Loop Pile
Loop pile carpets are typically very durable and are usually a wise choice for high-traffic areas. There are some caveats, however!
Berber
Berber carpets look like and are named after a handmade bulky wool carpet made by the Berber tribes of North Africa and Asia. They are increasing in popularity faster than any other type of carpet. The loops are made from thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres providing high durability and a luxurious cushioned effect underfoot. They can be either level loop of multilevel loop. The loops can be vunerable to pulling from pets claws which will snag easily!
Multi Level Loop
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 - but the loops can however be vunerable to pulling from pets claws, again.
Level Loop
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.
Cut Pile
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.
Saxony
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.
Frieze
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, yielding a somewhat informal look.
Twist
Twisted carpets are one of the most popular types of carpet in the UK. The yarn is tightly twisted to give a defined, textured surface and heat set. The result is a versatile finish that is extremely hard wearing and less likely to show footprints or vacuum marks. Twist carpets are ideal for plain colours, but come in two different styles: plain or heathered (slightly mottled). Heathered carpet is perfect for busier areas in your home as marks are less likely to show. It's a hardwearing carpet, and so suitable for most areas in your home, including halls, stairs, landings and living room.
Velvet
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.
Cut & Loop
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.
Shag Pile
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.
Woven Carpet
Woven carpets are amongst the finest most luxury carpets on the market, used for prestigious installations. The traditional method of making these carpets is perfect for patterns – an up and coming trend. Due to the intensive manufacturing process these carpets are at the higher end in price.
Axminster
The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts that give a velvety surface. This process firmly locks in the fibre creating both a highly durable carpet and luxury finish. This traditional process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used providing great versatility.
Wilton
The production process of a Wilton carpet is very similar to that of the Axminster – the principle difference being that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through. The fibres can then be cut to create a range of cut and loop textured effects. This is the oldest method of carpet weaving and makes Wilton carpets unrivalled in quality, luxury and durability.
Flat Weave
Manufactured in the same way as Wilton carpets, flat weave is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to create a flatter, more textured effect.