Carpets and rugs are a great addition to any home and are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Both carpets and rugs are available in a wide range of colours, styles and patterns, meaning that they are able to suit any décor and, best of all, they are always in style. Carpets and rugs are comfortable underfoot, have insulating properties and are low maintenance, only needing to be professionally cleaned every 12 months or so.  Carpets and rugs are now available with the latest stain resistant technologies, meaning that the fear of permanent stains from spills is far in the past.  Carpet is also a safe decorating option as it has grip, minimizing the risk of slips and falls.

Here is all you need to know about carpets and rugs.

Installing Carpets

If you are having new carpet laid in your home, you will need the help of a professional carpet layer. The first thing you will need to do is find out if they will move your furniture if necessary or if you will have to do it yourself. Also find out if they will dispose of the old carpet for you if your new carpet is a replacement. To find out more see carpet install.

Carpet Suppliers

Carpet suppliers are able to supply all types of carpet for your home. The supplier should have a large range of quality carpets from all price points and in a huge range of colours. You will find that the supplier can supply carpet such as cut pile, twist pile, patterned cut pile, patterned twist pile, patterned cut and loop, textured cut and loop, textured loop, and sisal. See below for information about these various types of carpet. For more information see carpet suppliers.

Types of Carpet

• Cut Pile: often referred to as plush pile carpet and it provides the smoothest finish due to all the tufts of the carpet being cut to exactly the same length.  This type of carpet can show up shading that result from vacuuming or walking and this should be considered when purchasing.
• Twist Pile Carpet: another type of cut pile carpet but the fibre has a higher twist and also random kinks.  This means that the carpet looks more textured even though the fibres are all the same colour.
• Patterned Cut Pile Carpet: exactly the same as cut pile carpets but they have a pattern printed over the top of them.  The pattern can look more attractive than a plain carpet and it is also helpful for disguising any stains.
• Patterned Twist Pile Carpet: the same as a normal twist pile carpet but with a pattern printed on the top.
• Patterned Cut and Loop: cut and loop carpets are made up of fibres that are both cut and uncut.  The uncut fibres are the loops and the placement of the loops creates the pattern in the carpet.
• Textured Loop Pile: another name for this carpet is multi level loop pile and the fibres in the carpet are fully looped, with none of them cut.  This makes the carpet extremely durable and long lasting and because the loops are at different heights, patterns and textures can be formed.
• Textured Cut and Loop Carpet: made up of loops and cut fibres that are varying heights and this forms the textures.  Many different forms of this carpet can be made by varying the heights of the fibres.
• Sisal Carpet: also known as cord and it is made up of loops of fibres that can either be formed in structured rows or in random patterns.  Sisal is a very durable carpet.

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Carpet Durability

• Fibres: carpets are made from either natural or synthetic fibres.  The fibres are made into yarn which is then tufted or locked into a backing which then forms the pile.  The main types of carpet fibre are nylon, wool and polypropylene.
• Twist: the twist of the carpet refers to the yarn being twisted upon itself.  Once the yarn has been twisted, it is set into place by steam or heat.  The general rule is that the tighter the twist, the more durable the carpet.
• Density: density refers to how much pile or yarn is in the carpet and how close the tufts of yarn are to each other.  The denser the carpet, the better quality it is.  To test density, try to push your fingers through the pile of the carpet to reach the backing.  The harder it is to feel the backing, the better.  Alternatively, if the pile faces outwards, bend the carpet backwards.  You should not be able to see much of the backing at all.

Choosing Carpet Underlay

Underlay is another component that you should consider and when purchasing underlay for your carpet, try to get the best that you can afford.  You may not be able to see it, but good underlay will cushion the carpet and allow it to wear slowly and evenly, lengthening the life of your carpet.  It will also help with insulation, reducing noise and absorbing foot traffic.

Carpet Dyeing

Carpet dyeing can be used for carpets that look worn, tired, faded, stained, have had bleach spilled on them, or are too light to be practical. The dye is available in a range of colours so you can choose a more modern, practical colour, and it can be used on wool or nylon carpets. Of course, you can also have the carpets dyed back to their original colour. To check if your carpet can be dyed, you will need to do a patch test. If the colour runs, your carpet is not suitable but if it stays, it can be dyed. For more information see carpet dyeing.