What type of carpet is right for me?

Still one of today's most popular carpet types, cut pile achieves its durability through the type of fiber used, density of tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. Highly twisted yarn will hold its shape longer, making it a smart choice for high-traffic areas. Cut piles can be segmented into four basic styles:

• Textured Plush — Most decoratively versatile. Textured surfaces help hide footprints and vacuum marks. Add causal beauty to any room. Preferred style for busy households. A great “whole-house” carpet.
• Saxony — Refined surface. Works will with traditional interiors. Ideal for living and dining rooms.
• Friezé — Forms a "curly" textured surface because yarns are extremely twisted. Has an informal look. Helps minimize footprints and vacuum marks.

This style usually has two to three different loop heights to create pattern effects, providing good durability and a more casual look. This style works for the entire house, especially family rooms.

 This carpet style combines cut and looped yarns. It provides variety of surface textures, including sculptured effects of squares, chevrons and swirls. The multicolor effects hide soil and stains. 

Nylon: The most popular of the pile fibers used in the United States. Good for all traffic areas.

Olefin (polypropylene): Strong, resists wear and permanent stains and is easily cleaned. Many Berbers are made of olefin.

Polyester: Noted for luxurious, soft feel when used in thick, cut-pile textures. This has excellent color clarity and retention. It easily cleans and is resistant to water-soluble stains.

Acrylic: Offers the appearance and feel of wool. Acrylic is moisture- and mildew-resistant and commonly used in velvet and level-loop construction.

Wool: Noted for its luxury and performance, wool is soft, has high bulk and is available in many colors.

Traffic patterns: Have lots of traffic through your house? Down a hallway? Go for textured or loop-pile carpet. This is more resilient to wear patterns and soiling. The tighter the fibers in the carpet, the more it resists stains because dirt can't penetrate the rug. When the loop is cut, the braid opens up, becoming more lush, but also more vulnerable. The better the quality of carpet, the better it will wear.

Color: In general, lighter colors open up a room. They also won't take too kindly to muddy sneakers or paws. A tightly woven carpet will clean up readily.