Flooring Series: understanding carpet characteristics
The characteristics of a carpet should be taken into account when choosing one as they affect its level of comfort, how it feels underfoot and how well it will wear off, all of which help to determine a carpet suitability for specific rooms or uses.
By getting a better understanding of all the terms we use, you will be able to make an informed decision and settle for a carpet (or a rug for that matter) not only for its appearance but for its suitability and avoid disappointments further down the line.
The different types of fibers
Many different types of fibers are used to make carpets, which are either synthetic or natural.
Synthetic materials tend to be less expensive, stain resistant and not as prone to mould and mildew whereas natural fibers are pricier, more prone to staining but are resilient and last longer.
Synthetic Fibers:
Nylon, also known as polyamide, is very soft, resistant to stains, abrasion and mold as well as being easy to dye and holding its color well. It is in fact the most durable of the synthetic fibers.
Polypropylene is soft to the touch, almost as soft as nylon, and since the fibers are similar to natural wool, it is often used as a substitute. Thanks to its stain resistance, it wears very well but beware, it attracts oil and so any oil-based stains will be tough to remove.
Polyester is also soft to the touch, its main drawback being the fact that it flattens under weight so it’s not the best choice for high-traffic areas or if you often move your furniture around. Its durability is however a plus, it can hold vibrant colours that won’t fade and is an hydrophobic material so will repel water, but not oils. It can also be an eco-friendly option when made from recycled plastic bottles.
Acrylic offers the look and feel of wool at a much lower cost, has a good resistance to moisture, mildew, fading and staining but overall, is not a very durable material and so best avoided in high traffic areas.
Natural fibers:
Wool is a luxurious, extremely soft and long-lasting material. Pure wool carpets are natural, made without chemicals or additives, making it an ideal choice for those with allergies or sensitive to chemicals. As a natural material however, wool can be prone to mold and mildew and is therefore not a good choice for wet and humid areas. Wool carpets tend to be more expensive than synthetic ones, but you can find products combining both fibers and therefore benefits, at a lower price point.
Plant-based materials:
Sisal has a rope-like structure that gives a unique homey feel but some persons find it rough underfoot. It is however hard-wearing, highly durable and suited for high traffic areas. Its main drawback is that in its natural form, it can easily stain or get watermarks but there is the option to have it coated with fire-retardant and stain-resistant sealers. Big plus, it is an eco-friendly option, it is both sustainable and biodegradable.
Jute is softer than sisal but also less durable, making it a good option for bedrooms and low traffic areas. Since it’s a plant fiber, it is absorbent so best to avoid in wet and humid environments.
Seagrass is resistant to stains and watermarks but also to dye, so you won’t have a lot of colours to choose from.
Coir is durable and low-maintenance, but feels rough so it’s better suited to areas where you won’t be wandering around barefoot.
2. The different types of pile
The pile of a carpet refers to how the fibers are treated once they have been looped through the backing material. They can be left intact, cut or twisted which will give the carpet a very different and distinctive style.
Loop Piles:
Loop pile carpets are generally hard-wearing and a good option for high traffic areas, except maybe for pet owners: animals with claws tend to get them caught in the loops.
Berber carpets have their loops made from thick or bulky yarns of, traditionally, wool, but also nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres, creating a cushioned effect underfoot whilst being very durable.
Level Loop: these carpets are made by weaving even loops of yarn into the carpet backing, for an even level on the entirety of the surface. The higher the loops, the more luxurious it looks whilst shorter piles are easier to clean.
Multi-level loop pile carpets are made using the same principle as the level loop carpets with the difference of the height of the loops which varies to create a more textured material.
Cut Piles:
Cut pile is a style of carpet where the exposed lopped fibers have been cut or sheared off, resulting in the yarn bundle being attached to the backing at one end only with the other end standing upright. For that reason, cut pile carpets tend to show footprint and vacuum cleaner marks, and are not as durable as loop pile carpets. But they are really soft and inviting.
Saxony: tightly twisted cut fibers.
Frieze: highly, tightly twisted cut piles, curling erratically and creating a pebbly texture. This type of cut pile carpet is suitable for high traffic areas.
Twist: the yarn is tightly twisted to give a defined, textured surface. Also suitable for high traffic areas.
Velvet or “plush”: the yarn has very little twist and is sheared for a smooth, soft, luxurious finish.
Cut & Loop: combines fibres that have been cut with looped ones, adding texture.
Shag: long pile and casual in texture for a deep, luxurious feel.
Woven Carpets:
Woven carpets are one of the most luxurious carpets, made with traditional methods, hence their high price point, and are known for their quality, rich colours and durability.
Axminster: the pile is inserted in and out of the backing material and cut to length
Wilton: the process is similar, only that it weaves the yarn in a continuous strand
Flat weave: manufactured in the same way as Wilton carpets, it is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to create a flatter, more textured effect
3. The different fabrication methods
Woven: as mentioned above, woven carpets are made using traditional methods dating back to the 16th century and are labour intensive.
Tufted: on the other hand, tufted carpets are made by a machine that punches the pile yarn into the backing, making it a more affordable option. That method of production can be used for both synthetic and natural fibers and the piles can be either looped or cut, to create a wide range of designs.
Broadloom: broadloom carpets generally refers to tufted carpets as they are made by using a wide loom. They come in wide rolls and are used as wall to wall carpets.
As you can see, carpet is an art and can quickly get technical but I hope this post has helped you to understand better the terminology used in the industry!