Explore the different types of carpet
There’s a lot that goes into the manufacturing of carpet and we want you to understand what makes some better than others! Pretty much everyone shops for carpet by style, but understanding what type of fiber and dye method is just as important if not more!
Fiber Type MAtters
POLYESTER (PET)
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Very Soft, Affordable, Stain Resistant, & Pet Friendly, but it doesn't hold up as well to matting or blooming
Nylon &
Nylon 6,6
Lifespan: 10–15 years, 12–20+ years
Nylon: Durable, Strong Performer, Easy Maintenance, but can get stained easier than polyester
Nylon 6,6: Top-tier Durability, Crush-resistant, Resilient, but can also get stained easier than polyester
TRIEXTA
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Became recognized as a generic fiber class in 2009. It's very stain resistant and is soft when comparable to nylon. It's a great option for both comfort and durability.
WOOL
Lifespan: 15–25+ years
Natural Material, Very Resilient, Stain & Mold Resistant, Environmentally Economical, Lowest VOC's & Very Expensive!
CARPET TEXTURE TYPES
CUT PILE
Cut pile carpet is made by cutting the yarn loops, resulting in upright, soft fibers that create a plush and smooth surface. It's known for its comfort underfoot and comes in styles like Saxony, frieze, and textured. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, it hides footprints and vacuum marks well depending on the style.
LOOPED
Looped carpet (like Berber) features uncut yarns that form loops, creating a tight, durable surface. It’s highly resistant to crushing and wear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and basements. The low-profile texture gives it a clean, modern look but can snag if you have pets with claws.
CUT LOOP
Cut and loop carpet blends both cut and looped fibers to create sculpted textures and patterns. This style offers visual depth and helps hide dirt, footprints, and wear. It’s perfect for adding a bit of style and performance in family rooms or offices.
PATTERNED
Patterned carpet uses color variations, pile height differences, or construction techniques to create visual designs like florals, geometrics, or abstract shapes. It adds character to a space while helping to conceal stains and wear. Available in both looped and cut styles, it’s popular for statement spaces like staircases, dining rooms, or boutique offices.
Dyed Method
Continuous Dyed
Continuous dyeing is a process where color is applied to carpet after it's tufted, as it moves continuously through a dye line. This method allows for efficient, consistent coloring of large carpet rolls, typically in solid shades. It’s ideal for producing cost-effective, uniform carpets with quick turnaround times.
Solution Dyed
Solution-dyed fibers are colored during the extrusion process, meaning the pigment is blended into the fiber itself before it's even formed. This creates fade-resistant, stain-resistant carpet that holds up exceptionally well in sunlight and harsh cleaning. It’s a top choice for commercial spaces and homes needing superior durability and colorfastness.
Beck Dyed
Beck dyeing (also called batch dyeing) involves immersing pre-tufted carpet in a dye bath, making it perfect for custom colors or small batch orders. It allows deep, rich color saturation and is often used for high-end, designer styles. Though slower and more labor-intensive, it offers flexibility for unique, luxurious looks.
Backing Types
Adds strength, stability, and durability to the carpet. It’s the bottom layer that’s glued to the primary backing with latex adhesive after the tufting process.
Woven Polypropylene
Most common, mesh-like grid fused to primary with latex, but can wrinkle with poor install.
Action Back
A type of woven polypropylene, branded by Amoco, soft, grid like used to primary with latex. Basically the same thing, but think of it as this is name brand, not a knock off.
Soft Back
A fleece-like fabric over woven polypropylene, it won’t scratch baseboards and is more flexible. Can be more water resistant and is primarily used by Shaw.
Padding Types
Rebond
Recycled foam pieces fused together (most common), best for general residential, budget to mid-grade, can break down over time.
Memory Foam
Dense foam similar to memory foam pillows, very cushiony, high-end residential, luxury feel, but expensive and can feel too soft in traffic areas.
Fiber Pad
Dense felted fibers either synthetic, jute, or wool. Best used for berber, loop carpets or wool. Breathable, stable for loops, but not soft so no cushion feel.