Choosing the Right Carpet for You

Picking out the right carpet might seem daunting, but if you understand the options it’s really not that bad! Let’s go over some terms, and the choice will hopefully become clear.

Three Categories:

Cut Pile
In this style, the fibers are cut off at the ends. There are many types of cut pile carpet, but three of the most popular varieties are saxony, textured, and frieze. Saxony is a thick, luxurious carpet that is good for parlors and other formal, low-traffic rooms. It provides a soft, cozy feel. Textured carpet tends to be more casual. It often uses multiple color tones, and the fibers are cut at different lengths, helping it better hide imperfections. Frieze carpets are one of the shortest types of cut pile, and the threads are well-twisted together to provide excellent durability for high traffic areas, such as game rooms or commercial spaces.
Loop Pile
This type of carpet features strands that loop back and reattach to the backing. Loop pile carpet tends to be slightly less soft and more durable. Many people choose this style for the most highly trafficked areas of their home. Level Loop carpet is probably the most durable type, but it also tends to be the stiffest. Berber is similar, but tends to have more texture and a slightly softer feel. Both of these types of loop pile are good for well-used areas of the house.
Cut and Loop Pile
A combination of both styles, Cut and Loop Pile carpet allows for creativity of texture. This type of carpet will have patches of Cut Pile and patches of Loop Pile, often cut to different lengths, to allow for a vaired appearance. It’s a bit more durable than Cut Pile, but also a bit softer than Loop Pile. Often, it will utilize multiple colors from the same palette, which enhances design choices and also hides dirt and wear.

Materials:

There are lots of materials used in making carpets. Most of them are synthetic materials. Here are some of the most popular options:
Nylon – this is probably the most common thread used for carpets. It is very strong and easy to clean.
Polypropylene – the most water-resistant of all carpet materials, polypropylene (also known as olefin) is great for basements and other potentially wet areas.
Acrylic – probably the softest of all synthetics, it is known to be a more cost-effective substitute for wool, and easier to maintain.
Polyester – this is the most stain-resistant of the synthetic materials, and also handles moisture pretty well.

If it isn’t synthetic, it’s most likely wool. Wool is the softest, most luxurious carpet material, which is partially why it tends to be the most expensive. It looks great, lasts a long time, and is highly resistant to dirt.

Other General Thoughts

Beyond the type of carpet and the material it’s made from, there are a couple other things to consider. Keep in mind, these are general ideas, and not necessarily universal.

  • The more dense the carpet, the more durable it will be
  • Often, the higher the weight of the carpet face, the higher the quality
  • The more times the carpet fibers are twisted, the better it will do in traffic
  • The higher the PAR rating (Performance, Appearance, Retention) on the scale from 1-5, the more likely the carpet will maintain its original look.

There’s a lot to think about when you buy a carpet. But now that you have a better understanding of styles and materials, just consider how you want the room to feel and what it will be used for, and we know you’ll make a great choice!

If you have questions, or to get an estimate, give Perfect Flooring a call!