Your guide to carpet textures

Your guide to carpet textures

Carpeting is visually appealing, adding charm, beauty, and elegance to any home. Thanks to modern technology, this floor covering comes with advances such as larger color palettes, digital patterning, and versions that specifically address issues like pet-friendly, hypoallergenic, and sustainability.

Texture and style are often used interchangeably in the carpet store, and it's essential to know all your options so you can make the most educated decision about what's best for you.

Starting as a looped construction
Uncut loops are threaded through the backing, much like a needlepoint action; how the fibers are attached are called "piles." Two rugs with looped piles are the Berber and level loop, and both are durable and great for high-traffic rooms.

Piles of various heights
The loops either remain uncut, become cut-piles, or are used in rugs that combine both. They include:

1. Basic cut-pile with short, evenly sheared yarns. It is suitable for any traffic level.

2. Saxony has slightly longer fibers that are densely packed (Plush) or twisted (Trackless).Saxony Plush shows footprints and vacuum marks and is best for low-traffic rooms like the bedroom. Saxony Trackless doesn't show marks, making it a popular choice for all rooms.

3. Shag is a high pile with long, loose fibers. It is best for low-traffic rooms, like the bedrooms, as it requires extra TLC to keep it clean.

4. Frieze has long-ish fibers that are so tightly twisted they curl. It's a durable rug with a casual appearance suitable for higher traffic areas like the family or rec room.

5. Low pile rugs have short, tightly woven yarns. They are easier to keep clean and durable, so they're great for high-traffic areas. You'll also see them in offices and other commercial facilities.

6. Cut-and-loop is as it sounds. The various fiber heights create patterns, such as pin-dots and geometrics, and are suitable for any level of foot traffic.

With over 20 years of experience, Surplus Sales is the area's go-to for quality flooring at reasonable prices. Visit our showroom in Laurel County, KY, to see our carpet flooring inventory of patterned loops, shags, and textures, and get a free quote while you're at it. We service Corbin, Paducah, and Elkton.