Reference
This carpet glossary explains, in plain language, the terms you are most likely to hear when shopping for, installing, or caring for carpet. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, knowing what these words mean makes it easier to compare products and make confident decisions. The definitions cover materials and construction methods commonly used across North America.
Terms are listed alphabetically, from fibre types and construction methods to installation styles and everyday wear. If you come across a word that is not here, our team is always happy to explain it.
- Carpet
- Carpet is a textile floor covering made up of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. The pile is usually made from natural or synthetic fibres such as wool, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene, and it adds warmth, comfort, and sound absorption, especially in bedrooms and living rooms. Wall-to-wall carpet is fitted edge to edge so that it covers the whole floor of a room.
- Crushing
- Crushing is the permanent loss of carpet pile height, usually caused by heavy foot traffic or the weight of furniture. Resilient fibres such as nylon and wool resist crushing well, which makes them a good choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs. Polyester and olefin tend to crush and mat more easily.
- Denier
- Denier measures the thickness, or fineness, of an individual carpet fibre or filament. A higher denier means a thicker, heavier fibre, which can add to the carpet’s body and durability.
- Density
- Density refers to how closely packed the pile yarn is in a carpet. Higher density offers better resistance to crushing and matting, which is particularly important in areas with heavy foot traffic like offices and entryways.
- Double-Glued Seams / Seam Sealer
- A double-glued seam joins two pieces of carpet by applying adhesive to both the seam tape and the carpet edges, which helps keep the seam from separating over time. Seam sealer, often latex-based, is applied to the cut edges to prevent fuzzing or fraying, especially in high-traffic and commercial areas.
- Face Weight
- Face weight measures the number of ounces of fibre per square yard of carpet. However, face weight doesn’t directly indicate durability or performance. The type of fibre and the construction method have a greater impact on a carpet’s longevity.
- Fibre
- Fibre forms the basic material of any carpet. The most common fibres used in North America include nylon, polyester, and wool. Each fibre type has its own strengths, such as durability, softness, or stain resistance.
- Flocked
- Flocked carpets are made by depositing small fibres (flock) onto a surface. This technique creates a durable, textured finish. These carpets are often used in commercial areas where durability is key.
- French Cap Installation (Stairs)
- French Cap installation secures the carpet on both stair treads and risers, reducing wear and tear. This method is recommended for both residential and commercial staircases, ensuring a longer carpet life.
- Fuzzing
- Fuzzing happens when fibres loosen and appear on the carpet’s surface. This issue is often caused by weak twists in the yarn. Professional carpet cleaners can remove the fuzz to restore the carpet’s appearance.
- Heat Setting
- Heat setting locks the yarn’s twist by applying heat. This process ensures the carpet maintains its shape and structure over time. Most nylon, polyester, and olefin cut pile carpets undergo heat setting to improve durability.
- Knitted
- Knitted carpets are formed by interlacing yarns, which creates a loop structure. These carpets feel soft and luxurious, making them a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Matting
- Matting happens when dirt or wear causes carpet fibres to tangle and mat together. This problem commonly affects entryways and hallways. Regular cleaning and proper care help prevent matting.
- Memory
- Carpet memory, also known as texture retention, refers to how well the fibres retain their shape after use. Carpets with strong memory perform better in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
- Needle Punched
- Needle-punched carpets are created by stitching fibres into a backing material. This process produces durable carpets, making them ideal for high-use areas such as workshops and basements.
- Pile
- Pile refers to the individual columns of carpet fibres. Loop, cut, and twist pile carpets offer different textures and levels of durability. Loop pile carpets are more common in commercial settings, while cut pile carpets are popular in residential homes.
- Pile Reversal / Shading
- Pile reversal, also known as shading, occurs when traffic causes fibres to bend in different directions. This effect creates the appearance of light and dark patches on the carpet but does not affect performance.
- Rippling
- Rippling occurs when heat or humidity causes carpet to develop waves or wrinkles. Proper re-stretching can resolve this issue, which typically occurs in poorly ventilated areas or after water damage.
- Safety / Softens Slips and Falls
- Carpets provide a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of slips and falls. They are especially beneficial in homes with children or elderly individuals. Carpet is commonly used in bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms for added safety.
- Shedding
- New carpets, particularly those made of cut pile or wool, tend to shed loose fibres for a few weeks after installation. Regular vacuuming helps control shedding, which is less common in synthetic fibre carpets like nylon or polyester.
- Snags
- Snags happen when an object catches on the carpet fibres and pulls them loose. Small snags can be trimmed with scissors, but larger ones may require professional repair.
- Static Electricity
- Carpet can generate static electricity in low-humidity environments. Using carpets with built-in static resistance or employing a humidifier can reduce the buildup of static charges.
- Texture Retention
- Texture retention refers to a carpet’s ability to maintain its original shape under pressure. High-quality carpets with strong texture retention are ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and staircases.
- Tufted
- Tufted carpets are made by inserting yarn into a backing material. This is the most common carpet construction method in North America, used in both residential and commercial spaces for its affordability and versatility.
- Twist
- Twist refers to how many times the yarn is wound around itself. Higher twist levels improve the carpet’s durability and resistance to wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Waterfall Installation (Stairs)
- Waterfall installation attaches carpet to the tread and riser of each stair, forming a continuous surface. Although less durable than other methods, it is still used in some homes, especially when working with simple stair designs.
- Woven
- Woven carpets are created by interlacing yarns to form a durable and intricate design. These carpets are often found in luxury settings, offering high durability and an elegant appearance.
- Yarn
- Yarn is made by twisting fibres together to form a continuous strand. Carpets can be made from a variety of yarn materials, including wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, each offering different benefits like softness or durability.
- Yarn Count
- Yarn count describes the thickness of the yarn used to make a carpet. Along with density and twist, it affects how the finished carpet looks, feels, and wears.
- Final Thoughts
- This Carpet Glossary is designed to help you better understand the world of carpet flooring. Whether you’re choosing new carpet for your home or maintaining the one you already have, knowing these terms will make the process easier. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of carpet experts.