Today's carpet market is dominated by three main varieties. Loop pile, in which individual strands of yarn are pulled through the carpet backing twice to create a small loop; cut pile, in which the loop is cut at the top, leaving tufts of yarn that stand straight up; and naturals, which contain no synthetic materials and are created in an assortment of ways.
Different varieties of pile are often combined to allow for a variety of textures, sculptured effects and colour combinations. So what are the most common texture options, which influence the look, feel and durability of your carpet?
Twist piles
Twist carpets are made of tightly twisted tufts, set to form a pile with a slightly textured surface. As one of the more popular styles, they're available in wool and man made fibres. These types of carpet generally have a low pile height, which helps to reduce shading and flattening.
Velvet piles
Often soft and extra smooth, this variety is cut several times to create a deluxe, velvety sheen and smooth appearance. It's ideal for formal areas such as living rooms. There is not a major difference in performance between twist and velvet, as velvet usually has a relatively short pile. However the tufts will only have a limited amount of twist, and this allows them to burst open to create the velvet-like facade.
Loop piles
This is where the tufts are produced in loops and left uncut. It is hard wearing carpet, extremely easy to clean, and are well suited to a room where it will be well tread. Loop pile carpets are popular and available in a wide range of tones and patterns, in both wool and other materials.
Saxony
Saxony carpets have a lovely soft texture created by twisting fibres tightly, then straightening yarn with heat. They are similar to velvets, but not quite as smooth and it's worth remembering they are susceptible to holding foot marks. Saxony carpets have a very sensuous feel with a deep pile, and are extremely popular in bedrooms.
Patterned
Most patterned carpets - and there is a huge variety on the market today - usually have a smooth velvet surface, and due to their construction, can be long-lasting, whatever the foot traffic.
Shag
The 'Shag' retro look is back in both practical and alternative styles. Shag uses a much longer tuft and a thicker yarn, but creates a warm and substantial piece of flooring, and is usually used in the bedroom.
Sisal
Sisal is created from twisted yarns that imitate that hardy woven grass feel. With a stiff texture, it is particularly good for heavily-trod areas and comes in plenty of designs, colours and weaves. Sisal - unlike most other natural carpets - can be dyed and is available in an assortment of styles and colours, such as silver and blue, as well as all the naturals. It can be pricey but it's highly durable.
Seagrass
A strong bit of flooring that is grown in paddy fields in China, and during the growing season, the fields are flooded with sea water. Once harvested, it is dried and spun into yarn to create the well-known sea-grass carpet. The yarn is pretty solid and therefore hard to dye, so it's often just available in natural shades.
Coir
A great and natural covering, with very strong fibres and a textured appearance, Coir is more than able to stand some serious foot traffic. As with all plant fibre floor coverings, it’s really hardwearing and an economic alternative to traditional carpets.
Jute
Jute - derived from a plant called Genus Corchorus - is much softer than all the other natural floorings and, for that reason, a lot less durable. It is not recommended for high foot-traffic areas, but an eco-friendly option for the less used areas of the home.
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