CARPET TYPES

Berber Carpet

Combining fashion and function, berber carpets have become one of the most popular varieties of home carpeting on the market today. The term berber originally referred to the handwoven rugs of North African artisans - a model of homespun durability that has been copied on abroad scale by Western carpet manufacturers.

Berber carpet is easy to identify - it has looped pile running in parallel lines, a construction that is exceptionally durable and stain-resistant. Its rugged loop surface creates a wool-like appearance while also hiding footprints and other tracks. Some berbers are also constructed with multilevel loops that create patterns or random effects that help hide dirt. Berbers are a distinctive, attractive and versatile variety of carpet that adapts well to any room - from formal living rooms to casual rec rooms.

Commercial Carpet

Commercial carpet is all around us, yet most people barely notice it. Used in office buildings, churches, schools, hotels, stores and hospitals, the commercial carpet market accounts for nearly 50% of all the carpeting sold each year. Although there are many similarities between home and commercial carpeting, there are some important factors that buyers look for when outfitting an office or other public space. The most important consideration in commercial carpeting is durability - these carpets typically face many times the daily wear that residential carpets do. As a result, most commercial carpets are made from tough nylon, polypropylene or olefin fibers. Although there are numerous varieties available, most commercial carpet in public buildings comes with a tightly twisted cut or loop pile to improve its durability. Commercial carpet buyers also keep an eye out for other features that a homeowner might not thing of: static control, acoustic effect and flammability, for instance. As well, commercial carpets are renowned for their ability to mask soil - often a result of the sculptured texture of many commercial carpets.

Textures and Patterns

Today's carpet offers much more than a conventional loop pile. To add to a room's sophistication and interest, consider choosing a textured pattern. New technology can produce multilevel loop and cut/loop patterns. Choose diamonds, bows, pin dots, or fleurs-de-lis designs that pop out in sculptured effects. The texture, colors, and pattern of the carpet can be made to complement or contrast with patterns of your furniture and window treatments. Using a solid color, textured carpet is a great way to provide interest and pizzazz, without going to a multicolor, overall pattern. Textured styles also fit well with today's active and casual lifestyles. Textured carpet can be created through the use of several construction techniques. Many of these styles are known for their soil-hiding ability.

Cut Pile

Loops are cut, leaving individual yarn tufts. Still one of today's most popular constructions, its durability is achieved with factors including the type of fiber, density of tufts, and the amount of twist in the yarn.

Plush / Velvet

Smooth, level surfaces; formal atmosphere, velvet. .

Saxony

Smooth,level finish, but pile yarns have more twist so that the yarn ends arevisible and create a less formal look. Minimizes foot prints.

Frieze

In this cut pile, the yarns are extremely twisted, forming a curlytextured surface. This informal look also minimizes foot prints and vacuum marks.

Level Loop Pile

Loops are the same height, creating an informal look. It generally lasts along time in high-traffic areas. Many of today's popular Berber styles are level loop styles with flecks of a darker color on a lighter background.

Multi-Level Loop Pile

Usually has two to three different loop heights to create pattern effects, providing good durability and a more casual look.

Cut and Loop Pile

Combination of cut and looped yarns. Provides variety of surface textures,including sculptured effects of squares, chevrons, swirls, etc.