Level Loop Pile is made by weaving even loops of yarn into carpet backing at both ends. This type of carpet is very durable and track resistant as well as having a natural, casual appearance even when made from synthetic fibres. Higher loops create a more luxurious appearance. Level loop piles with short and densely packed loops are easy to clean and so offer a good blend between luxury and practicality. This type of carpet is ideal for high traffic areas. The loops can be vunerable to pulling from pets claws etc.
Multi-level Loop Pile is like level loop pile except that the loop heights vary (usually two to three different loop heights) creating an informal, random textured apperance. This type of carpet is very forgiving for marks and stains and therefore ideal for high traffic areas and family rooms. The loops can be vunerable to pulling from pets claws etc.
These carpets combine fibres that have been cut with ones that have been looped. This provides great scope for creating surface textures and patterns in both solid and multiple colours. The multi-level finish is excellent for hiding footprints and stains making it ideal for high traffic areas.
Saxony Carpets are tightly twisted cut piles that are heat-set straight. They consist of two or more fibres twisted together in a yarn. The tips of the fibres remain very distinct, rather than blending together creating a soft texture and elegant finish. Saxonies show every footprint and vacuum-cleaner mark so are ideally suited to more occasional rooms in the home. Choosing a more textured variation will improve the practicality. These carpets have medium durability.
The best-selling type of carpet is textured cut pile. Cutting looped carpet fibres at the top creates cut pile with yarn bundles standing straight. Cut pile is less resistant to crushing than other types of carpet.
Velvet Carpets (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) have a sheared surface pile giving a smooth, soft, luxurious finish. The yarn contains very little twist enabling the ends to blend together, further enhancing the overall finish. Velvet carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. They are a beautiful luxury – but perhaps best kept to occasional rooms.
Frieze (pronounced free-say) is a highly, tightly twisted cut pile carpet with a dense, low pile surface. Its coarse, pebbly texture is very durable and perfectly suited for high traffic areas. The short fibres tend to curl in different directions at the surface hiding footprints, dust and vacuum marks.
Shag Pile is making a come back from the 70’s. The pile can be up to 50mm long and casual in texture, creating a truly deep, luxurious feel. The surface flattens easily and can lack durability.