SOFT, DURABLE, LUXURIOUS
CARPET
Carpet is one of the softest flooring materials available, providing a cushioned surface for your feet in almost any location. To ensure you get a style that’s appropriate for your space, it’s important to know the characteristics of the different types of carpeting available. Made with a variety of synthetic and natural fibers, the four most common materials being nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and wool, carpet is made by looping yarn through a backing material in a movement similar to sewing a button on a shirt. These loops can then either be left intact or cut at various angles and lengths. The way the loop is treated is known as the carpet pile.
POLYESTER | NYLON | POLYPROP
MANMADE CARPET
Polyester is prized for its ability to hold vibrant, fade-resistant colours. The fibre is also non-allergenic. In many cases, this material is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it eco-friendly. Its main drawback is that it is prone to flattening under weight, making it a bad choice for high-traffic areas.
Nylon is very soft, durable, and resistant to stains and abrasion. The highly resilient fibres can be revived by steam-cleaning to restore much of their original loft. Nylon is the most popular carpet material and is used in roughly three-quarters of all manufactured carpeting.
Polypropylene is almost as soft as nylon. Also known as olefin, polypropylene fibres are similar to natural wool and are often used as a synthetic wool substitute. This fibre is highly stain-resistant but is prone to soiling, or holding onto oils which, in turn, collect dirt. It is also not as resilient as nylon, so is therefore commonly used for loop-style carpets, such as Berber.
WOOL CARPET
NATURAL WOOL
Wool, a natural, luxurious, long-lasting material, is the softest carpet fibre you can find. Unfortunately, low-grade wool is more susceptible to staining, while high-grade wool is extremely expensive. Some manufacturers combine wool with synthetic fibres to create a carpet with the benefits of both.
SPECIALISTS CARPET
SISAL, SEAGRASS & FLATWEAVE
SISAL is a natural fiber that comes from the leaves of the Agave Sisalana plant, which is native to Mexico. The fiber is durable and strong, making it ideal for use in rugs, carpets, and other household items.
SEAGRASS is a natural fiber that comes from the leaves of seagrass plants, which grow in shallow coastal waters. The fiber is soft and durable, with a natural sheen that gives it a beautiful, organic look. Seagrass is often used to make rugs, baskets, and other home decor items.
FLATWEAVE is a type of rug or carpet that is woven on a loom, rather than knotted. This creates a flat, smooth surface that is both durable and easy to clean. Flatweave rugs come in a variety of styles and materials, from wool and cotton to synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. They are often used in high-traffic areas of the home, such as hallways and entryways.
BINDING, BANDING & WHIPPING
STAIR RUNNERS
Carpet stair runners are a type of carpeting that is installed over stairs to provide added safety and aesthetic appeal. They typically come in narrow widths that fit the dimensions of a standard staircase, and are installed with tack strips or carpet rods to keep them in place. Stair runners are available in a variety of materials, including wool, synthetic fibers, and natural materials like sisal and seagrass. They can be customized with different colors, patterns, and textures to match the style of your home, and are a popular choice for adding comfort and visual interest to your staircase.
