Match Your Carpet Pile to Your Carpet Purpose

The type of carpet pile refers to the carpet fiber density, and goes along with the height of the pile. This is measured from the surface of the carpet to the backing, where a flat pile refers to a short pile, and shaggy carpet would have a long pile.   Depending on the purpose of the carpeted room, and exposure to elements, high traffic areas and how long you want your carpet to last, the right pile can go a long way in the proper setting.   Conversely, the wrong choice in pile can lead to a much quicker wear and tear and the need to replace your carpet sooner than you would like.

Loop Pile

Loop Pile carpet has dense looped strands for a clean, low profile look.  This type of carpet construction is also quite durable, making it ideal for areas of high activity.  Looped pile carpet comes in various styles, including Berber, level loop, and multi-level loop for a variety of textures and options.  The loops in Berber carpet are made of thick bulky yarns of either wool, nylon or polypropylene, and can be either level loop, or multi-level loop.

Level Loop Pile

Level loop carpet pile is very durable and resistant to tracking as they are made with weaving even loops into the carpet backing.  Level loop pile carpet is densely packed making it easy to clean, and ideal for high traffic areas.

Multi-Level Loop Pile

Pile that is multi-level loop, is a loop with two to three varying heights in the pile, giving a textured look.  The variation in pile can provide a durable appearance, but the loops may be easy to snag.

Cut Pile

Cut Pile is like a loop pile, except the loops are cut at the top of the loop leaving the yarn bundles standing straight.  This is a very popular carpet pile, but is less resistant to crushing that the loop pile.  There are many variations of cut pile, including Saxony, Frieze and Twist.

Let the carpet professionals at Great Western Flooring help you determine the best types of carpet pile for your needs.  We have over 35 years of experience pleasing customers in Chicago and surrounding areas with high quality and low-cost flooring and countertops.  Contact us today for a free no-obligation quotation or stop by one of our showrooms to see how we can help you with your carpet new carpet installation.  

The Wide - and Wild! - World of Berber Carpet Styles

For centuries, handwoven Berber carpets have graced the halls and other rooms of the just and high-and-mighty. These days, things have changed and Berber carpeting is found in almost every home in America. There are many reasons for this development, but the most notable is the wide variety of Berber carpet styles. Here is a quick rundown on what is available.

Simple looped Berber – A very affordable flooring option that can be used in a variety of spaces, simple looped Berber should only be considered for low traffic areas like bedrooms and libraries. Always a durable product, it often deforms in high traffic areas like hallways and family rooms. Consider using wool Berber for these applications as it has the nicest “under foot” feel.

Pattern looped Berber – As the name implies, this Berber carpet has a pattern incorporated into the design. It is suitable for use in moderately tracked areas like family rooms and dens. The pattern is especially useful as it tends to hide stains until they can be removed properly. Nylon is the material of choice for this particular Berber.

Cut pile Berber – Easily the most durable of these types of carpets, cut pile Berber is useful anywhere in the house. The fact that the pile is cut means that the loops cannot be snagged by rowdy pets or rambunctious kids. It also retains its look much better as it does not deform as much as the looped style of Berber carpet.

Materials – Not specifically a style but a major consideration is what type of material you should get in your Berber carpet. Wool is the most comfortable and expensive. Nylon is in the middle in terms of both pricing and durability. Finally, olefin will last the longest and cost the least, but is only really usable in a commercial setting.

For further information on the wide variety of Berber carpet patterns and types available for installation in your home, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly at 630-357-3331.