Types of Carpet

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHOOSING CARPET FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

It would be easy to think of buying new carpet as a process where you like the look and feel of something, so you choose it. Job done. However, what many people don’t know about carpet is that factors like foot traffic, climate, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning are important considerations when it comes to choosing something that performs well for years. It is these considerations, as well as budget, that influence your choice of natural fibre or synthetic fibre, and type of pile cut.

We’ve put together this handy guide to give you a quick and easy explanation of the main types of carpets, so you can buy with confidence.

Different types of carpet to consider 

When wool or synthetic yarns (known as carpet fibres) are manufactured into carpets, they inherit different properties and create different visual impressions depending on their construction. A carpet construction refers to pile type, and this can be either a loop pile or cut pile.

• Cut pile carpets can be tightly woven with high density into what is described as 'plush' carpet. Or the cut pile can be twisted, hence the term 'twist pile carpet'.
• Twist pile is known for its resilience, while dense plush pile carpet provides a smooth, luxurious finish. Sometimes the pile forms part of the carpet design, where differing pile heights are used to create a pattern.
• Level loop pile carpets can have a uniform appearance, or the loops can be fashioned at different heights to create a multi-level loop pattern and textured looks like shag carpet.

Loop pile carpet

A carpet with a loop pile construction has a textured finish or a patterned appearance.

Autumn Mist is an example of a synthetic, solution-dyed nylon carpet in a distinctive, textured loop pile. Note the interesting, patterned effect created by varying the loop pile heights. Hilltop has a slightly organic, level loop pile construction, also in solution-dyed nylon, creating a more uniform look.

Level loop piles are recognised for their excellent resilience and durability in family homes.

Plush Carpet

Cut pile carpets are made when the threaded loops are cut and form plush or twisted carpet styles. Luxurious plush carpets have a dense and smooth appearance caused by cutting the wool or synthetic fibres to an even, level height. Plush carpets are generally very soft and provide great cushioning under foot, due to the tightly packed density of the fibres.

Plush carpet fibres have a cut pile with high density and an almost velvety appearance. Luxe Tone is a fantastic example of a lusciously soft plush carpet, available in twelve sublime colours and manufactured from quality Triexta fibre.

Twist Carpet

Twist pile carpet fibres have a cut pile that has been twisted for added strength. Twisting the yarn can also have an interesting effect on the finish, such as frieze or Saxony carpet, or create light and dark shades within the fibres. Birman shows the light and dark shades characteristic of twist pile carpet.

Twist piles are more textured than plush piles and are a popular choice for family homes because the twisted fibres make the impressions left by footprints and vacuum cleaners less obvious.

Types of carpet fibres

Aside from pile choice, types of carpet fibers are the other primary consideration to inform your choice of carpet. Synthetic fibres include nylon, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, wool and wool blends. We explain these fibres in the topics below.

Nylon carpet

Nylon has a few standout features, but the biggest is durability. Nylon carpet has elasticity and resilience, so it can stand up to heavy traffic and retains its shape under the weight of furniture. Frequently manufactured using a dye technique called solution-dyed nylon (SDN), it’s extremely colourfast, fade-resistant, and easy to clean making it a popular carpet in family rooms.

Polypropylene (Olefin) carpet

Polypropylene carpet is popular for use in commercial and investment properties because it’s durable, stain resistant and has high resistance to moisture. It’s also easy to clean. However, it’s not as soft as wool, polyester or acrylic carpet.

Polyester carpet

Polyester carpet is very soft, offering excellent underfoot comfort. Less expensive but just as attractive as pure wool carpet, it has excellent stain and fade resistance. Polyester carpet is best suited to lower foot traffic areas like bedrooms.

Acrylic Carpet

Acrylic is a synthetic material that is similar in appearance to wool. Acrylic carpet is made from acrylic fibres and is a popular choice because it’s less expensive than wool and softer and more durable than polyester or polypropylene. This is a popular choice for playrooms because it’s fast-drying and resistant to stains, mould and mildew.

Wool carpet

100% wool fibre carpets provide natural warmth, softness, and durabilty. The natural waxy film on sheep’s wool means it repels moisture, making it stain resistant. Wool blend carpets are made from an 80% wool to 20% synthetic mix (usually polyester) to create a good all-purpose carpet.

Understanding carpet fibre and pile cuts

Carpet fibre and carpet pile are the two primary components of your carpet choice. The fibre can be a natural fibre, such as wool, jute or sisal carpet, or synthetic, such as nylon or polyester. The pile refers to the carpet construction - how the loops of fibre are woven or tufted to the carpet backing material. These two important characteristics determine how the carpet will perform over time and how it looks and feels underfoot.

Rooms that are best for carpet

Colour and design aren’t the only choices to make when choosing the best carpet for a room. In order to get a look and functionality you’ll enjoy for years, the floor covering must also be fit-for-purpose. This means matching a carpet fibre and pile to the use of the room. Here are some top tips:

• Family rooms & dining rooms - open plan living areas where food and drink are consumed need a carpet with a high level of stain resistance and a low pile for easy cleaning. You could also consider vinyl or hardwood flooring with rugs from our extensive range.
• Hallways and living rooms - High traffic areas need carpet with a high degree of resiliency and durability. Go for a wool or synthetic loop pile carpet in these areas as they’re crush-resistant, stain resistant and show minimal vacuum marks and