Types of Carpets Based on Fibers, Piles, Grade, and Backing

Types of Carpets Based on Fibers

Carpet is a textile product designed for covering floors and has specific characteristics such as durability, resistance towards stains, etc. Carpets can be made up of natural or synthetic materials, which give a different look to the room, so you have to choose the right one according to your requirements and preferences.

This article explains different types of carpets based on various elements and other associated variables. This guide also helps you choose the best carpet based on different factors. Moreover, you will also learn about the advantages and disadvantages of carpets and different types of carpets suitable for different rooms in your home.

Elements of a Carpet

Following are the four major elements of a carpet which serve different purposes:

  • Fibre is the material used for making a carpet; it can be natural or synthetic, and its thickness varies for different carpets.
  • The pile is the fibre arrangement in a carpet, giving each carpet a different look that can be denser or more extended.
  • Grade refers to the carpet’s quality, determined by its fibre, face weight, and construction. It also determines the longevity of a carpet.
  • The backing is the carpet’s backside, which can be a primary backing with attached fibres or a secondary backing, creating a barrier between the carpet and the floor.

Types of Carpets Based on Different Fibers

There are different types of carpet fibres, each with unique characteristics of stain resistance, longevity, durability, etc. Based on the type of fibre used, the following are the types of carpets:

  • Nylon Carpets are synthetic and offer durability, attraction, and affordability. These are stain-resistant, and their colour does not fade away quickly.
  • Polyester Carpets are comfortable, soft and resistant towards stains and moisture with good wearability. These can also be made from recycled materials and are relatively cheaper.
  • Cotton Carpets are very soft and easy to clean but require more maintenance and are expensive due to their organic nature. Their colour can also fade over time.
  • Wool Carpets are made of high-quality natural fibres, making them strong, long-lasting, and dirt and stain-resistant. These carpets are expensive, require high maintenance, and their colour can fade away with time.
  • Sisal Carpets are made up of natural fibres which are rough in appearance yet strong. These carpets offer durability and require less maintenance.
  • Triexta Carpets are synthetic, but their fibres contain 37% corn, making them sustainable and renewable. These carpets are resistant towards mess, durable, soft, dense, and easy to maintain.
  • Olefin/Polypropylene Carpets are synthetic and made of plastic, making them moisture-resistant, sensitive to friction, and slightly waxy when touched.

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Types of Carpets Based on Different Piles

Different textures, heights, and cuts form different carpet piles suitable for various rooms. Following are some of the types of carpets based on the arrangement of piles:

  • Cut Pile Carpets have yarn pieces of a particular height twisted in the form of tufts, giving these carpets a soft, formal, and luxurious look. Some types of cut pile carpets include:
    • Plush Carpets have even short cut piles, making it super smooth.
    • Saxony Carpets have relatively longer fibres with more twisted tufts, making them very comfortable.
    • Frieze Carpets have relatively more twisted tufts, making them denser and thicker look.
  • Loop Pile Carpets involve two connections between the fibre and the backing, giving rise to loops. These carpets are durable and require less maintenance, and some of their types are:
    • Berber Carpets are dense with uncut fibres looped very tightly, making them damage and stains-resistant.
    • High-Low Loop Carpets have variable height loops, creating particular patterns or textures.
    • Cut-and-Loop Pile Carpets involve cut and loop fibres, giving them a fashionable and modern look.
  • Twist Pile Carpets are made of tightly twisted yarn, giving them a coarser look and durability.
  • Upright Pile Carpets involve the yarn pieces arranged uprightly, and their movement can also be observed easily.

Types of Carpets Based on Different Pile Heights

Based on varying pile heights, the following are the classifications of carpets:

  • Low-Pile Carpets are formed of short fibres, which make them easy to maintain.
  • Medium-Pile Carpets are formed of medium-sized fibres, making them comfortable and durable.
  • High Pile/Deep Pile Carpets are made of long fibres and require high maintenance.

