Carpet Styles
Alan Fletcher - Carpet Expert & Consumer
Advocate
PLUSH
This type of carpet is usually one solid color
and has a smooth, even pile height. During manufacturing, the tufts of
this type of carpet are sheared to make the pile perfectly flat. It is the most
popular style used in homes and apartments today. You can find practically any
color imaginable. When made of nylon this type of carpet cleans easily and will
wear well if properly maintained. Plush carpets will show footprints and vacuum
marks. The standard life span of apartment-grade plush carpet (about 26 ounce)
is about 5 years. Higher face weights can increase the life span
significantly.
TEXTURED PLUSH
This plush carpet style often has more than
one color of yarn and has varying tuft heights, thus reducing footprint
and vacuum marks. It comes in many colors and has about the same cost as an even
pile height plush style.
FRIEZE (my favorite)
This style of carpet has very tightly twisted tufts and
wears very well. This style of carpet can last 15 years or more. It is often
used in heavy traffic areas and provides reduced footprint and vacuum marks.
Typically more expensive than plush styles, this would be a durable and elegant
selection for the home.
SCULPTURED
This type of carpet has two types of tufts
used in its construction, one is looped and one is not, which gives this
carpet a hi-low appearance. The color usually varies in shade from light to dark
and is rich in appearance. Not as popular as it was during the 70's and
80's, it is often used in apartments.
SAXONY
A cut pile carpet in a relatively dense erect
configuration, Has well-defined individual tuft tips (this
means it is easy to see each tuft on the surface of the carpet, giving it a
rougher look or appearance). Similar to a plush style.
BERBER (looped)
This has become quite popular in recent years
because of its elegant appearance. The tufts are looped and aligned in
rows for a clean uniform look. When choosing this carpet be sure to select one
with smaller loops to get the best wear. Large looped Berbers tend to
collapse quickly and look worn-out sooner.
I don’t recommend Berber carpet in
apartments or homes with small children or domestic pets as this carpet can snag
and run easily and is difficult to repair. This carpet is usually made of Olefin
fiber but is also available in nylon.
CUT PILE BERBER
This style of Berber is not really a Berber at
all. It does not have loops. It has a similar appearance of a plush style carpet
but has a multicolored appearance, a speckled look. Usually the main color is
light with darker flecks of color throughout.
COMMERCIAL CARPETS
Level loop and cut pile styles
Commercial carpets are generally used in
offices and commercial applications where there is heavy traffic. There are two
types I want to mention. Commercial Level loop has small loops and
Commercial Cut Pile is a short napped plush type of carpet. Both are
usually made of nylon or olefin.
Recent advancements in olefin fibers have
allowed for a carpet with brighter colors and more durability than previously
available. Commercial carpet is usually glued directly to the floor although it
can be installed over 1/4" high-density (6 to 8 pound) padding.
Any looped carpet can easily snag and run, and
for that reason is not often used in residential settings where there are
children or pets. This may be a good choice considering this carpet lasts a long
time and takes a beating! The negative aspect of using commercial carpet is that
this type of carpet is much thinner than non-commercial carpets and is not as
soft underfoot. Learn about Selecting
the Right Carpet Pad
Where to Buy
Carpet?
Alan's
Preferred
Carpet
Dealer Directory
It's
hard to find an honest and reputable carpet dealer! That's why I have created a
special list of hand-picked carpet retailers who I believe are reputable, locally
owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable
staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers.
Don't take chances... See
who I recommend near you!
