One of the features that most people look for in a home is hardwood flooring. However, although that hardwood might look nice in your kitchen, dining room, or even living room, there are certain places where you’ll likely want carpet. For example, carpet is typically nicer than hardwood floors or tile in a bedroom. When you go to the home improvement store to order carpeting, however, it is easy to become overwhelmed. With all the colors and types, there are hundreds of carpet choices. The color is up to you, but here’s a little overview of the types of carpet available:

Loop Pile Carpeting

If a carpet is classified as “loop pile,” it is made with pieces of yarn that are pulled through the backing twice, creating a loop, as the name implies. Loop pile carpeting choices are typically easier to clean and less expensive than other types of carpeting. Shorter loops are usually really good at blocking out dirt, while longer loops are more plush and luxurious. There are three main kinds of loop pile carpeting:

Berber: Although Berber carpet can be cut pile as well, it is most likely loop pile construction. Berber carpet is usually made from nylon, olefin, or wool, and it is one of the most durable types of carpet available. You’ll most often see Berber carpet in schools and offices, though some people also like to choose this carpet for high-traffic areas of their homes. Berber is stain resistant and affordable, so it is especially good for entryways and porches.

Cable: Cable carpet is usually softer looking than Berber. The yarn used for this kind of carpeting has a lot of twist and is perfect for a casual look for your flooring.

Sisal: Sisal is actually a twine-line material that can be used for carpet. This material is extremely durable, but it not good in areas that could get wet, and it may mat in high-traffic areas.

Cut Pile Carpeting

With cut pile carpeting, the manufacturers don’t leave the loops of yarn intact. Instead, the loops are cut, creating little tufts of yarns. For the most part, cut pile carpeting is more durable than loop pile carpeting, and there are more choices because the carpet can be cut in different ways. Here are some of the most common kinds of cut pile carpeting:

Plush (Velvet): Plush carpet, also known as velvet carpet, is one of the most luxurious types of carpeting. The carpet’s yarn is cut to create a shiny sheen. Because plush carpet is more expensive and footprints show readily, this carpet is best for low-traffic, formal areas of the home.

Saxony: Saxony is a type of yarn that is very fine and made from sheep’s wool. It is not quite as smooth as plush carpeting, but it is still very elegant and soft to touch.

Shag: Made popular in the 1960s in the United States, shag carpet has longer tufts of yarn. The textured pieces of yarn are thicker than other types of carpet and usually do not show footprints.

Textured: Textured carpets are made by cutting yarn that is twisted and crimped. Usually, this type of carpet is made with main shades. It is the most popular kind of carpet on the market because it combines the feeling of plush carpet with the price and durability of loop pile carpet.

Frieze: The yarn used to make frieze carpet is very cut very short and often used to create patterns. The curly yarn doesn’t feel as soft as plush or even textured carpet, but it is extremely durable and doesn’t show marks well.

Other Options

Another choice you have for carpeting is multi-level loop pile carpet. With this kind of carpeting, the manufacturer using multiple heights with the loops to create textures and patterns. Some carpets you find with multi-level loops have a random look, while others are meant to be laid to create a geometric look. These carpets are great for high-traffic areas.

If you’re thinking about carpeting a basement, porch, or game room, you can also choose a fun flooring like Astroturf, which looks like grass. Don’t be afraid to try something playful – and it can also be less expensive without looking cheap.

Carpet doesn’t have to be wall-to-wall if you still like the hardwood or tile look. You can instead choose to purchase rugs to create a carpet-like surface that can be removed if you want to go back to the hardwood or tile surface. If you do choose to have wall-to-wall carpeting, though, you have two main options – carpet that comes in a large roll or carpet that comes in squares, almost like tile. Availability depends on the type of carpet you’re using. No matter what kinds of carpet you choose, however, make sure that you take the time to pick up the right padding and learn how to install it properly (or hire an expert). Carpet can be a large expense, so you want yours to last as long as possible.