A Complete Guide to Carpets

Want to walk on the soft side? - Excellent choice. At Touch Flooring – one of the leading flooring and carpet stores in Cleveland – we have the right carpet to suit your home and lifestyle. But, how to choose when there are so many types of carpet and they pretty much look very similar? No worries and just continue reading this article to help you understand the differences so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the right carpet for your home.

Where to Install Carpet?

Although you may choose to install carpet throughout your home, this flooring type is more suitable at some areas and less at others. In other words, you should install carpet at rooms in which you need to bring comfort and warmth such as bedrooms, game rooms, theatre rooms, and formal living rooms. On the other hand, for wet areas like bathrooms, entry hallways, or kitchens ensure you choose other flooring solutions such as vinyl laminate or tiles.

Which Carpet Material to Choose?

Originally, wool was used to make carpets but nowadays they also include synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, and there are also wool blends. To make the selection process easier, here’s a brief description of the carpet materials available:

1.      Polyester and Nylon

As already noted, both polyester and nylon are synthetic materials. They are quite cost-effective when compared to wool and have grown in popularity thanks to being hard-wearing and soil resistant. That said, these carpet materials are most suitable for high foot traffic areas, like the stairs for example.

2.      Polypropylene

Also referred to as olefin, a carpet made from polypropylene fibres is probably the best option when choosing the ideal flooring option for your first home because it’s easy to maintain and clean. What’s more, it offers great value for money and durability.

3.      Wool

If pile retention is important for you, then you should definitely go for wool. As it is a natural fibre, it won’t leave furniture legs indented into your carpet after moving furniture around. Plus, wool is a natural flame retardant and can clearly contribute to the safety of your home. Consequently, being the high-end carpet, it is the most expensive choice of all.

4.      Wool Blends

Finally, if you want to enjoy the richer look and softness of wool and the durability and resilience of synthetic fibres, wool blends are perfect for your home. The combination of these materials offers the benefits only, while avoiding the cons.

Which Carpet Style to Choose?

In general, there are three carpet styles you could choose from:

1.      Cut Piles

Cut pile is a carpet style that is sheared, exposing the ends of the fibre. It is made from cut yarn loops to provide an upright pile for a more luxurious look. If you prefer a formal look, your ultimate choice should be cut pile plush carpet. On the other side, for a more smooth textured finished, you should go for cut pile twist carpets, which is less susceptible to shading.

2.      Multi-Level Loop

This carpet style has loops at various heights to offer a great textured finish and durability. In addition, it is also quite versatile meaning that multi-level loop carpets can be found in numerous designs with textures or patterns, or in plain styles. So, regardless of your preferences and home décor style, you can definitely find a multi-level loop style carpet to fit.

3.      Cut and Loop

As you can guess, this carpet style mixes cut and looped yarns, creating delicate square or swirl patterns. For lineal patterns, you should choose level cut and loop pile carpet, whereas for a greater visual effect you should pick textured cut and loop pile carpet. Regardless of your choice, durability and softness are ensured.

The bottom line, choosing the best flooring solution for your home is of utmost importance since it is a remarkable investment. To ensure you make the right decision, visit one of the Touch Flooring carpet stores or call for a free estimate or onsite consultation.