What to Consider When
Choosing Cut Pile or Loop Pile Carpet
All carpet types start out as loop pile. During the
manufacturing process, these loops are cut, which creates the various textures
and patterns of the cut pile carpet type. In the process, if some loops are
left uncut while others are cut, the end result is “cut and loop pile”
carpet.
All of these types of carpets are used in residential
settings, but the cut pile types are the most popular among homeowners. Loop pile carpets, such as Berber, have become increasingly
popular. Cut and loop style carpets were very popular in the 70s and 80s but
have declined in popularity since that time.
There are basically
three construction types of carpet to consider:
- Cut
pile
- Loop pile
- Cut
and loop pile
Cut Pile Carpets Include
Several Types:
Plush
The name implies exactly what plush pile carpet entails. It
has a very soft, velvety look and feel. Its rich texture can create a beautiful
setting for an elegant atmosphere and is often used when a more formal situation
is desired.
Because of its very smooth construction and appearance, you
can expect plush carpet to show the imprint of your footsteps and the trail of
the vacuum cleaner. It’s a natural occurrence for this type of carpet.
Plush carpet might be used in a master bedroom or a formal
living area where the foot traffic is not exceptionally heavy for best results.
Plush carpet tends to be more subject to pile reversal or water marking. Water marking is the result of permanent pile
reversal in some areas where heavy foot traffic occurs.
Saxony
This type of carpet is also a cut pile. Saxony
carpet is created by twisting two or more piles and heat setting it so the tip
of each carpet tuft becomes evident on the surface.
The Saxony carpets are a
well-known favorite, bringing an elegant feel to any room. It is especially
popular in a traditional or formal setting.
Carpet technology has brought the durability factor up for
the Saxony carpet, but the consumer should be
aware that this type of carpet will show footprints and vacuum cleaner marks –
it’s just the nature of the carpet style.
Textured
You can find textured carpets in patterns and solid styles.
The textured style is another great choice for high foot traffic because of its
construction of twisted fibers.
Textured carpet works well in any style of décor. It looks
great in casual rooms – from kids’ rooms to living rooms – but it also works
great in more formal settings.
Frieze
Another cut pile carpet, Frieze carpets are constructed with
highly twisted fibers that result in excellent durability for high traffic
areas. The fibers are short and curl in various directions, which easily hides
footprints and vacuum marks. It is often referred to as the “trackless” carpet.
Frieze carpets are
extremely popular and are among the most resilient carpets you can purchase
today. This carpet is also very easy to clean. Your options in Frieze carpets
range from a neat nub to a casual loose look that has become very popular
today.
Many Loop
Pile Carpets Are Also Very Popular Choices:
Berber
This type of loop pile carpet is extremely durable, but was
not a popular choice among homeowners for many years. This is probably because
so many types of cut pile carpets offer a more luxurious feeling. However,
Berbers have increased in popularity over the past years and can be used with
great style in your home.
You will find three types of loop pile carpets on the market
today - level loop, textured loop, and multi-level loop.
Level Loop
Although level loop carpet is used mostly in commercial settings,
some residential Berbers are available for use in your home. The level loop
construction has loops of the same height, often with printed patterns on the
smooth surface. The lower density construction allows the loops to be farther
apart which provides an illusion of texture.
Textured Loop
The textured loop carpet is produced with slight variation
in the loop height which creates patterns and texture. Also, variation in the
color of the fiber enhances the visibility of texture. Textured loop carpet has
become a popular option for homeowners and can offer a beautiful room setting.
Multilevel Loop
Very similar to the textured loop in style, the multilevel
loop carpet offers more pronounced texture with more height variation in the
loops, even without color enhancement.
Cut and Loop Pile
Just as the name suggests, the cut and loop pile carpet is
constructed with a combination of yarns – some loops are cut while others
remain uncut - to create patterns and textures. The most predominate loops are
cut while the uncut loops create the pattern.
Multilevel Cut and Loop
The multilevel cut and loop carpet is not one of the most
popular carpet tiles on today’s market, but there are a few styles still
available. This type of carpet is durable, easily hides stains and soils, and
performs well in the home and also.
Choose the Carpet
that Suits Your Lifestyle
When deciding on your carpet style, it’s a good idea to
assess the needs of your family and consider your lifestyle so you can choose
the carpet type that will provide the most durability and beauty in your home.
There are numerous options for beautiful carpet today, constructed with many
different fibers, patterns, colors, and styles to suit your needs.
About the author:
DirectBuy carries
a large assortment of carpeting and furniture available to you at
wholesale prices. A one-stop shop for all of your home
remodeling needs, DirectBuy has virtually everything –
including the kitchen sink – to make your home remodeling project as easy as
possible.
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