Carpet has always been a beloved flooring choice for homes in South Africa. Its warmth, insulation, and comfort are unmatched, especially during chilly winter days.

While each flooring type has its advantages and drawbacks, it's ultimately your decision to choose the option that best suits your home and lifestyle. To assist you in making this decision, we've compiled a list of common carpet characteristics and frequently asked questions.

Guide content
  • Style
  • Fibre

Style

Today, carpet choices abound in styles, colors, and fibers. Quality considerations such as fiber type, stain resistance, stitch tightness, and pile height significantly impact carpet performance. Typically, heavier and thicker piles command higher prices and offer better durability. Some carpets may exhibit "tracking," leaving footprints or vacuum marks, especially plush or shaggy varieties. This phenomenon varies depending on fiber texture and resilience. Opting for shorter or loop pile carpets can mitigate tracking. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for all carpets to maintain their appearance and longevity. Popular yarn styles include:



Cut pile

One of the most common and popular choices for residential settings, cut pile carpets offer a soft and durable underfoot experience. With no loops to snag or pull, they're ideal for homes with pets. Cut pile carpets are available in various styles, including long pile, shag-like pile, or short pile for easy maintenance.

Loop pile

A loop pile carpet is crafted by forming loops in the thread during manufacturing. Renowned for its durability and resilience, this style of carpet stands up well to heavy foot traffic and regular wear and tear. Unlike some other carpet types, loop pile carpets are less prone to showing tracking marks, making them an excellent choice for busy households seeking a low-maintenance flooring option that retains its appearance over time.

Texture

Textured carpets belong to the loop pile carpet category. Typically crafted using a single color, carpet manufacturers continuously strive to innovate and enhance the contemporary appeal of this carpet style. Designs vary, ranging from high and low threads to level loops, offering a diverse range of options to suit different preferences and interior aesthetics.

Cut and loop pile

Cut and loop textures combine elements of both cut pile and loop pile styles to achieve a sophisticated and luxurious finish, adding depth and visual interest to your space.

Fibres

Carpet brings unmatched comfort to your home, offering relief for tired joints and creating a cozy space for children to play. Additionally, it enhances heat insulation when paired with a quality underlay, resulting in a more comfortable, healthier, and cost-effective living environment over time.


The most popular carpet fiber types include:

Nylon

Solution-dyed nylon carpets are renowned for their excellent fade and stain resistance, making them the top choice for young families. Crafted from man-made petroleum-based fibers, these carpets boast yarn memory, ensuring that cut pile carpets maintain their twist over time. With proper maintenance, these carpets retain their impressive appearance from the day of installation.

Polyester

Polyester carpets offer a budget-friendly alternative among synthetic fibers, showcasing impressive colorfastness, particularly when solution-dyed. Their soft texture provides a luxurious feel underfoot, enhancing comfort throughout your space. While they excel in softness and comfort, polyester carpets are most suitable for low-traffic areas where their durability can shine.