Brief History of Rugs and Carpets
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Today, most carpet production (94%) is tufted carpet. Tufted carpet is produced 15 times faster than woven carpet. The faster production time greatly reduces the labor costs during the carpet manufacturing process.
In order to achieve dimensional stability in tufted carpet it is necessary to apply two layers of “backing” (double-backed tufted carpet) to the carpet. The backing directly beneath the pile yarn is called the “primary” backing. Attached to the primary backing by a layer of rubber or latex is the “secondary” backing. The original backing on tufted carpet was “jute.” Jute is a natural burlap that when over-wet was subject to shrinkage dry rot and seam popping. Presently, the backing of tufted carpet is made from a synthetic material called polypropylene (olefin). Polypropylene backing will not accept moisture, so the shrinkage, dry-rot and seam popping associated with jute backing is impossible, even if the carpet is over-wetted in the cleaning process.
Padding is sold in a variety of thicknesses, densities and weights to provide the right feel and protect the carpet from premature wear. From left to right: prime urethane, rebonded urethane, natural fiber.
Cut Pile Saxony Carpets
- Generally made in solid colors
- Surface has a smooth appearance
- Generally made with nylon fibers
- Good performance and appearance
- Works well with traditional or formal room settings
Textured Cut Pile Saxony Carpet
- Surface appearance is textured
- Stylish, casual appearance
- Won’t show vacuum cleaner marks or footprints
- Very popular carpet style today
- Good choice for active areas of the home
Frieze Carpet
- Very textured, knobby surface appearance
- Extremely durable, and excellent wearing
- Yarns very tightly twisted
- Will cost more than textured cut pile carpets
- Great for active areas of the home
Cut & Uncut Patterned Carpet
- Intermixed loops and cut pile, creates a patterned design
- Loops are shorter than the cut pile creating a carved appearance
- Usually constructed in multi-color designs
- Helps hide footprints and traffic patterns
- Great choice for a variety of room settings
Level Loop Carpets
- Loops are same height and generally multi-colored
- Usually made from polypropylene (olefin) carpet fibers
- Often called Indoor-Outdoor or Commercial Carpet
- Casual appearance, but extremely durable
- Great for family rooms or basements
Multi-Level Loop Carpets
- Has several different heights of loops
- Generally multi-colored
- Very durable, casual appearance
- Offered in many unique looking designs and patterns
- Helps hides traffic patterns