Carpet Grades, Types, and Styles

There are many choices of carpet available to the buyer today.  It is advisable before purchasing the carpet to first learn what grades, types, and styles are available. Carpet is most commonly found in two types of construction:  loop pile and cut pile. Each construction offers various styles to choose from.  Also, there are many different fiber types available.

Loop Pile carpets

In loop pile construction, the loops remain uncut making them visible. This provides durability in construction and is classed as a good “all-purpose” grade. The styles obtainable are level loop, multi-level loop, and cut and loop.

1. Level Loop

Level Loop carpet consists of packed short looped fibers. This construction provides durability for high traffic areas but due to the height of the fibers, the seams are more visible than the cut pile type.

2. Multi-Level Loop

Various textures and patterns are created in the construction of this carpet by varying the heights of the loops.

3. Cut and Loop

This style is a combination of loop pile fibers and cut pile. The mixture gives a textured appearance and good durability for high traffic areas. It also hides dirt and stains as well.

Cut Pile

The fiber used, the density of the tufts and the twist of the yarn gives this type of carpet high durability. The four popular styles to choose from are textured plush, Saxony, cable, and frieze. This style is great for hiding dirt since it uses low-density fibers of uneven heights, however, it will not hold up well in high traffic areas.

1. Textured plush

The textured style consists of low-density fibers of uneven heights and is great for hiding dirt but not suited for high traffic areas. The plush feature gives a smooth and even finish with a more formal appearance.

2. Saxony

This style is constructed with twisted fibers longer than the untwisted textured plush style. Even though this is the most popular style of carpet on the market, it tends to leave footprints and other marks.

3. Cable

This style is made with longer and thicker fibers providing a softer feel when walked on.

4. Frieze

Frieze construction consists of long fibers with more twists than other styles, giving an informal appearance. It is good at hiding footprints and other marks but not suited for high traffic areas. This style is basically a shag with shorter piles.

Fiber Types

1. Nylon

Since nylon carpeting is very durable with resistance to wear and tear, it is the most popular fiber type. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6 are the two kinds of nylon used in carpet making. 60% of all carpeting sold in the United States are made of nylon. It is not stained-resistant but can be treated to resist stain.  Another disadvantage is that it will fade if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

2. Polyester

Since polyester is less costly than other fibers, it is increasing in popularity. It is less resilient than nylon fiber and more apt to show damage and it will fade. It has a soft feel if constructed with a thick-cut pile.

 3. Olefin

Olefin fiber is less likely to fade as nylon but is not as resilient. Since this fiber is resistant to wear, tear, and mold, it is ideal for use outdoors. The downside is that it is uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet and the seams may be more visible than other fibers.

 4. Wool

The benefits of wool carpeting are high durability, stain and dirt resistance, and feels good against bare feet. The downside is the cost. since it is the only natural fiber used in carpet production, it is the most expensive.

5. Acrylic

Acrylic looks and feels similar to wool-based carpets but the cost is much less.  Acrylic is not highly used in carpets but is good at resisting mold, mildew, and static electricity.

6. Blends

Blends of wool and nylon or olefin and nylon are used to improve the look and feel and add to durability.

Fiber Construction

1. Nylon

The fiber construction determines the durability of a carpet.

1. Bulked Continuous Filament

BCF is yarn made from one strand of fiber. To add to the bulk, the texture is added to the yarn. This helps to make the twist more permanent, increasing the life of the carpet and adding durability.

2. Staple

The fibers in staple construction are made into short pieces of yarn, which causes shedding requiring frequent vacuum cleaning.

3. Twist

To strengthen the final carpet, fibers are twisted around the additional fiber, making it more resistant to wear, matting, and texture changes.

4. Heat Setting

For added strength, the heat setting secures the twist, keeping it from unraveling.

5. Tufting

Tufting is a process of pushing fibers through needles and tufted to the backing. The density is determined by the amount of yarn and how close the tufts are.

Density

The higher the density the better the quality.  To check the density, run a finger through the pile to feel for the backing. If the backing cannot be felt easily, it has a good density.