Carpet
Although hard surface is very popular, carpet still has its place for many. There are many different styles of carpet, as well as fibers used. The different styles are really just a matter of personal preference and what feels good under your foot.
Carpet Styles:
Cut Pile carpets are the most used residential carpet style. To make this they trim off the loop ends. This style tends to be denser, even and smoother and softer than loop pile.
Saxony has a smooth finish, but the fibers are longer and twisted. Longer fibers mean footprints linger and furniture creates dents.
Textured cut pile has fibers of uneven lengths to create a rougher surface texture.
Frieze has long fibers and shag carpet is an example of longer frieze.
Loop pile means the fibers are bent into little loops. It’s a very durable but has a low profile and limited cushioning.
Level loop (aka Berber) has short loops that are great high-traffic areas.
Multi-level loops has loops of varying height to give a carpet a patterned texture.
Carpet fibers:
Wool is the premier carpeting and the only natural fiber made into carpets. It’s durable and stain-resistant, ecofriendly but expensive.
Nylon is soft, durable, resistant to wear makes it the most popular carpet fiber. But more expensive than other synthetic carpets Polyester (PET)- resistant to fading and is eco-friendly. Good for low traffic or residential areas
Polypropylene (Olefin) is resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew and makes a good carpet for basements and outdoors. It’s tougher than nylon but not as comfortable to walk on. Triexta (PTT)is the newest carpet fiber on the market. Soft, ecofriendly but mostly known for being extremely water and stain resistant without additional stain repellants added. Currently, its only available through Mohawk.