Carpet Buying Guide
Carpet Construction Guide
Not only will the carpet construction add to the design element of your room, it can determine the longevity of your carpet. From variations of plush to loop piles, there are many differences in textures and cuts depending on what you want. Based on construction, you can see benefits of designs that hide stains or cuts that wear down slowly and therefore last longer. This carpet guide to construction choices will give you the necessary information to make an educated decision on the carpets you choose.
Shop by Construction
Level Loop Pile
Loops of yarn create a stylish finish with a soft, smooth feel and can have a range of distinctive patterns created by a combination of higher and lower loops.
Cut Pile
Cut pile carpets are manufactured by cutting the yarn loops which produces an upright pile that has a more luxurious, formal look than loop pile.
Saxony
Saxony carpet is made of twisted carpet fibres that stand up straight with a cut loop pile; the pile is weaved incredibly densely in order to create a soft carpet fibre and provide superior comfort underfoot.
Textured and Frieze
Textured carpet has a pile that is twisted and crimped to create a multi-toned look that hides footprints but retains a soft feel. Ideal for casual living spaces with moderate to heavy traffic. Frieze carpets are similar, usually durable and elegant, and can be used anywhere in the home.
Cut and Loop Pile
These carpets have a combination of cut and looped yarns and can create sculptured effects such as squares, swirls etc. Many different patterns can be achieved in a wide range of styles.
Berber
Berber in a low pile loop carpet is usually tightly woven and hard-wearing. Chunky loops of different sizes can be present, and it’s excellent for high-traffic areas. Expect to see level or multi-level loop construction. Available in manmade or wool fibres.
Shag
Shag carpet is characterized by a long cut pile and low density, deep texture and shaggy appearance. It is a long pile variation of textured/frieze carpet. Great as a custom area rug.
Fibre Type
Wool
Wool is spun from sheep’s fleece and is the most common natural fibre used for broadloom-style carpet. Wool carpets offer exceptional durability and resilience. Wool carpet resists staining and cleans well. It is one of the most luxurious carpet fibres.
Triexta
A notable characteristic of triexta carpet is its strength. It’s also naturally resistant to stains, as the fibre does not absorb moisture. Triexta is relatively soft compared to other fibres such as polyester and nylon.
Nylon
Nylon is made from petroleum. The resulting fibre is extremely strong, elastic, abrasion-resistant and lustrous. Since nylon is not particularly stain-resistant, most nylon carpets are treated for stain and soil resistance.
Polyester/Olefin
If you’re looking for a lower-cost option that still has many benefits, polyester is a great choice. Its appealing characteristics include stain resistance. Some types of polyester are environmentally friendly — made from recycled materials.
Sisal
Sisal carpet fibre is obtained from the agave plant, which grows in subtropical regions. It has natural anti-static properties and is a durable fibre. Seagrass is used in a similar way.
Comparing Carpet Fibers
There are four basic fibers that are used to manufacture carpets today, and they all have unique qualities and strengths. Better still, they all make excellent carpets. Ultimately, your choice should be determined by the characteristics that are most important to you and your home. Although some carpets are made of blends, most are made entirely of one of the following four fibers:
| Nylon | Polyester | Triexta | Polypropylene | |
| Style Options | Excellent | Good | Fair | Fair |
| Colour Options | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
| Soil Resistance | Excellent | Fair | Fair | Poor |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Texture Retention | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
Pile Thickness & Height
Thickness/Density
A carpet’s density refers to how close a carpet’s fibres are condensed and is a critical part of determining a carpet’s durability. Heavy-traffic homes or rooms benefit from carpets with higher density, as they can better withstand the force and wear better over time.
Thick
– Tightly packed fibers resist soil and spills.
– Gives a sleeker, modern look
– Feels comfortable and Denser carpet is more durable.
Medium
– Looser fibers look more casual.
– Resists damage better than thin carpet.
– Good for moderate-traffic areas.
Thin
– Can provide a cleaner, sleeker look.
– Most affordable option.
– Good for low-traffic areas.
Height/Pile
Carpets with short pile will ultimately wear more evenly than carpets with high pile, which makes them great for hallways, entryways or a high-traffic family room. However, carpets with higher pile feel softer than a shorter pile.
High – 1″ or Higher
– Longer fibers can feel looser yet comfortable.
– Tall pile gives a more casual look.
– Crushes more easily than short pile carpets.
– Low-traffic areas, like bedrooms or family rooms.
Medium – Less than 1″
– Medium height feels slightly plush.
– Holds up to traffic better than tall pile.
– Good for bedrooms and living rooms.
– Medium-to high-traffic areas, will work for most rooms.
Low – Less than 0.5″
– Short height is sleeker, feels modern.
– Versatile; can look formal or casual.
– Best for high-traffic areas Good for living rooms, halls, dens.
– High-traffic areas, like dining rooms and hallways.
Carpet Underpad
The underpad for your carpet is important in providing a support structure and comfort to your rug. Different carpet pile thicknesses, materials and heights require a different underpad height to be most effective. For short pile carpets, using a thinner underpad will provide a firmer foundation than a thicker one. The density — or weight — of the underpad will be a large factor in how long your carpet lasts. Generally, 6- to 8-pound (per cubic foot) pads will give your carpet longevity and won’t differ much in cost.
Why Choose Carpet?
Softness, comfort, texture, colour … there are countless reasons to love carpet. Consider the following scenarios:
Stepping out of bed each morning — that welcoming touch of warmth is a perfect start to your day
Stretching on the floor to play a game with your kids and feeling the softness cushioning every move
The first steps of a newborn and the cushion that awaits the inevitable fall
The beauty of a pattern, texture or colour providing a foundation for all of your day’s activities
Carpet is an integral and valuable part of most of our homes. Although we love the beauty of other floors such as hardwood, laminate, tile and resilient luxury vinyl flooring, we also know and love all the great benefits of carpet.
Here are just a few:
Soft, luxurious comfort: There is nothing quite like carpet for a soft place to play, sit and work.
Warmth: You’ll feel the warmth with every step — especially that first step out of bed each morning. You’ll also feel the general, inviting, intangible warmth that a room with carpet provides.
Beautiful, stunning design: Carpet could be an incredible design element to the room. Whether you choose a striking colour, pattern or texture, it can serve as the foundation of a room’s entire design.
Unlimited colours: Colour is an important aspect of self-expression and design. Your options are limitless to create the look that is uniquely you.
Helps you breathe easier: Multiple scientific studies conclude that carpet fibres trap and immobilize potential allergy-causing particulates from being in the air stream.
Softens slips and falls: Regardless of age — from the young to the elderly — there are great benefits to having slip-resistant carpet in your home to minimize slips and cushion falls, if they occur.
Reduces noise: Carpet combined with carpet cushioning serves as a tremendous noise-reducer in your home.
A durable solution: With today’s technology, carpets are a durable and sound investment for even the busiest of homes.
Incredible value: You can get all the great benefits at a price that can meet any budget.
Go ahead and fall head over heels for your carpet. We know you’ll love the soft, comfortable landing.
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