Today's carpet manufacturers are combining softer fibers, better stain resistance with backings that block odors, spills and more! These types of features are built into the better-quality carpets offered by the leading carpet manufacturers.
Most carpet today is tufted, rather than woven. The tufting process is similar to using a large sewing machine that is about 13 feet wide with 100 of needles that sew the yarn into a synthetic backing. The majority of carpets sold today are made from nylon fibers twisted into yarns and then tufted into carpet.
Carpet is basically constructed in two types of piles: loop pile or cut pile . Patterned carpet is a combination of both loop and cut yarns or variations of loops set to different pile heights.
How long a carpet will retain it's like new texture and appearance is based on the type of fiber, how tight the yarns are twisted and heatset, and the pile density. (Obviously, not cleaning your carpets regularly, or improper cleaning methods will effect the appearance as well.) Also, how close tufts are to one another will effect the durability of the carpet. Below is a brief overview of the most common carpet construction types sold in flooring stores in the United States.
Special Note About Berber Carpets: Berber carpets are big bulky, loops of yarn that are either produced in a level loop, or multi-level loop carpet construction. they are usually made from olefin or wool yarns and are ideal for active areas of the home, such as family rooms. Berber carpets are also available in a cut pile construction as well as loop pile.
CUT PILE SAXONY
Smooth, cut-pile surface
,
usually solid colors
Versatile in performance and in appearance
Works well with traditional or formal room settings
Generally made with nylon fibers
TEXTURED SAXONY
Textured cut pile surface
helps hide footprints
Great casual appearance, low maintenance
Also called: Textured Cut Pile
Extremely popular carpet style
Ideal for active families, use in any room
VELVETS
Fine, tip sheared surface
(not common anymore)
Elegant style, very formal
Not as popular as some of the other styles
FRIEZE
Textured surface with knobby appearance
Extremely durable, and long wearing
Great for active rooms
Not as popular as some of the other styles
CUT & UNCUT PATTERNED CARPET
Distinctive carved appearance, usually multi-color
Cut and Loops
give a variety of surface levels
Cut uncut patterns
help hide foot traffic
Can really spice up a room
Fits a variety of room settings
MULTI-LEVEL LOOP PATTERNED CARPET
Several different levels of loops, multi-colored
Also called Patterned Loop
Creates many unique looking textures and patterns
Casual appearance, very durable, helps hides traffic patterns
Great for family rooms, basements, etc...
LEVEL LOOP
Loops are all the same height, usually multi-colored
