About Carpet

• What types of carpet are available?

All carpeting can be broadly sorted into one of three categories of pile. A carpet’s pile refers to the length and density of its fibers.

Cut pile carpet is the most popular type, featuring sheared fiber strands with exposed ends. It’s available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, so you’ll have a range of options regardless of what you’re specifically looking for. The twist of individual strands in cut pile is key when making a decision – tighter, heavier twist will add texture and durability to your carpet to help it stand up to matting and crushing.

Loop pile, on the other hand, features un-sheared loops of fiber that not only add extra durability, but also create opportunities for pattern and texture. Tight, heavily twisted loops offer more resistance to matting and crushing. One potential issue to watch out for when choosing looped pile is pulled-out loops, which, when snagged, can cause damage to your carpet.

Cut & Loop pile is the third category, which combines the previous two types of carpet. Having both sheared and un-sheared fibers leads to patterned surfaces and artistic use of texture. No one type of carpet is better than the others – your choice will largely come down to personal design preference.

• What are the different styles of carpet?

Now that you’ve got a sense for the different types of carpet, let’s go a little deeper and delve into the various styles available.

Some common styles of cut pile include:

Saxony – long, plush pile with extra twist are the defining features of this iconic carpet style

Plush – like Saxony, but with shorter pile and a more soft and velvety appearance

Frieze – commonly called shag carpeting, frieze a less formal appearance

For loop pile, some of the most common varieties you’ll find include:

Level loop – A simple design featuring repeated loops that give it a uniform surface

Sisal – Textured carpet featuring loops in straight rows

Berber – This style, originally popularized in commercial settings, features large, chunky loops

• Is carpet bad for my allergies?

A myth pervades that carpet isn’t a good choice for sufferers of allergies or asthma. On the contrary, carpeting can be one of the most hypoallergenic flooring solutions with the proper care. Carpet traps allergens within its fibers, preventing them from escaping into the air and aggravating sensitive family members. A regularly cleaned carpet is the ideal tool for improving the air quality in your home.

• How do I prevent carpet stains?

Bowling’s Carpet is proud to offer several nylon and polyester carpet styles by Shaw Floors that feature the brand’s R2X Stain and Soil Resistance System. You’ll find this feature in Bellera, for example. It’s capable of repelling liquids and other staining materials, covering the entirety of each carpet fiber. R2X stands apart from the competition because the protection it provides is more than just surface-level. We also offer carpets with Shaw’s LifeGuard spill-proof backing for another layer of protection!

• What is carpet padding?

Just as important as the carpet you choose is the padding beneath it. While not technically a necessity, at Bowling’s Carpet we will always recommend padding as an investment in the health and lifespan of your carpet and floors.

Carpet padding is an unseen investment that gets installed beneath your carpeting. Padding adds a little extra cushion and comfort, as well as insulation from noise and temperature change.

Padding ranges in thickness and protection capabilities, so talk to any of our flooring experts to help you find the right balance of features and benefits for your specific needs and budget.