Do you know your Axminster from your Wilton? Have you ever considered the weave of the carpets you buy? Most people simply see what they like and take the plunge. And while this often works, some people end up regretting their purchase — because the carpet isn’t right for either the home or the family lifestyle.
You have to think about traffic, whether or not you have a pet, cleaning the carpet and a few other practical issues in order to make the right decision. We’re here to make the purchasing process a little easier. Here is a brief guide to buying the perfect carpet, along with a few tricks of the trade.
Woven or unwoven?
A woven carpet features crossed threads that interconnect with one another. This is a process that has been around for centuries, and it makes the final product stronger and more durable. In most cases, woven carpets will last longer, so they’re often the most cost-effective option in high-traffic areas of the home… even though they’re usually more expensive.
Consider the pile
The pile of a carpet is the bit that will be on view in your home. It is attached to the carpet backing, and tends to be measured by its “weight”. Put simply, this is the amount of material used to create it. The more pile, the thicker and more luxurious the carpet is… usually. It’s also worth noting that a woven carpet with a high pile “weight” usually lasts far longer than cheaper varieties.
There are a few piles to choose from:
Loop — This type of carpet is made by creating loops from the yarn. This is a process that gives carpets a thicker appearance, but it’s not without its issues. For example, dogs and cats can get their claws caught in the loops, causing damage — and a degree of pain and frustration for pets.
Velvet — Velvet pile has a soft, velvet-like look and feel. The yarn used to make velvet pile is relatively straight, and the ends are cut evenly to increase longevity.
Twist — If you’re looking for a hard-wearing, durable carpet that will withstand lots of traffic, twist is probably the best option. The yarn is twisted slightly during the production process, creating a textured feel that also increases a carpet’s lifespan.
Saxony — If money is no object and you’re prioritising luxury over longevity, saxony pile could be the way to go. This long, thick pile looks fantastic when it’s new, but it can flatten relatively easily. It’s therefore not a good idea to fit saxony pile carpets in hallways and living rooms with lots of traffic.
What’s best? Axminster or Wilton?
Most woven carpets fall into one of two categories: Axminster and Wilton. Axminster carpets are made by creating carpet tufts of equal length before attaching them to the backing. Wilton create pile in a continuous loop, and the cutting takes place once the pile has been attached to the backing.
You’ll probably find that Axminster carpets give more colour and pattern options. Wiltons are highly durable, but they don’t offer the same choice of patterns.
Should I go for a wool carpet?
Wool is soft, thick and luxurious. It not only looks and feels great, it also offers great insulation to any room. Other benefits include an added resistance to moisture and fire. On the flipside, however, wool is susceptible to a lot of cleaning chemicals, and removing stains from wool carpet can be tough.
By choosing a carpet made with a combination of wool and synthetic fibres, you’re getting the best of both worlds. You’ll have a luxurious carpet that insulates and resists moisture, but you’ll also have flooring that is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
The best way to decide which carpet is best for your home is to speak to a professional — either online or in a store. Ask about the benefits and drawbacks, and make sure you get the lowdown on carpet cleaning too. The issues of cost, maintenance, cleaning, insulation and aesthetics all need to be weighed up before you can choose the best possible carpet for your home.