What you need to know about selecting carpet style and fibre

With so many carpet styles available, making the right choice can be difficult. Here's some information on common carpet styles and fibres that you should know before making your selection.

Level-loop, textured, cut-and-loop and plush (also known as saxony) are the predominant styles of carpeting.

• Any style can be used in high-traffic areas if the fibre is very durable and if the density (number of tufts per square centimetre/inch) is high.

Among man-made fibres, acrylics are the nearest in appearance and feel to wool, but at lesser cost.

• Commonly used in velvet and level-loop constructions.
• Moderately durable, this synthetic resists water-soluble stains but not oily stains.
• It resists moisture and mildew and has a low static level.
• It is not very fire-resistant.

Used in the foundation of some woven carpets, and occasionally in some cheaper pile carpets, cotton is definitely a low-end choice.

• Known for its soft "hand," or feel, this natural fibre tends to soil easily and to compress.

Considered to be the strongest carpet fibre, nylon represents more than 65 percent of the pile fibres currently used in the U.S. It is available in a wide price range, reflecting the quality and density of the particular fibre.

• Nylon is wear-resistant, resilient, and withstands heavy use. It resists water-soluble stains, mildew and shedding.
• It needs static control.
• Generally good for all traffic areas.

Made of polypropylene, this fibre is remarkably colourfast because colour is integral to the fibre's manufacture.

• Very durable, it resists soil, stains, moisture and mildew, making it good indoor/outdoor carpeting.
• It also resists static electricity.

Noted for its lustrous, luxurious "hand" in thick, cut pile, polyester fibre is relatively inexpensive.

• Moderately durable, it has excellent colour clarity and is resistant to water-soluble stains.

Soft, with high bulk, and available in many colours, it is used either alone or in mixtures, especially with nylon.

• Somewhat more expensive than synthetics, wool is noted for its performance and fire resistance.

Keep these tips in mind and make a well-informed decision to find a carpet you'll love for years to come!