When it comes to learning more about carpet, a great place to start is understanding the different types. There are five common types of carpet on the market today: loop carpet, pattern carpet, frieze carpet, plush carpet, and texture carpet.
Each of these types of carpets has a one-of-a-kind construction that determines what the carpet looks like, how durable it is, and more. In this article we explain each type of carpet to help you understand the different pile types and ultimately choose the type of carpet that is the best option for your home.
Loop carpet consists of yarns that are looped and uncut on the carpet surface. The pile height can vary from low, tightly constructed to a more luxurious high-level pile. Loop carpet has strength and inherent soil hiding capabilities. Its shadings also resist traffic patterns, while making colors appear rich. This carpet type is ideal for heavy traffic areas.
A combination of high cut tufts and lower loops create a variety of sculpted patterns. Patterned carpet is often tough and durable, offering good performance in areas that see a lot of activity. Patterned carpet also adds a dimension of texture within a room and hides traffic patterns.\
Friezes are often called 'Twists' and include Shags and Cables; which are extreme versions of a Frieze. Highly twisted yarns give frieze carpets a contemporary look and make them a smart choice for any active part of your home. Best of all, they're less likely to show vacuum marks or footprints than other cut pile styles.
Plush carpet is sometimes called velvet because of the velvet or velour appearance usually obtained by using high-density construction. This type of carpet provides a more formal appearance than other cut pile constructions. A plush carpet has a dense, deep pile. They are subject to revealing vacuum cleaner sweeper marks and footprints due to light reflection. Delustred (non-shiny) yarns may reduce this shade variation.
Textured cut piles also may be called “trackless” or “foot-print free”. These names describe the tendency of this construction to show fewer footprints and sweeper marks than other cut pile constructions. These constructions are obtained by a kinked or curled yarn. This curling of the fiber reduces light reflectance, thus reducing the appearance of footprints.
