Glossary of Terms
We’ve compiled a list to help you understand all the technical carpet and flooring terms. We hope it helps.
Terms and Meanings
Action Back
All tufted carpets have a secondary backing which is adhered to the back of the pile fibres to give additional stability and a firm backing to fit the carpet with. Action back is a synthetic/man-made material used as secondary backing for carpets.
Antimicrobial
Destroys or suppresses the growth of micro-organisms.
Antistatic
Reduces or eliminates the build-up of static electricity.
Axminster
A type of woven carpet and also a brand name, Axminster carpets are generally, although not exclusively made from wool rich blends and are usually patterned rather than plain. Their popularity has diminished as cheaper tufted carpet quality has improved.
Berber
Berbers are a distinctive, attractive and versatile variety of carpet that adapts well to any room decor. They can be loop or cut pile carpets and typically have a rugged, heathered colour appearance. They are generally made from a wool blend, although there are cheaper man-made fibre versions.
Binding
A strip sewn onto the edge of a carpet, that is used to protect or add strength. Can be used to create runners and rugs.
Blends
Refers to the blend of the yarns used in the face pile of the carpet; e.g. 50% wool / 50% polypropylene. Different blends have different characteristics and different uses.
Borders
Borders of contrasting colour or design can be seamed into a carpet to create an interesting visual effect. Most often used in long corridors and on staircases this style can add a great deal to interior decoration.
Door Bars
Door bars provide a neat finish and attractive edging to doorways and other unprotected edges. They also ensure that areas of high traffic are kept seam-free for safety, and protect them from wear and tear. Usually made from wood, aluminium or brass, they are sometimes called cover strips.
Edging
A strip sewn onto the edge of a carpet, that is used to protect or add strength. Can be used to create runners and rugs.
Fitting
There are different ways to install a carpet, depending on the location and type of carpet. We employ professional fitters who have undergone full training and will fit your carpets and flooring to the highest standards. Poorly fitted carpet not only doesn’t look good but can lead to premature wear.
Flattening
The process during which after a period of use the pile fibre becomes flattened. Usually caused in two ways – static pressure caused by heavy furniture over a long period, or in heavy traffic areas. This is unavoidable but can be minimised by choosing a dense carpet where the fibres are packed in and so support each other. Using a high-quality underlay will pay dividends as this will itself absorb some of the pressure and help the carpet fibres recover more quickly.
Feltback
Where the carpet has a “built-in” layer of felt which acts as an underlay, usually found on cheaper qualities. Generally, the carpet appearance will deteriorate more quickly as the built-in underlay is not as effective as a good quality normal underlay.
Gripper
A wooden strip with upstanding sharp nails used to fit most tufted carpets in the home. The gripper is pinned or stuck to the perimeter of the room.
Heather
An effect created by blending two or different coloured yarns together to create a patterned effect. Can be useful in hiding dirt or camouflaging wear and tear.
Hessian backing
A synthetic/man-made material used as secondary backing for carpets. All tufted carpets have a secondary backing which is adhered to the back of the pile fibres to give additional stability and a firm backing to fit the carpet with.
Loop Pile
Where the pile of a tufted carpet is left uncut to form a loop. Loop pile carpets are popular because they offer textural appearance. They tend to feel harder underfoot and in some cases are not recommended for use on stairs.
Natural Fibres
Carpet fibres produced from natural sources. Wool is the main carpet fibre used in the UK. Coir, Sisal and Seagrass are other examples of natural fibres.
Nylon
The generic term is Polyamide. Nylon can be used on its own or blended with wool fibres adding to the durability of the carpet.
Pattern Repeat
The distance measured before a design starts again.
Pile
The term used to describe the face yarn which is visible when the carpet is laid on the floor.
Pile Height
The term used to describe the length of the pile standing above the backing.
Pile Weight
The weight of yarn per square metre of carpet.
Polyamide
Polyamide fabric is a general term that is used to refer to a variety of different fabrics that are made from strings of polyamide monomers.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fibre typically used for deep pile Saxonys where luxury is looked for at a modest price. Not as durable as wool or nylon.
Polypropylene
This man-made fibre represents good value for money and is inherently stain resistant. Not as durable as other fibres.
Ply
Single ends of carpet yarn that are twisted together to form plied carpet. It is the measurement of the yarn’s thickness e.g. 3 ply.
Primary Backing
In a tufted carpet, it is the backing into which the tufts are inserted.
Quality
The word can sometimes refer to different versions of a particular carpet e.g. a light wear or a heavy wear quality often linked to the pile weight of that carpet.
Saxony
A style of carpet usually of longer pile height than twist pile. Ideal for any area where softness and luxury underfoot are required.
Secondary Backing
A second backing that is laminated onto the primary backing of the carpet to increase shape retention.
Shag Pile
A style of carpet usually with longer pile height than the Saxony. Popular in the 1960s this style has recently come back into fashion. The longer pile shags need to be combed, and specific guidance should be obtained for their care and maintenance.
Shedding
This term describes how some carpets will naturally shed some fibres in the early stages of life. This is quite normal, and you should not be unduly concerned.
Stain Protection
A carpet treatment applied during manufacturing which helps protect the surface fibres from soiling and spillages.
Static
The positive electrical charge that builds upon the shoe soles after walking over a carpet.
Subfloor
A term used to describe the floor directly beneath any carpet or final floor covering.
Synthetic
Made of chemical, man-made products instead of natural materials.
Textures
This term describes any floor covering with a textured finish that creates an interesting visual effect on the floor.
Tufting
The method of manufacture developed in the 1960s. More efficient and cheaper than woven carpets and most modern carpets are made this way.
Twist Pile
The most popular style of carpet in the UK today usually denoted by its relatively short pile length – can be very durable in the right construction.
Underlay
The pad made from a variety of materials but usually rubber or felt, which helps cushion the carpet against wear. A good underlay will help prolong the life of your carpet, give you sound absorption and provide heat-insulating properties.
Weight
Often used to compare the merits of different qualities, the pile weight of a carpet is usually measured in grams per square metre. Ensure you are comparing figures of the same type if using this as a comparison.
Woven
Axminster or Wilton carpets are woven types. Typically patterned and multi-coloured they are usually hard-wearing but more expensive than tufted carpets.
80/20
The 80% is usually wool and 20% a synthetic yarn added to either improve the characteristics of the wool or to bulk it out.
