What type of carpet texture do you like?

Fine Carpet & Flooring

Learning about Different Textures

By Amy Renken

Earlier in the week, we covered lots of information regarding the different types of fibers that carpet is made of. Now, we take those fibers and make them into different textures to form the different carpets. There are numerous textures you can choose from when searching for carpet. Just like the different fibers, some textures are harder to clean than others, which is something you need to consider before deciding what carpet to get and where to put it.

All carpet begins as a loop pile-which looks exactly as it sounds. Then these loops are cut to create different appearances and textures. One major aspect to consider when looking at different textures of carpet is color. Are you getting a lighter colored carpet that’s neutral toned? Or perhaps a darker colored carpet to hide some of those stains. Whichever it is, it’s important to understand that each texture will change the way the color appears in different lighting.

So, what are these different textures we’re eluding to?

We’ll start with plush carpet. Plush is a cut pile carpet where all of the loops are cut at the same height to be twisted in the same direction. This carpet tends to give off a luxurious appearance and is extremely soft.

There is also textured plush which is similar to plush, but instead of the loops being twisted in the same direction-they’re twisted in different angles. This is a carpet that will reflect color differently in different lighting because of all the different angles-but depending on your taste, it could create an incredibly visually appealing floor.

Frieze is a different texture being formed of high twist leveled plied yarns. The way these loops are cut and twisted creates a very unique appearance. Frieze textures are also extremely durable and can hide footprints and other marks that would be made in high traffic areas.

When it comes time to pick out your new carpet, consider all textures for different areas to create different looks among every room in your home. Always think about the amount of traffic the carpet will get because that will determine how often you need to have it cleaned.

Cleaning different carpet fibers isn't easy.

Carpet Fibers

What Are Carpet Fibers?

There are many different types of carpet to choose from, each with their own advantages. It’s important to understand the different carpet fibers and textures before you choose the carpet that’s going to cover your floor. So, how do you know what’s going to work best in your house with your lifestyle?  

First, let’s talk about carpet fibers. What does “fiber” mean? Fiber is the carpet material itself. The fibers that a carpet are made out of are going to tell you what sort of absorbency the carpet has, how easily it is to remove stains, what areas it would fit best in, etc. Carpet fibers are going to be made from either natural materials (wool) or synthetic materials (nylon, polypropylene, polyester, triexta, recycled fibers).

What do each of these fibers offer? Let’s touch on a few of them.

Nylon is the most common carpet material that is used nowadays. Being the most durable and strongest synthetic material, it is extremely stain resistant making it easiest to clean and maintain-which makes it ideal for high traffic areas.

Polypropylene (also known as Olefin) is also a synthetic material and second most popular next to Nylon due to its moisture and stain resistance. Although it also has an incredible wool-like feel, without the cost of wool fibers.

Moving on to polyester, another durable carpet fiber that is extremely stain resistant-although not as durable as nylon. The biggest advantage to polyester, in our opinion, is its non-allergenic characteristics.  

Lastly, let’s talk about wool. Wool, while costly, offers excellent resilience and durability. Being a natural material, wool is naturally stain resistant-even more so than any of the synthetic options.

So, when you’re thinking about installing new carpet in your home-remember there are quite a few things to consider! Don’t forget to keep up with us to learn more tips about choosing carpet and cleaning it!  For expert cleaning of all fibers call or visit     www.thesteamteam.com