Different Types of Carpet Construction

Explore the various carpet constructions available to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right carpet for your space. From tufted to woven, this guide covers the basics of each type and their suitability for different environments.

Choosing the right type of carpet can be quite a daunting task. The amount of choice that is out there doesn't make it any easier either. This is why it's not only great to have the widest choice available to you but also people that will help you every single step of the way. That help begins right here at Birch Carpets.

But, before you choose your carpet, you'll need to learn about the different constructions that are available.

Tufted Carpets

The majority of all the carpets produced today are made using this structure. Using this technique it takes an hour to make a roll of carpet whereas it might take 8 hours weave in a traditional way. 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 construction is equally appropriate for natural or synthetic fibres and when made to an appropriate specification, is equally at home in the home or in a commercial setting.

Level Loop Carpets

Level loop carpets occur when all the loops on a carpet are the same height. This type of carpet can be produced to have a natural, casual appearance, or a contemporary, formal appearance and, again, can utilise natural or synthetic yarns. As with all carpets, it's vital that the specification used is appropriate for the location and expected type of wear.

The Multi-Level Loop

The Multi-level loop carpets can vary between 2 and 3 heights to create an informal and random texture; thus interesting and textural contrasts can be provided within the carpet whilst only using a single colour of yarn.

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, the ends blend together, a technique which then further enhances the overall finish.

Woven Carpets

Woven carpets are a tiny minority in today's production of carpets but this method is used to produce some of the finest carpets which are used for prestigious installations.

Axminster

The structure of this carpet is that it is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating u-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface. The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel. The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used although the modern trends mean that the traditional technique has given way to plain colour designs.

Wilton

Wilton carpets are produced in a similar way to Axminsters - the difference is that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through. The carpet can be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textures.

Caring For Your Carpet

So when should you begin to care for your new carpet? At Birch Carpets we believe that the care should start right before you buy it! We can help you to choose the right carpet that suits your needs. You should consider how much traffic will be in that area as this is the main factor when deciding which fibres you should choose, or even the colour.