Comfortable, colorful and versatile are among the many reasons that carpet is one of the most popular types of floor covering. This carpet guide demonstrates how much there is to know about this fashionable and affordable flooring choice.

There’s nothing like the soft feel of a nice carpet. Warm in winter and cool in summer, it makes any room more inviting as a place to relax with friends, place for the kids to play, cozy, yet a stylish place to feel at home. Plus, with so many styles and colors to choose from, it’s easy to find the right carpet for every décor and every taste using this carpet guide.

There are three basic types of carpeting:

• Cut Pile
• Loop Pile
• Cut & Loop Pile

Pile refers to the fiber yarns which are tufted or sewn into the backing. How these yarns are cut and twisted helps determine the texture and durability of the carpet. In addition, most of the fibers are either synthetic or natural wool, which offer varying degrees of wear and stain resistance.

Carpet is also one of the easiest types of flooring to install and maintain. The easy-care features of today’s advanced stain resistant carpets allow you to enjoy a beautiful floor for many years. Simply vacuum regularly, clean up spills promptly and have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
Formal or casual, carpet can add a warm feel to any room. Of course, not every style of carpet is designed for every type application. Read below for recommendations to help you select the best styles for your needs.

• For formal settings, both Plush (Velvet) and Saxony carpet styles have a smooth texture with a luxurious look and feel. Saxony is more resilient than Plush, so it can be used in higher traffic areas.
• For versatility in casual situations, durable carpet styles like Textured Saxony, curly textured Frieze and popular Berber wear well in playrooms, workrooms, basements and other active areas.
• Although Shag carpet offers a relaxed, informal style, its deep, twisted yarn texture tends to mat easily and should only be used in lighter traffic areas.

And for family rooms or other casual rooms where people are on the floor a lot, Cable carpet has a thick, soft texture that wears better than regular shag.