Carpet is one of the many choices of home flooring available. But there’s far more to choosing carpet than just the colour, style, or pattern. Your choice of carpet can impact the aesthetics and durability. Our essential homeowner’s guide to the different types of carpet explores the available choices.
An introduction to carpets
Carpet is a popular home flooring that has been a staple choice in homes for many years. A textile flooring, carpet can be made from natural or synthetic materials, allowing for much greater flexibility. However, most carpets today are made using synthetic nylon fibres.
Generally, carpets consist of an upper pile layer attached to a backing. The upper pile layer consists of fibres that are twisted together to form strands using a process called plying. These strands are then sewn to the backing layer to provide structural stability.
With most carpets now made from nylon, there is a much greater design choice. As such, carpets are available in various styles, textures, compositions, widths, and colours. This means that finding the perfect carpet to suit your design needs is much easier than it used to be.
Many of the carpets available tend to be wall-to-wall (sometimes referred to as broadloom or fitted carpets). These come in long, wide rolls that are fitted to the floor in one piece. Carpet fitters placed around the room keep the carpet stretched and in place.
While this does result in more waste, higher cost, and more complicated installation, the broadloom carpet offers a seamless finish with unmatched design versatility. Carpet tiles are an alternative to broadloom carpets. These come pre-cut in squares, allowing for faster and easier installation. There’s also less wastage while allowing more versatile laying patterns and designs.
What are the benefits of carpet in the home?
There are many benefits to using carpets in the home. From comfort to its aesthetic appeal, here are the benefits you can gain:
- Warmth and comfort – one of the biggest benefits of opting for carpet is that it provides warmth and comfort. Not only is carpet much more comfortable to walk, stand, or sit on compared to other flooring, but it keeps the room warmer for longer during colder weather.
- Reduces noise – carpet is better at absorbing sound than other floors, making it ideal for reducing noise levels in your home.
- Aesthetic appeal – another reason to choose carpet is the aesthetic appeal. Whatever your interior requirements, the variety of carpet designs available will help you to create a home space to cherish.
- Improve air quality – the carpet fibres are ideal for retaining airborne dust particles and allergens, helping to improve air quality. This is ideal for anyone suffering from asthma or allergies.
- Versatile designs – as nylon carpet fibres are sewn onto the backing layer, there is much more opportunity for different colours, textures, and styles.
- Reduces slips and falls – carpets help to reduce the risk of falls and slips from any spillages on the floor, improving safety. The cushioning from carpets also helps reduce the risk of injury, making carpets an ideal flooring choice for infants and the elderly.
- Simple cleaning and maintenance – keeping carpets clean and tidy is simple, only requiring a weekly vacuum.
What are the different types of carpets?
Carpet types can split into two main categories: tufted and woven.
Tufted carpets account for the majority of available carpets and involve poking cut or looped carpet fibres through the backing. Woven carpets involve weaving the pile and backing yarn together.
Tufted carpet types
Berber
Berber is one style of tufted carpet which gets its name from the style of handmade loop that originates from North Africa. Usually made from wool, this carpet is a popular choice for landings and stairs due to its hardwearing nature.
This type of tufted carpet is ideal for cleaning up spillages, provided it’s wiped up quickly. That’s because any liquids will usually sit on the surface to begin with. If left, the liquid will soak into the fibres, causing stains. Berber carpets are not suited for homes with pets.
Saxony
Saxony is another type of tufted carpet. This carpet type has a much longer cut pile construction. The fibres are also twisted to provide a more luxurious aesthetic. Saxony carpets have sheared loops that stand upright, making this carpet type extra soft.
If you want a classic look on your carpet, Saxony is the ideal choice. The classic look, combined with its extreme durability, makes this a top carpet contender. This type of carpet is better suited for the bedroom due to its soft and comfortable feel.
Twist
As the name suggested, the fibres of this carpet have a twisted construction. This allows for an extremely hardwearing carpet that is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs, and living rooms. Also, this carpet is resistant to flattening underfoot, allowing it to retain its appearance.
Even in the long term, you can expect a twist carpet to maintain its plush feel, appearance, and shape. Whatever room you add twist carpet to, you can be sure it will last without any comprises on style or comfort. The soft underfoot feeling also adds to this carpet’s qualities.
Velvet
Velvet is another type of carpet that offers rich colours and dense textures for a truly opulent choice. While traditionally made with pure wool, many velvet carpets today are mostly made with a wool (80) and nylon (20) blend. This adds to the carpet’s durability.
The name itself refers to the weave, rather than the material. With a smooth and soft finish, velvet carpets are an ideal choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. This carpet type is also pet and family-friendly.
Woven carpet types
Axminster
Axminster is one type of woven carpet where the backing and pile yard are woven together, creating a U-shaped tuft. The pile is woven and cut to length, providing a velvet surface. As such, Axminster carpets are durable and luxurious while offering multiple colour choices.
Axminster carpets can offer intricate design patterns. This carpet type is usually made from wool, making it a durable option. Axminster carpets are renowned for combining performance with luxury, making them an ideal option for anyone wanting to add striking designs to their home.
Wilton
Wilton is another type of woven carpet that is produced in a similar method to Axminster. However, Wilton carpets have a continuous fibre that is woven throughout. Shearing the carpet allows for different cut and loop textured effects.
Wilton carpets can have up to 5 different colours per pattern, with different looped or cut pile patterns available. By using different yarn types, Wilton carpets can provide varying textures on the carpet surface. Unlike Axminster, Wilton carpets tend not to have patterns.
Flat weave
One more type of woven carpet is flat weave. As the name suggests, flat weave carpets have a flatter pile. Despite using the same manufacturing technique as Wilton, it uses a loop pile over a wider area. The result is a flatter and more textured appearance.
As a result, flat weave carpets are an ideal choice for use in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, landings, and stairs. The striking patterns available with this carpet type can make ideal stair runners. Unlike other carpet types, flat weaves do not have a backing and are reversible.
If you would like to help in choosing the ideal home flooring or need a contractor to carry out an installation, get in touch with our expert team. At E&M Services, we have vast experience and expertise in supplying and installing all kinds of flooring. With our vast knowledge, we can help you choose the most suited flooring for your home space.