When searching for carpet or rugs many people may not know the vernacular of carpet world. When
dealing with carpet or rugs, it is important to prepare yourself before you go shopping. To help you out,
here are some carpet related terms that may come in handy while researching your next purchase.

Area Rug – A type of rug that is designed to cover a specific area of a room, rather than covering the
entire floor like wall-to-wall carpeting. It is a decorative or functional piece that can be easily moved
from one location to another. Custom area rugs can be cut to fit any size room.

Berber Carpet – A style of carpet characterized by a looped pile construction, which creates a textured,
flecked appearance.

Broadloom – A term used to describe a type of carpet that is woven on a wide loom, allowing for larger
dimensions and seamless installation.

Carpet – A floor covering made from a variety of materials, including wool, nylon, polyester, and olefin.
It is typically made by tufting, needle-punching, or weaving fibers into a backing material.

Carpet Pile – Pile refers to the fibers that make up the surface of a carpet. The pile can be constructed in
a variety of ways, including cut pile, loop pile, or a combination of both, and the length and density of
the fibers can affect the appearance, texture, and durability of the carpet.

Carpet Remnants – Leftover pieces of carpet that are sold at a discount due to their irregular shape or
size.

Cut Pile Carpet – A style of carpet in which the looped fibers are cut to create a plush, dense pile.

Density — Density or weight refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts. In general, the denser the pile, the better the performance.

Fluffing – The process of restoring the pile of a carpet or rug by fluffing the fibers with a brush or rake.

Frieze Carpet – A style of cut pile carpet with twisted fibers that create a curly, textured appearance.

Jacquard Carpet – A type of carpet with intricate, woven patterns created using a Jacquard loom.

Nylon – A synthetic fiber commonly used in carpet manufacturing due to its durability, stain resistance,
and ease of maintenance.

Polyester – Polyester fibers have a luxurious feel and come in a wide range of colors and styles, making
them a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other low-traffic areas in the home. They are
also stain-resistant and easy to clean, which makes them a practical option for families with children and
pets. Visit our blog to read more about the benefits of polypropylene carpets.

Polypropylene – also known as olefin, this is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer that is durable,
affordable, stain resistant. Polypropylene carpets are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a
popular choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces.

Rug Binding — Known as banding or edging, rug binding is the narrow strip of material that is sewn over
a carpet edge to protect, strengthen, or decorate the finished rug. Binding comes in a variety of colors,
widths, and materials; all of which can be customized for your project.

Rug Padding – A layer of cushioning material placed underneath a rug to provide extra comfort, support,
and protection to the rug and the floor beneath. Browse our pad options.

Saxony Carpet – A style of cut pile carpet with dense, tightly twisted fibers that create a smooth, plush
surface.

Seam – The point where two sections of carpet are joined together to create a larger surface area.

Serging – A finishing technique in which the edges of a carpet or rug are bound with a yarn or thread to
prevent fraying and give a polished look.

Sisal — A natural plant fiber used in constructing woven rugs or carpet. The term “sisal” is often used to
cover all natural fibers such as jute, sea grass, or abaca. Sisal naturally comes in various shades of greys,
tans, and browns but can be dyed to include pops of all colors. For more information, visit our Sisal Rug
Buyer’s Guide.

Stair Runners – Stair runners are narrow strips of carpet or other material that are installed on the steps
of a staircase. They typically run the length of the staircase, covering the middle portion of each step
while leaving the edges exposed. Stair runners can add a decorative touch to a staircase, while also
providing a non-slip surface and helping to reduce noise and wear on the steps.

Stair Treads – The horizontal surfaces that people step on when walking up or down a flight of stairs.
Carpet stair treads are designed to provide an attractive and comfortable walking surface on stairs while
also helping to reduce slips and falls.

Turfed Carpets – A type of carpeting that features a short, dense pile that resembles artificial turf or
grass. This type of carpeting is often used in commercial settings, such as sports fields or indoor gyms.

Wall to Wall Carpeting – A type of carpeting that covers the entire floor of a room, without leaving any
uncovered space around the perimeter. For more information, read our blog post Wall-to-Wall Carpet:
Everything You Need to Know.

Wool – A natural fiber often used in carpet manufacturing due to its resilience, softness, and ability to
retain its shape and appearance over time. Visit the blog to learn more about the benefits of wool
carpets and why wool carpets are a good investment.

If you still have carpet-related questions contact us to speak our team of experts. For more
informational resources, browse our collection of buying guides and read our carpet blog.