Types of Carpet Flooring

Types of Carpet Piles

Looking at the pile height is a good way to determine a carpet’s durability. “Pile height” refers to the height of the carpet fibers. Most carpets are classified as low pile, medium pile or high pile.

• 1. Low Pile Carpet
  Low pile carpet has short, flat and dense fibers. It catches little dirt and debris and can withstand significant foot traffic without losing its original appearance. If you need a durable, easy-to-clean option for high-traffic areas prone to dirt or pet hair, low pile carpet is an excellent choice.
• 2. Medium Pile Carpet
  Medium pile carpet has slightly taller fibers than low pile carpet. It’s soft to the touch but can still handle moderate dirt and foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms and living rooms where you might want more underfoot comfort. Though it catches debris and pet hair more easily than low pile, medium pile is still easy to clean with a vacuum brush roller.
• 3. High Pile Carpet
  High pile carpet has the longest fibers of the three types, providing a fluffy and plush look and feel. While it has optimal underfoot cushion, it also requires more maintenance, as it easily collects dust and debris. It can also hold impressions from foot traffic and furniture. High pile carpets are most suitable for rooms where you want to dampen noise or add a warm, luxurious touch.

Types of Carpet Padding

Besides choosing the ideal carpet pile, material and style, it’s also important to consider carpet padding. Carpet padding is a foam layer installed under the surface of the carpet. It’s typically attached to the subfloor with glue or staples. Quality carpet padding is essential — it prolongs your floor’s life span by supporting the carpet fibers, makes the carpet more comfortable to walk on and provides thermal and sound insulation, among other things.

Here are some common types of carpet padding:

• Rubber: Rubber is one of the most durable padding materials, suitable for high-traffic areas. However, it comes with a high price tag.
• Rebonded foam: Rebonded foam is the most common, eco-friendly and affordable padding choice. It’s constructed from numerous parts of recycled foam, giving it a multicolored appearance. However, it’s not the most durable option for high foot traffic.
• Memory foam: Memory foam is incredibly comfortable and soft, but it may not be the best choice if you prioritize durability. Heavy foot traffic can cause it to squish down over time. Memory foam also tends to be more expensive than recycled pads.
• Fibers: Fiber carpet padding is a combination of different types of fiber like nylon, polyester and felt. Fiber is great for all levels of foot traffic but isn’t as soft and comfortable as foam.