A dictionary of carpet terms
A carpet installation will give your home warmth, charm, and comfort and, with so many colors, constructions, and designs, your choice will be a reflection of your style. During the shopping process, educate yourself and research your options. While you don't need to be an expert, some basic terms will help you at our carpet stores. The result will be you selecting a comfortable, durable, and beautiful carpet that will last for years to come.
Fiber is the foundation of a rug
This is the material from which the rug strands are made and will be the most critical decision because it affects both appearance and performance. However, acrylics and blends are the five most common, including wool, natural, soft, white, and somewhat pricey. Popular synthetics include nylon, known for strength; polyester, superior stain resistance; olefin, budget-friendly, and resistant to stains and Triexta, a relative newcomer but has already gained a reputation for strength and permanent stain resistance built into the fiber.
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Carpet construction terminology
Cut pile refers to when the rug's surface is sheared, revealing the ends of the cut fiber. It can also be of varying lengths and thickness; for instance, Saxony Plush is a cut pile with slightly twisted fibers, resulting in a soft, velvety texture.
High pile carpets, like the shag, have long, loose fibers, while low pile rugs have short, tightly woven threads.
Looped (Berber) style means fibers are not cut at all. The cut and loop, also sometimes called pattern carpets, is as it sounds. The varying cuts and straight loops are used to create patterns and sculpted textures.
Density and twist are two indicators of quality. Density refers to how closely the fibers are tufted together. The rug's label indicates the density number, which should range from 3,000 to 5,000. Twist refers to how many times fiber is turned per one inch, and a good twist number is three or above. Keep in mind that the higher the twist number, the less likely the rug is to fray or unravel.
High pile carpets, like the shag, have long, loose fibers, while low pile rugs have short, tightly woven threads.
Looped (Berber) style means fibers are not cut at all. The cut and loop, also sometimes called pattern carpets, is as it sounds. The varying cuts and straight loops are used to create patterns and sculpted textures.
Density and twist are two indicators of quality. Density refers to how closely the fibers are tufted together. The rug's label indicates the density number, which should range from 3,000 to 5,000. Twist refers to how many times fiber is turned per one inch, and a good twist number is three or above. Keep in mind that the higher the twist number, the less likely the rug is to fray or unravel.
Visit one of our carpet stores today
With 20 years experience, a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, quality installations and free estimates, consider us your one-stop shop for your flooring needs, including carpet that's hypoallergenic and kid-and-pet-friendly. Smitty's Carpet Connection has two locations: Steubenville and Cadiz, OH. We work with homeowners and businesses with carpet upgrades in and around Steubenville, OH, Cadiz, OH, Weirton, WV, Wintersville, OH, Follansbee, WV, Alikanna, OH, Colliers, WV, Toronto, OH, Wellsburg, WV and Richmond, OH.
