Qualities of Carpet

Hand-Tufted Carpets

• Hand-tufted carpets are not woven by hand, but with the use of a tufting gun. The tufts or groups of yarn are shot through and pulled from the surface of the carpet foundation to form a loop strand. The machine keeps an accurate measure of the loops so they are smooth and even. These carpets, which can be made with natural or synthetic fiber, are best known for their durability. They are often treated and stain resistant, so may be used indoors or out.

Loop Pile Carpets

• Loop pile carpets have a series of uncut loops of fiber on the surface of the carpet. They can be woven by hand or machine, but the weaving creates a definite design. The designs can be intricate or plain. Loop pile carpets can be made with natural or synthetic fiber; either way, they are easy to clean, but synthetic fiber is easier to clean than natural fiber. A popular loop pile carpet is the Berber carpet, which withstands wear in high-traffic areas.

Cut Pile Carpet

• The cut pile carpet is a loop pile that has been clipped. This densely-fibered carpet is sometimes referred to as plush because of the cushiony effect created in cutting the fibers at the top. This is not a carpet suitable for offices because it is not ideal for high-traffic areas. These carpets can be made with natural or synthetic fiber, but are sometimes made with a blend of both. Cut pile carpets, such as Frieze or Saxony, are often used in bedrooms.

Cut-and-Loop Carpet

• Cut-and-loop or multi-loop carpet has some peaks that are looped and some that are cut. This variation causes a unique texture and pattern, which is accentuated after a vacuum is run over it. Because of the different levels, the cut-and-loop carpet hides dirt better than other carpets. This quality of carpet is often chosen because it offers so many style choices.

Level Loop Carpet

• The level loop carpet is a favorite for some people because it has an even surface that is strong and footprint proof. This quality of carpet has a plush nature, but it is easier to clean than many plush carpets. It is made by tufting, where the thread loops are attached to the carpet foundation with knots, and weaving. It is good for high-traffic areas like schools and offices, and comes in hard or soft cut pile.