6 Different Types of Carpet & Their Advantages

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to carpets – and we’re not just talking about a room’s dimensions. Each type of carpet has its own qualities and advantages, making them more suited to different homes. Here are some common types of carpet and how they benefit your home…

1. Synthetic carpet

Synthetic carpets are commonly chosen for their budget-friendly nature. They are also mould and stain-resistant, and don't attract insects in the same way as natural materials. In order to make them more sustainable, synthetic carpets can be made from recycled materials.

A lot of synthetic materials are hypoallergenic, helping to combat allergy symptoms for sufferers in your household.

2. Natural carpet

Natural carpet is hard-wearing and tends to last a long time. Each natural material has its own properties – wool is fire-resistant, for example, and also naturally insulates against cold and noise. Sisal, another natural material, helps to dehumidify your room.

Natural carpets are also biodegradable, helping to prevent landfill build-up.

3. Blended carpet

To benefit from both natural and synthetic carpet properties, you can choose a blended carpet. Nylon and wool are often blended together for a cost-effective carpet that is also durable. They fade less in sunlight than a 100% wool carpet. As a general rule, choose a higher percentage of synthetic materials for a more durable carpet.

Some blended carpets are made up of multiple different natural materials or a combination of synthetic materials.

4. Cut pile carpet

A type of tufted carpet, cut pile carpet is very soft and durable. It's often easy to clean and the twists in the fibres hide dirt well. This is a good choice if you have pets, as there are no loops for claws to snag on.

Cut pile carpets – such as frieze carpets – hide footprints, stains and seams well. Frieze carpets are also very comfortable and dense enough to insulate against noise.

5. Loop pile carpet

Another kind of tufted carpet, loop pile carpet has fibres that look like little loops – threading in and out of the backing material. It's a good choice for high-traffic areas, is anti-slip, and can be found in many weights and thicknesses.

Some carpets use a combination of cut and loop piles to create patterns, known as sculpted cut, or different levels of loop to create interesting texture. If you're looking for a robust carpet, choose something with a very low loop.

6. Woven carpet

Woven carpets are durable and retain their colour well. They can be woven on a loom or by weaving through a backing material. Modern woven carpets are commonly sealed with latex, making them last up to three times as long as other carpets. They are often made in intricate patterns, for a striking addition to your home.

Looking after your chosen carpets

No matter what type of carpet you have, an expert carpet cleaner can keep it clean, fresh and looking its best. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a network of trusted cleaners all over the UK. Every cleaner is accredited, experienced and follows our code of conduct, so you don’t have to waste time searching for the right company to clean your carpets.

Search the directory to find a carpet cleaner near you.