Types of Carpets Based on Different Carpet Grades

Carpet grades determine the durability, lifespan, and quality of the carpets, and all these factors play a crucial role in your decision-making regarding the carpets’ selection. Based on different grades, the following are the types of carpets:

  • Low-Grade Carpets are cheaper, lightweight, and have a lifetime ranging from 3 to 5 years.
  • Medium- Grade Carpets are relatively heavier, expensive, and have a lifetime of 6 to 12 years.
  • High- Grade Carpets are very heavy and expensive and last 12 to 20 years due to their high-quality fibres.

Types of Carpets Based on Different Backings

Following are the different types of carpets based on the different backings used in them:

  • Polyurethane Backing Carpets are robust yet affordable and moisture-resistant.
  • Soft Plastic Backing Carpets are made of woven plastic and are gentle on floors, but these are not resistant towards moisture.
  • Jute Backing Carpets are made from natural jute fibres, which give them durability.

Other Carpet Variables to Know

Different variables of carpet determine its feel, price, and quality, such as:

  • Pile Density helps measure the amount of fibres in a cubic yard, indicating the yarn loops and tufts’ closeness. A higher-density carpet offers enhanced durability with more tightly packed fibres.
  • Face Weight is the same as pile density but is measured in ounces, and you should prefer to buy a carpet with more face weight value.
  • Twist Level measures the number of twists in 1-inch fibre strands; more twists in a strand indicate higher carpet durability.
  • The Total Weight of the carpet is measured by including its face weight and backing.
  • PAR (Performance, Appearance, Retention) Rating indicates the carpet’s durability and a better carpet has higher rates.
  • Carpet Padding is a material between carpet and subfloor, and the selection of its material is based on the carpet type, subflooring material, and moisture level of the home.

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Suitable Carpet Types for Different Rooms

Based on your particular needs and preferences, the following types of carpets can be suitable for use in different rooms:

  • Low pile loop carpet is suitable for the living room as high traffic does not subject this carpet to wear and tear. Moreover, it is easy to clean with added durability.
  • A medium or deep-cut pile carpet is feasible for the master bedroom, giving a cosy, soft, and luxurious look.
  • A synthetic carpet with shorter or medium piles has easy maintenance and comfort, making it ideal for kids’ bedrooms.

Advantages of a Carpet

There are different advantages to using carpets for floor covering, such as:

  • These are relatively affordable as compared to tiles or laminating the floors.
  • They give a warm, cosy, and comfortable feeling to the bare feet with their soft fabric.
  • Carpets absorb the ambient sound, giving a quiet atmosphere.
  • They give a stylish and versatile look to the room.
  • They require less maintenance as compared to wooden floors.
  • They act as a cushion and keep you safe in case of any slip or fall.

Disadvantages of a Carpet

On the other hand, carpets also have some disadvantages, such as:

  • An untrained person faces difficulty in installing carpets at home.
  • Poor installation of the carpet voids its warranty.
  • They get worn down with time in a property’s high-traffic area, requiring replacement.
  • They require vacuuming to keep them in decent shape.
  • They need stain treatment, incurring additional maintenance costs.

How to Choose the Best Carpet

There are different factors which you should consider while selecting the best carpet for your room:

  • Check the best option in terms of style and material of the carpet, depending on your budget.
  • Remember the use of the particular room for which you are selecting the carpet, such as for the room with more traffic, you should have an easy-to-clean carpet.
  • Keep a glance at the carpet’s warranty against stains.
  • Inspect the carpet’s density so that you can make a good decision in terms of its quality and durability.
  • Consider your comfort and choose a comfortable carpet for your space.
  • Check for contrast coloured carpet with the paint colour of your room, or you can also consider your room furniture.
  • Focus on the fibre material, twist, density, and weight of the carpet for a quality purchase.
  • Consider the maintenance requirements so you can handle stains easily.
  • Prefer buying low-VOC carpets to make a sustainable and green purchase.

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