance, high-traffic areas, like basements.
Wool. Wool, a natural, luxurious, long-lasting material, is the softest carpet fiber you can find.
A carpet is considered to be a Builder Carpet when it is neutral in color, on the lighter side in ounce weight, and does not show traffic patterns in the early period of it's installation. Often, a builder will choose a polyester carpet because of the low price point for this type of fiber.
The number of twists is measured per inch and can range from 2.5 in low-quality carpet to 6 in the best carpets. Manufacturers usually indicate the twist as a single number. Anything above 4 is considered good quality.
If a carpet is called “high pile,” it means the fibers are taller and looser. Shag carpet, for example, is a well-known high pile option. Low pile carpeting, on the other hand, has shorter carpet fibers and tighter loops.
Cut pile is simply carpet loops that have been cut, whereas loop pile is when loops remain in their natural state.
Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Because of it's durability, nylon carpet is perfect for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
Dark brown is one of the best carpet colors for hiding dirt. The darker the shade, the better the dirt will blend into the carpet. Powder and dust won't show up against the dark brown color. While a lighter brown can also be an attractive option, it won't hide as much dirt.
I generally recommend a pile height of less than 3/4″ to help reduce the chance of matting and crushing of the pile. Why? A shorter Pile-Height makes for a much more durable carpet, it makes the carpet much easier to clean and makes the carpet more stain resistant and less prone to matting and crushing of the pile.
While rug or carpet pile heights vary, they typically fall into three categories: low (less than ¼ inch), medium (¼ to ½ inch), and high (½ to ¾ inch). Piles longer than ¾ inch aren't quite as common. These types are usually designated as “plush” pile height because the longer the pile gets, the softer the rug feels.
Medium pile carpeting shares characteristics of both low and high pile carpeting. Their fibers are not the tightest in the world, but they are not longest either. Dirt and debris can still get stuck in them, but not to the degree of a high pile carpet.
In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.
A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. If the carpet is a berber or a low profile carpet, choose a cushion no more than 3/8 inch thick with 8 pounds density.
For optimal performance in normal household conditions, a density value of 3,000 or higher is ideal. According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc., extra heavy traffic conditions (such as are found in heavy commercial use) require a minimum density of 5,000.
8 LB carpet pad. The 6 lb carpet pad has a softer underfoot and lighter design. This is commonly used in low-traffic areas including bedrooms. On the other hand, 8 lb carpet pads are far thicker, resolute, and work well in high-traffic areas including living rooms and kitchens.
Carpet padding is always the best money you can spend in a carpet store! Put it this way, if you were to spend $3 more per yard on carpet, you may or may not be able to tell the difference. However, take that same $3 and spend it on an upgraded pad and it will make all the difference in the world.
Level 3 - This level we start getting into the really plush carpets. These are both nylon or polyester and have taller piles then the previous two levels. However, the taller the pile the sooner the carpet will start look flatten. These are great for families that spend a lot of time at home.
Frieze carpet has long, twisted yarns, and these create dimension and sensation underfoot. Plush, or velvet, carpet has a more formal appearance because of its thick construction.
Berber carpet is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for high traffic areas. It is made of loops instead of the strands used in most types carpets. The loop gives it durability and strength. It is great for areas with a lot of foot traffic, children and pets.
The six types of carpet are textured, plush, frieze, cable, Berber, and cut-and-loop. Each type has its own look and performance conditions.
Weight. Generally, the heavier the weight of a carpet, the greater resistance it has to flattening or compression from traffic and furniture. A 40oz or 50oz carpet for example is ideal for hall, stairs, landings, and living areas. Whereas a 30oz carpet is spot on for bedrooms.