Carpet Types

Carpet Construction Types How long a carpet will retain it's 'like new look' texture and appearance is based on the type of fibre, how tight the yarns are twisted, and the pile density. The proximity of how close individual tufts are to one another, will also affect the durability of the carpet. Below is a brief overview of the most common carpet construction types.
	SAXONY Smooth, soft cut-pile surface Versatile in performance & in appearance Works well with traditional rooms Used a lot in formal areas	Saxonies are tightly twisted cut piles that are heat set straight. Saxonies consist of two or more fibres twisted together in a yarn. They provide a soft texture. Saxonies have a tendency to show footprints and vacuum-cleaner marks.
	TEXTURED SAXONY Textured surface helps hide footprints Great casual appearance Extremely popular style Ideal for active families, used in any room	Textures are the best-selling carpets and work well in informal areas (such as family rooms and children's bedrooms) because of its soft feel. Textures are tightly twisted and the texture is heat set. They have a multi-coloured look that disguises tracks.
	VELVETS Fine, tip sheared surface Elegant style, very formal Not as popular as some of the other styles	Velvets/Plushes are lightly twisted and have a uniform colour. They are softer and more level than textures. This type of carpet is ideal for formal areas (such as formal living rooms and master bedrooms), because of its luxurious appearance. Velvets/Plushes have a tendency to show footprints and vacuum-cleaner marks.
	FRIEZE Textured surface, with knobbly appearance Extremely durable, and long wearing Great for active rooms Not as popular as some of the other styles	Frieze is a highly twisted cut pile carpet suited for high traffic areas. It has short fibres that tend to curl in different directions at the surface to hide footprints and vacuum marks.
	CUT AND LOOP Distinctive carved appearance Produces a variety of surface levels Multi-colours helps hide stains, and traffic Can really spice up a room Fits a variety of room settings	Cut and loop pile combines cut and looped fibres. It provides a variety of surface textures or sculptured effects. Cut and loop pile carpets are available in solid or multiple colours. The different levels in this type of carpet can hide dirt and footprints.
	MULTI-LEVEL LOOP Several different levels of loops Creates a unique looking pattern effect Has a casual appearance Very durable, hides traffic well	Multi-level loop pile is like level loop pile except that the loop heights vary (usually two to three different loop heights). This carpet creates an appearance of random texture. This type of carpet is good for high traffic areas but the smaller loops can sometimes hold more dirt.
	LEVEL LOOP Loops are all the same height Usually made with Olefin fibre Casual appearance, but extremely durable Great for active family rooms.	Level loop pile is made by weaving even loops of yarn into carpet backing at both ends. This type of carpet is very strong and track resistant because of its strong loops. Higher loops create a more luxurious appearance. Level loop piles with short and densely packed loops are easy to clean. They prevent dirt from filtering into carpet. This type of carpet is ideal for high traffic areas.


Special Note About Berbers: Berbers are really big loop piles made from big thick/bulky yarns that are either produced in a level loop, or multi-level loop carpet construction. Berbers are increasing in popularity faster than any other type of carpet. Berbers limit footprints and vacuum tracks. These loops can retain dirt and may be damaged from snags. Berbers come in expensive wool fibres, or less expensive nylon, olefin, or nylon-olefin fibres.