Welcome to Cut Cost Carpets
Top Brand Names at Low, Low Prices
"we cover the North East of Scotland"

33 Maiden Street, Peterhead
Tel / Fax : 01779 477229
Mobile : 07710 082912

Useful  Information

Type of construction

As well as design and colour, the way in which a carpet is made will add to the effect that you are wishing to achieve by introducing different textures of pile.

Each method of construction has its own characteristics that make it more suitable than others for certain locations. The way in which a carpet is constructed also dictates the manner in which they perform during their life span. To help you make your choice we have produced a list of the most commonly used carpet styles and have given a guide to their suitability.

As well as the style of construction, the way in which a carpet will perform is also dictated by pile height, pile weight, pile density and the carpet fibres used. It is the combination of these factors that will determine how a carpet will perform in any given location.

Carpets with longer pile heights feel more luxurious but are more prone to flattening. Shorter denser piles often retain their appearance better but can feel less comfortable. Pile weight is important and generally carpets with heavier pile weights will look, feel and wear better than lighter ones. Unfortunately they also cost more!

Construction methods fall into two main categories "Tufted" and "Woven". The main difference to the consumer are that tufted manufacture is faster and therefore produces a less expensive product whilst much better patterns can be produced on woven carpets.

TUFTED CARPETS

Twist Pile

Twist pile carpets are among the most popular styles at this moment in time. Whilst almost all carpet yarns are twisted to some degree, these products derive their name from an additional amount of twist given to the fibres. The extra twisting makes the finished yarn act like a spring and consequently it springs back into shape once walked upon giving it excellent pile recovery.

The pile heights are generally kept relatively low which reduces flattening and keeps shading to a minimum. The range of colours available is excellent making it a designer's dream to work with.

Suitable For
LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM

Cut Pile

Many carpets with a smooth, single level surface fall into the cut pile category. Usually the carpet is manufactured white then the colour and design are printed on. The dense pile is cut and sheared to provide a smooth surface. The use of heat to set the yarn helps to give good appearance retention.

Production is efficient, which keeps cost of manufacture down tremendously. Due to modern printing techniques the designs and colours are excellent. Exceptionally dense piles with a very smooth finish are know as velvets whilst less dense cut pile carpets with a slightly longer pile height are known as plush piles which are often used in bedrooms.

These are good all-round products that perform well although cut pile carpets can be subject to shading.

Suitable For
LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM

Saxony

Saxonys or American Saxonys, as they are often referred to, have a much higher pile than other types of carpeting. This gives it a very luxurious feel underfoot and the colours available are fabulous. The twisted yarn is usually "heat set" to give better appearance retention.

Because of the luxurious deep pile these carpets do shade creating the effect of light and dark areas (like running your hand across velvet curtains). Many people like this effect because it demonstrates how luxurious the carpet is, whilst others hate it! Often these carpets are also chosen for their excellent sound insulation and because they are very safe for young children to play on.

Suitable For
LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM

Loop Pile

Loop pile carpets are manufactured both from wool and man made fibres. As the name suggests they are rows of continuous loops, a little like knitting. The loop forms a type of mini spring which, once walked upon, springs back into shape. This makes the carpet extremely durable and gives it excellent appearance retention.

On the down side wool loops can suffer from "pilling" (bobbles on top of the pile), and you need to be careful with pet claws and high heels as the loops can get snagged. Loop pile carpets are also less luxurious than other styles. New construction methods however are producing exciting new designs in loop pile carpets particularly in natural finishes.

Whilst loop pile carpets will wear well in almost any location, some people prefer not to use them on stairs because the backing can show through on the nose of the stairs (known as "grinning").

Suitable For
	LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM
Wool
Man Made

Cut 'n' Loop and Sculptured Carpets.

Cut 'n' Loop are literally a combination of cut pile and loop pile carpets. This mix is used to produce high and low areas to the pile, which creates a sculptured effect. The result is a carpet which is plain (i.e. uses only one colour) whilst also having a patterned design. Often an "overprint" is then placed on these carpets to further enhance the design. Cut 'n' Loop carpets are produced almost entirely from man made fibres. The colourways available are tremendous and add style and colour to all rooms.

The cut pile does mean that shading can occur in these carpets. Similar to loop pile carpets, some people prefer not to use cut 'n' loop carpets on stairs.

Suitable For
LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM

WOVEN CARPETS

Woven Axminsters & Wilton Carpets

Axminsters are one of the two most traditional methods of manufacturing carpets. It is a much slower method of production than tufting and is used to produce a very high quality product.

Axminsters are made almost entirely out of wool or wool man made mixes, which makes them exceptionally durable and hard wearing. Traditional Wiltons are constructed using similar raw materials to Axminsters but using a slightly different method. What is important is the benefits these two constructions offer the consumer.

Unlike tufted carpets where the design is printed onto the surface of the carpet, the pattern is "woven in" using different coloured yarns. This produces a much better definition of the design and appearance retention is excellent. Designs available are both traditional and modern in many colours giving a wide selection for any room. Qualities do vary depending on the types of wool used and the density of the pile.

A good Axminster or Wilton, if looked after, will last for many years.

Modern day woven Wiltons have all the characteristics of Traditional Wiltons & Axminsters as regards colours and design, but are produced on high speed machinery using man-made fibres (typically polypropylene) which makes then much more affordable. Whilst such products are not as durable as their wool counterparts they represent exceptionally good value for money.

The pile is kept relatively short on most woven products so flattening is kept to a minimum making them suitable for all living areas. In certain qualities and designs some shading will be seen.

Suitable For
LOUNGE	HALL	STAIRS	BEDROOM	KITCHEN	BATHROOM