29 terms explained — materials, installation and care for North American carpets.
Wall-to-wall carpet is a textile floor covering that consists of an upper layer of “pile” attached to a backing. The pile, usually made from natural or synthetic fibres like wool, nylon, or polyester, provides warmth and comfort, especially in bedrooms and living rooms. The pile is often twisted and heat-treated to maintain its structure.
Crushing refers to the permanent loss of carpet pile height, typically caused by heavy foot traffic or weight. Carpets made of olefin, nylon, or wool are more resistant to crushing, which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs. In contrast, polyester carpets tend to crush more easily.
Denier measures the thickness of carpet yarn. This unit reflects the amount of yarn used per area of carpet and plays a significant role in determining the carpet’s density and durability.
Density refers to how closely packed the pile yarn is in a carpet. Higher density offers better resistance to crushing and matting, which is particularly important in areas with heavy foot traffic like offices and entryways.
Installers use double-glued seams to attach carpet securely to the floor, preventing delamination and edge ravel. Seam sealer, often latex-based, helps prevent fuzzing or fraying, especially in high-traffic areas such as commercial spaces.
Face weight measures the number of ounces of fibre per square yard of carpet. However, face weight doesn’t directly indicate durability or performance. The type of fibre and the construction method have a greater impact on a carpet’s longevity.
Fibre forms the basic material of any carpet. The most common fibres used in North America include nylon, polyester, and wool. Each fibre type has its own strengths, such as durability, softness, or stain resistance.
Flocked carpets are made by depositing small fibres (flock) onto a surface. This technique creates a durable, textured finish. These carpets are often used in commercial areas where durability is key.
French Cap installation secures the carpet on both stair treads and risers, reducing wear and tear. This method is recommended for both residential and commercial staircases, ensuring a longer carpet life.
Fuzzing happens when fibres loosen and appear on the carpet’s surface. This issue is often caused by weak twists in the yarn. Professional carpet cleaners can remove the fuzz to restore the carpet’s appearance.
Heat setting locks the yarn’s twist by applying heat. This process ensures the carpet maintains its shape and structure over time. Most nylon, polyester, and olefin cut pile carpets undergo heat setting to improve durability.
Knitted carpets are formed by interlacing yarns, which creates a loop structure. These carpets feel soft and luxurious, making them a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
Matting happens when dirt or wear causes carpet fibres to adhere together. This problem commonly affects entryways and hallways. Regular cleaning and proper care help prevent matting.
Carpet memory, also known as texture retention, refers to how well the fibres retain their shape after use. Carpets with strong memory perform better in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Needle-punched carpets are created by stitching fibres into a backing material. This process produces durable carpets, making them ideal for high-use areas such as workshops and basements.
Pile refers to the individual columns of carpet fibres. Loop, cut, and twist pile carpets offer different textures and levels of durability. Loop pile carpets are more common in commercial settings, while cut pile carpets are popular in residential homes.
Pile reversal, also known as shading, occurs when traffic causes fibres to bend in different directions. This effect creates the appearance of light and dark patches on the carpet but does not affect performance.
Rippling occurs when heat or humidity causes carpet to develop waves or wrinkles. Proper re-stretching can resolve this issue, which typically occurs in poorly ventilated areas or after water damage.
Carpets provide a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of slips and falls. They are especially beneficial in homes with children or elderly individuals. Carpet is commonly used in bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms for added safety.
New carpets, particularly those made of cut pile or wool, tend to shed loose fibres for a few weeks after installation. Regular vacuuming helps control shedding, which is less common in synthetic fibre carpets like nylon or polyester.
Snags happen when an object catches on the carpet fibres and pulls them loose. Small snags can be trimmed with scissors, but larger ones may require professional repair.
Carpet can generate static electricity in low-humidity environments. Using carpets with built-in static resistance or employing a humidifier can reduce the buildup of static charges.
Texture retention refers to a carpet’s ability to maintain its original shape under pressure. High-quality carpets with strong texture retention are ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and staircases.
Tufted carpets are made by inserting yarn into a backing material. This is the most common carpet construction method in North America, used in both residential and commercial spaces for its affordability and versatility.
Twist refers to how many times the yarn is wound around itself. Higher twist levels improve the carpet’s durability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Waterfall installation attaches carpet to the tread and riser of each stair, forming a continuous surface. Although less durable than other methods, it is still used in some homes, especially when working with simple stair designs.
Woven carpets are created by interlacing yarns to form a durable and intricate design. These carpets are often found in luxury settings, offering high durability and an elegant appearance.
Yarn is made by twisting fibres together to form a continuous strand. Carpets can be made from a variety of yarn materials, including wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, each offering different benefits like softness or durability.
Yarn count reflects the amount of yarn used per area of carpet. A higher yarn count results in a denser, more durable carpet.
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