How to Choose the Right Carpet for You

Choose the right carpet for you

Choosing a new carpet can be an excellent way for you to tie in the decor of your room. According to “Floor Covering Weekly,” a leading flooring authority, carpet sales account for more purchases in the United States than every other style of flooring combined.

There is good reason for this, as carpets are very inexpensive, decorative, and easy to install! They come in a broad variety of styles and textures, and they act as very powerful sound blockers. Like going around the house barefoot? The carpet is unparalleled in its softness and warmth, especially when compared to other flooring options. Carpet Stretch and Rescue is able to help you pick the right carpet for your home! We have seen and worked with a number of different carpetings when repairing carpet. Here is what you need to know.

Primary Carpet Styles

There are two primary styles of carpet construction, and they are defined by the way the backing is structured.

Loop Pile

The first variety is known as loop pile. This means that the fibers are shaped like tiny loops, which makes the carpet itself very stain-resistant and durable. However, this also means that the carpet has a relatively low profile with limited cushioning.
There are numerous varieties of carpets within this family.

• Level loops, also called Berbers, feature short loops that are ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Multi-level loops give the carpet a patterned texture by alternating loop levels.

Cut Pile

Cut pile carpets will cut the tips of the yarn so that there are no loops. These tend to be much denser and softer than loop piles. This makes them perfect for luxurious applications more than as a cover in areas with heavy traffic. Like their looped pile counterparts, there are several varieties of cut pile to choose from.

• Plush carpet showcases an even and smooth texture to establish a formal appearance.
• Frieze carpet has some of the longest fibers and is known as shag carpet in its most extreme form.

Carpet Fiber Varieties

There are also many different fibers used for carpets. Nylon carpet fibers are among the most popular because of how durable and wear-resistant they are. There are also varieties that are more stain-resistant than others. Olefin is another option to consider. This is a tougher option than nylon, as it is made to withstand mold, mildew, and moisture, but it is not as comfortable for walking. Wool is another premium option, and unique in that it is the only natural fiber used for carpets. It is very durable and resistant to staining, making it ideal as an eco-friendly covering option.

Planning for Quality

No two carpets are ever the same, and there is no universal grading system for overall quality, so it is a good idea to think in practical terms. Weight and density are the biggest considerations for carpets. Weight will indicate the total fibers present, so a heavier carpet implies higher quality. Density showcases how closely packed together the fibers are. The denser they are, the better the carpets will be able to withstand all types of damage. Beware misnomers for certain varieties, as sisal carpets and Persian carpets are actually technically area rugs.

By Carpet Stretch and Rescue 5-22-2019