Varieties & advantages of carpet
There are a variety of different carpet styles, patterns & colors to choose from to satisfy any personal style while matching any possible décor. Here are some other advantages:
If you have any unanswered questions on carpet after reading through this guide, check out our carpet flooring hub, carpet FAQs or browse specific carpet products available at a Flooring America store near you.
- Carpet's cushioned surface absorbs sound and is less noisy to walk on than hard surface flooring.
- When considering affordability, carpet is one of the most economical flooring products to have installed.
- The insulating properties of carpet provide additional warmth underfoot during cold seasons.
- Carpet is a non-slip surface that is safe underfoot and provides a cushion to prevent breakage when delicate items are accidentally dropped.
- Most synthetic carpets are treated with static, stain and soil resistant treatments, making them easy to clean and maintain.
If you have any unanswered questions on carpet after reading through this guide, check out our carpet flooring hub, carpet FAQs or browse specific carpet products available at a Flooring America store near you.
Carpet fibers
To pick the right carpet material, consider how you live in each room. There are four basic types of carpet materials:
Nylon
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.
Polyester
Polyester is known for its luxurious look, feel and wonderful selection of colors and styles. Polyester carpeting has the ideal endurance for homes with a normal amount of traffic.
Olefin
Olefin offers good stain and moisture resistance, but scores below nylon and polyester for wearability It is best suited for loop pile construction or high, very dense cut piles.
Wool
Favored for its natural beauty, wool carpet has natural soil resistance qualities, but is not inherently stain-resistant. As a natural fiber, wool looks good for a long time and is organically well-constructed.
Nylon
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.
Polyester
Polyester is known for its luxurious look, feel and wonderful selection of colors and styles. Polyester carpeting has the ideal endurance for homes with a normal amount of traffic.
Olefin
Olefin offers good stain and moisture resistance, but scores below nylon and polyester for wearability It is best suited for loop pile construction or high, very dense cut piles.
Wool
Favored for its natural beauty, wool carpet has natural soil resistance qualities, but is not inherently stain-resistant. As a natural fiber, wool looks good for a long time and is organically well-constructed.
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Carpet construction
Consider how you live in each room —you might need more stain-resistant carpeting for dining rooms, but can afford to opt for a plush high-pile carpet in the bedroom. If you have kids, pets, and high traffic areas or entertain a lot, you will want to choose a carpet with stain resistance. The desire to protect your home with quality stain resistance won't limit your choice of carpet styles and colors.
The primary factor in determining stain resistance is carpet fiber type: nylon, polyester, olefin or wool. Beyond fiber type, most manufacturers apply post-production stain protection treatments to enhance the natural stain resistant properties of any fiber.
Ask your Flooring America Sales Professional for assistance in making a flooring choice to suit your lifestyle. And, be sure to reference our Five Star Selection System to help guide you to the right level of warranty protection.
Textures
Carpet texture refers to how the fibers of the carpet are attached to the backing of the carpet. Primarily, there are three different types of carpet texture.
Cut Pile
Cut pile carpet consists of yarns that are cut at the ends. The soft feel of cut pile carpet makes it a perfect choice for the most comfortable areas of your home - bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms.
There are five basic styles of cut pile carpet: Velvet, Saxony, Frieze, Shag, and Cable, each provide a different look and texture.
The primary difference among these styles is the amount of twist in the yarns that will ultimately influence the carpet's durability. Textured cut pile carpets are currently trending with fibers of uneven lengths providing a fuller, more textured appearance.
Loop
Loop carpet has yarns that are looped and uncut on the carpet surface. The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has, strength and soil hiding capabilities.
This style is ideal for heavy traffic areas. Berber carpet is the most popular style of loop carpet that can be constructed with level-loops or multi-level loops.
Cut-Loop
As the name suggests, this carpet has a combination of high cut tufts and lower loops in a variety of sculptured patterns. Cut-loop carpets offer good performance but are slightly less durable than loop carpets.
The primary factor in determining stain resistance is carpet fiber type: nylon, polyester, olefin or wool. Beyond fiber type, most manufacturers apply post-production stain protection treatments to enhance the natural stain resistant properties of any fiber.
Ask your Flooring America Sales Professional for assistance in making a flooring choice to suit your lifestyle. And, be sure to reference our Five Star Selection System to help guide you to the right level of warranty protection.
Textures
Carpet texture refers to how the fibers of the carpet are attached to the backing of the carpet. Primarily, there are three different types of carpet texture.
Cut Pile
Cut pile carpet consists of yarns that are cut at the ends. The soft feel of cut pile carpet makes it a perfect choice for the most comfortable areas of your home - bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms.
There are five basic styles of cut pile carpet: Velvet, Saxony, Frieze, Shag, and Cable, each provide a different look and texture.
The primary difference among these styles is the amount of twist in the yarns that will ultimately influence the carpet's durability. Textured cut pile carpets are currently trending with fibers of uneven lengths providing a fuller, more textured appearance.
Loop
Loop carpet has yarns that are looped and uncut on the carpet surface. The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has, strength and soil hiding capabilities.
This style is ideal for heavy traffic areas. Berber carpet is the most popular style of loop carpet that can be constructed with level-loops or multi-level loops.
Cut-Loop
As the name suggests, this carpet has a combination of high cut tufts and lower loops in a variety of sculptured patterns. Cut-loop carpets offer good performance but are slightly less durable than loop carpets.
Dye methods
There are two popular methods for dying carpet; both methods offer great color:
Solution-Dyed
The fiber is dyed before the fiber are woven. This method gives the carpet stronger stain and fade resistance, along with resistance to harsh cleaning agents, such as bleach.
Continuous-Dyed
This method is completed during the post-tufting process and most suitable for woven carpet. It is a process that achieves solid colors.
Solution-Dyed
The fiber is dyed before the fiber are woven. This method gives the carpet stronger stain and fade resistance, along with resistance to harsh cleaning agents, such as bleach.
Continuous-Dyed
This method is completed during the post-tufting process and most suitable for woven carpet. It is a process that achieves solid colors.
Color selection
Think of your floor as the fifth wall that connects all other design elements in the room. Consider the walls, window treatments and other furnishings when choosing a color scheme. Bring fabric and color samples when you visit our store, where our flooring experts will assist you.
All these elements make a difference in how your floor will look. Don't forget to check out Installation to learn all about the little details that make a big difference when transitioning from old floors to new.
All these elements make a difference in how your floor will look. Don't forget to check out Installation to learn all about the little details that make a big difference when transitioning from old floors to new.
Types & styles of carpet... need more help?
Between fiber type, texture, color and necessary carpet padding there is a lot to consider when selecting the right carpet for your home. Use our My Design Finder tool to select a style that fits your lifestyle or reach out to your local Flooring America for more information on the best carpet options for you.
