The carpeting industry is anything but simple, but that doesn’t mean you should be overwhelmed by its jargon! We’ve compiled a handy list of the most important carpet terms and their definitions to help you better understand the world of carpeting.
Backing – This refers to the back or the base of the carpet, which provides a barrier from the carpet to the floor. The backing also functions to provide the support for the tufts of the carpet.
Berber – Loop style of carpet featuring bulky yarns. Favored for its durability, comfort and casual look.
Blend – A carpet style containing multiple fiber types.
Carpet Cushion – A cushioning laid beneath the backing of the carpet and the floor. Carpet cushions help determine how soft a carpet feels when walked upon.
Density – A measure of how tightly wound into the backing the carpet yarns are. Think of it as how close together the carpeting is.
Embossed – A style of carpet where only some of the pile is cut, leaving a pattern of cut and loop pile carpet (see below for “Pile” definitions).
Fading – Loss of color due to the effects of light and foot traffic.
Fiber – The material weaved into the carpet backing. Most carpet is made from synthetic or man-made fiber. Nylon is the most common fiber type.
Pile – This refers to the visible and walked upon part of the carpet. The pile is created by a sewing of yarn into the backing resulting in thousands of yarn loops. There are two primary styles of piles: Cut and Loop.
Cut Pile – This is the style of carpet that is used in most homes and results from chopping the yarn loops.
Loop Pile – Style of carpet where the yarn loops remain uncut.
Pile Height – The height of the pile, or visible carpet, measured from the backing to the top of the carpet surface.
Plush – A style of cut pile carpet where the yarns are cut at a uniform length allowing them to blend together.
Resilience – This refers to how well a carpet avoids being crushed or worn down.
Seam – Seams occur where two sections of carpet are joined together.
Sprouting – Occurs when individual yarns or tufts sprout above the carpet surface. These can be clipped with scissors.