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!
The Difference Between Carpet Fibers
Carpet fibers come in several main types, and the differences mostly come down to look, feel, durability, and stain resistance.
Nylon: is the most popular because it’s strong, resilient, and holds up well in high-traffic areas, though it needs stain protection.
Polyester: offers rich color and is naturally stain-resistant, but it can crush more easily under heavy use.
Wool: a natural fiber, feels soft and luxurious while being naturally flame- and soil-resistant, but it’s also the most expensive and requires more care.
The choice really depends on how the space will be used. For families with kids or pets, nylon or polyester often make sense because they balance comfort with stain resistance. If you want something eco-friendly and upscale, wool is a classic option. Each fiber has its trade-offs, so it’s about matching the right one to your lifestyle and budget.
Carpet Textures Explained
Carpet textures describe how the fibers are cut, twisted, and arranged, which changes the look, feel, and durability. Some styles mix cut and loop fibers to create patterns for extra visual interest.
Plush (Saxony) has a smooth, velvety surface with all fibers standing upright, giving a formal look but showing footprints and vacuum marks easily.
Textured carpets have fibers twisted in different directions, creating a casual style that hides marks better and works well in busy households.
Frieze (or twist) features long, tightly twisted fibers with a slightly shaggy appearance that’s durable and hides wear well.
Loop (Berber) carpets use uncut loops for a dense, low-profile look—great for high traffic, though snagging can be an issue.
Different ways of Dyeing Carpet
The most durable method is… Solution dyeing, where color is added to the fiber while it’s being made. This means the pigment runs all the way through, like a carrot, so it resists fading, bleaching, and stains making it great for sunny rooms or commercial use.
Piece dyeing: Colors the yarn after the fiber is made, which allows for rich, varied tones but isn’t as fade-resistant.
Beck dyeing: (also called batch dyeing) Happens after the carpet is tufted but before it’s backed. The carpet is rolled into a dye vat, circulated in the dye bath, and evenly colored throughout. This process is slower but produces deep, uniform shades, making it ideal for solid colors and custom orders.
Here’s and easy answer, you got kids or pets? Solution dyed is the way to go! No kids no pets, and you want aesthetics, go for a beck dyed!
Types of Backing
Action Back: A woven polypropylene backing. It’s the industry standard: strong, stable, and affordable. It requires a separate cushion pad and can be a little rough during install, but it holds up very well in high-traffic areas. Made of silicone and sand, when your backing wears down over time, the particles fall onto your padding starting to wear it down overtime. That’s why it looks like sand under your old carpets, its the backing and padding breaking down over time.
Soft Back: A felt or textile layer is added to the backing, making it smoother and cushioned. It protects walls and baseboards during install, is easier on installers, and reduces wear between the carpet and pad. It’s often chosen for higher end homes or where comfort and long term protection matter. The felt on the backing helps the carpet not wrinkle over time.
Understanding Padding
Rebond Padding: The most common type of padding, made from recycled foam pieces compressed together. It’s affordable, durable, and comes in different densities, making it a solid all-around option.
Vapor Barrier Padding: Has a moisture-resistant film on top that protects the pad and subfloor from spills or pet accidents seeping through. Great for families, basements, or households with pets.
Memory Foam Padding: Provides a luxurious, cushiony feel underfoot, conforming to pressure much like a mattress. It’s very comfortable, but typically more expensive and can sometimes feel too soft under heavy furniture.
Thickness & Looped Carpets: Standard padding is around 1/2″ thick, but padding also comes in different densities which plays a part in how dense it feels.
For looped or Berber carpets, you want a thinner, denser pad (usually 3/8″) to prevent crushing the loops and to keep the carpet stable. Too thick or soft a pad under Berber can cause buckling, wrinkling, or premature wear.
How to Pick carpet after all this information
Start by knowing what you want from your new carpet. Are you looking for something soft and luxurious underfoot, or do you need something tough and stain-resistant? Understanding the qualities that matter most will help you decide where to invest. Remember, carpet isn’t just the fibers, you’ll also need to consider padding, removal of old flooring, installation, and any baseboard work. Knowing these costs upfront and what results you want will make the whole process smoother and ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.