What Are The Different Types of Carpet?

There are many types of carpet, but several of them are very similar. The difference usually comes down to a minor change in how the fibers are arranged.

Here are the main types of carpet:

• Saxony carpet: Sometimes called plush carpet, this type has a smooth, even surface with a cut pile that is soft to the touch. It is made from a few types of fiber, including wool and nylon, and is often used in formal settings such as living rooms and dining rooms.
• Textured carpet: This is like plush carpet, but the surface is uneven. It has a rough, nubby surface and is made from a variety of fibers, including wool and nylon. It is considered textured, because the yarns are cut to different lengths, giving it some visible depth. It is good for its ability to hide dirt and stains, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
• Berber carpet: This type has a looped pile and is made from wool, nylon, or olefin fibers. It is used because of its durability, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs. (Olefin is a synthetic polymer that is very resistant to wear and tear.)
• Frieze carpet: This carpet has a twisted, curled pile that is made from wool, nylon, or polypropylene. It is known for its durability and resistance to stains, making it a good option for high-traffic areas.
• Patterned carpet: This type of carpet has a pattern or design created by the arrangement and color of the pile fibers. It is made from a variety of fibers and can be found in a range of styles, from traditional to modern.

Plush Carpet

BerberCarpet

Textured Carpet

Frieze Carpet

What's the most comfortable carpet to walk on?

Comfortable is a really subjective term, but generally people go with a plush carpet with dense fibers. It's kind of like walking on dense, short-cut grass, but much softer.

When it comes to soft carpet, however, the carpet pad is an important consideration. If comfort is important to you, you may want to opt for a thicker pad. Also, you can get memory foam as a carpet pad, but obviously that will cost more than traditional foam.

What's the Best Carpet for High Traffic Areas?

For high-traffic you'll want durable, stain-resistant materials like nylon, olefin, or wool. You'll also want a short, dense pile. There's less material for dirt to hide in, making surface cleaning more effective. It's easier to vacuum too. Just make sure you get it treated with a stain-resistant coating.

High traffic carpet, like you'd find in an office building, is generally not going to be soft or luxurious. However, if you have lower traffic areas, like an individual office, you could also opt for taller carpet there.

What's the Hardest Carpet to Clean?

The taller the fibers, the harder it is to clean. Also, less dense carpets are rough too, because it's easier to soil the entire surface of each fiber. As a rule of thumb, short and dense is easy to clean.

Some Pros & Cons of Carpet

It's soft, it's classy, and it looks nice. It's easy to even sit on the floor and still be comfortable when you have carpet. On the other hand, every luxury comes with a price. With carpet, that price is the cleaning. Fortunately, carpet makers have gotten really good at making durable fibers, and cleaning doesn't have to be that hard. However, it's way harder to clean a carpet than a laminate floor.

Laminate floor is great for wiping up spills. That's a much more convenient choice for a dining area where food is served. It's inevitable that some will hit the floor, but a quick wipe with a wet rag will usually end that problem. The down side of laminate or hardwood is the noise. It echoes and makes for a louder room, whereas carpet absorbs sound.

What's The Most Popular Type of Carpet?

It depends on where you live, but in the U.S. plush, saxony, and berber carpet is popular. 60% of carpet purchased is made from nylon, because it's very resistant to stains and wear.

Which One Is Cheaper: Carpet or Laminate?

Prices can vary wildly, depending on the quality of carpet or laminate, but carpet is typically cheaper. However, that is just the upfront cost. How much will you spend over the years cleaning the carpet? It's possible that you could spend more on the carpet in the long-term, even though it might be cheaper to install.

Do Carpet Installers Move Furniture

Yes, many of them do. Some will charge an extra fee, and some will include it in the price. Make sure to ask before scheduling an install.