Carpets

A floor covering, chosen and maintained with care, can last for decades. Vinyl tiles, linoleum, carpeting, wood flooring, ceramic tiles… the range of choices is impressive! Besides maintenance and durability considerations, the style and designs should be looked at carefully as they may have to match other decorating schemes over the coming years.

Comfort is surely the element that tops the list when choosing carpeting as a floor covering. But how do you select the one that will fulfill both your needs and your lifestyle? The different types of residential carpets, their characteristics, installation and maintenance described in this guide will help you to make an informed choice.
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Use
Carpet types
Characteristics
Graphic summary
Accessories
Installation
Maintenance

Use

Use is the factor that determines the choice between regular or wall-to-wall carpet.

A carpet is a smaller dimension floor covering. Its outside edge is woven so that it won’t fray. Some have a straight finish while others have tassels. The carpet is employed to protect the floor in high-traffic areas, to prevent falling in slippery areas (beside the bathtub) and comfort the tootsies when you leap from your bed in the morning. Its decorative aspect breaks up the room bringing warmth and intimacy.

Wall-to-wall carpeting covers the entire room surface. Cut to size, it needs special installation and finishing accessories. It offers room comfort, warmth and soundproofing.

Carpet types

Carpets don’t all share the same texture. Some are smooth, others are sculpted and some have a velour finish while others have a rougher finish. If textures vary as much, it’s because there are different manufacturing processes, numerous fibre types and, of course, the carpet twist and density. The following illustrations and explanations will help you understand the differences among various carpet types.

Saxony

This carpet is made of very dense, tight pile cut to a uniform height. It has a smooth, luxurious surface that’s perfect in classic and elegant style rooms.

Plush

The strands in this type of carpet are longer, of medium density and uniform length. This type of carpet fits well in a relaxed decor.

Frieze

The strand twist level is so high that the pile curls at the surface. This textured carpet is perfectly suited for high traffic areas.

Level loops

On the surface this carpet presents level loops. First designed for commercial use, looped carpets are resistant and made to measure for high traffic areas. In a contemporary setting choose short looped carpet, longer loops being more suitable for warm decors.

Textured loops

This carpet’s strands form loops of different heights to create an uneven surface, a sculptured look. This is a highly prized carpet as it fits into every room and décor.

The looped/cut strand carpet

The looped tufts mix with the cut tufts to create sculpted motifs. The colour variations help hide dirt and stains, while the uneven texture camouflages sub-floor imperfections.
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