Carpet Types
How does Berber carpet compare to other carpets? This carpet comparison offers a useful introduction to the most popular types of carpet (and the main types sold by the major carpet manufacturers.) When shopping for a carpet, or caring for a carpet, it’s helpful to understand the type and basic characteristics for that carpet.
Plush Carpet
Think of plush carpet as the “well manicured lawn” of carpeting. It is a cut pile carpet in which the pile is cut evenly on top, creating a level surface. Plus carpet feels soft and cushion-like beneath the feet and is a popular choice for use in the home. Plush carpets can range in price, depending on the quality and brand. In addition, the plush style lends itself well to designs and patterns.
Within the plush category, there is textured plush and Saxony plush. Textured plush is slightly more casual, while Saxony is more formal (the pile is denser and more in alignment).
Cut Pile (textured)
Cut Pile (Saxony)
Loop Pile Carpet (Berber Carpet)
Loop pile is just as the name suggests – carpet with a series of uncut loops. Berber carpet is the classic loop pile carpet. Loop pile carpets are more textured and casual looking than the plush variety. The loop pile feels less soft on the feet, but it known for it’s high durability. Berber carpet, the most popular of the loop pile carpets, is widely used in both home and office.
Loop Pile (Berber Carpet)
Other Types of Carpet
All of the other types of carpet are varitions on cut pile or loop pile. Some carpets have mixed pile, which includes both cut and loop pile. Commerical loop pile carpet tends to have smaller, denser loops, to withstand high traffic. Any of these types of carpet can have variations which allow for different textures, different patterns and the use of many colors. Check with individual manufactures for specific types of carpet.
