What are the Different Types of Carpet Construction?
With so many different types of carpet construction available, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right carpet for your space, including style and texture, durability, and any additional features such as anti-stain properties. Our comprehensive guide covers all of the different types of contract carpets we supply at Birch Carpets to help you make an informed decision.
Tufted carpets
Most carpets produced today are made using a tufted structure. To make a tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts. A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and durability.
This efficient construction technique means that a tufted carpet can be produced in roughly an hour, compared to 8 hours for a traditional weave. Tufted carpet construction is equally appropriate for natural or synthetic fibres, and when made to an appropriate specification, is equally suited to be used in the home, or in a commercial setting.
Level loop Carpets
Level loop pile carpets are made by weaving loops of yarn through the carpet backing to produce a carpet with loops that have a consistent height.
A Level loop carpet can range from a casual appearance to something more formal, with higher loops creating a more luxurious appearance. Whatever the style, this carpet construction offers excellent durability thanks to the strong loops.
The Multi-Level loop
A Multi-level loop carpet is constructed in a similar way, but by varying the loop heights, you can create an informal, textured appearance.
Velvet carpets
Velvet carpets, which are sometimes called 'velour' or 'plush', all have a level surface pile which is then sheared for a smooth finish. With very little twist in the pile, velvet carpets have a soft and compact feel underfoot.
The short cut pile lacks durability when compared with other carpet types, and so these luxury carpets are better suited to areas which see a low footfall.
Woven carpets
Woven carpets make up a small minority of carpet production today due to the time intensive process, however this woven method creates some of the finest carpets used for prestigious installations.
Axminster
Axminster carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating u-shaped tufts to give a velvety finish. This weaving process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention which has a luxurious feel underfoot. The Axminster carpet construction process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used, although modern trends mean that the traditional technique has given way to plain colour designs.
Wilton
Wilton carpets are produced in a similar way to Axminster carpets, except that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through. The carpet can then be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textures.
Our range of Wilton carpets include a variety of bold, eye-catching designs, which are used extensively in hotels and hospitality for that opulent look.
Buy your next contract carpet from Birch Carpets
If you need any further help on choosing the perfect carpet for your requirements, then our expert sales team would be delighted to help. Get in touch today for a competitive quote or additional details on any of our contract carpets. You can also order completely free samples online if you would like to see the carpet construction in person before you buy!