Carpets

Carpets are textile floor coverings that typically lay on the entire horizontal surface of a room, providing comfort, insulation, and noise reduction. In common usage, carpet is often distinguished from rugs, which are smaller and portable. A carpet usually consists of a face fabric (pile) bound to a backing, and is installed over a floor covering with padding and, in some cases, adhesives or fasteners.

Materials vary: natural fibers such as wool and cotton, and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester (PET), and polypropylene. Backings may be made of latex or polypropylene; padding is a separate underlayment. Most modern carpets are tufted, where yarns are stitched into a backing; woven carpets include Axminster and Wilton styles; less common are flatweave carpets.

Pile types: cut pile (each yarn ends trimmed) and loop pile (tufts form loops), or combinations. The overall performance is described by face weight, density, and twist level; higher density and twist generally improve durability and resilience. Styles include level loop, textured loop, cut-pile, and patterned or multi-level loop designs.

Installation and care: carpet is typically installed wall-to-wall using tackless strips, padding, and adhesive or mechanical fastening; it can also be glue-down or floating in some cases. Regular vacuuming helps remove dirt; professional cleaning every 12-18 months extends life. Treat stains promptly with appropriate cleaners; avoid excessive moisture to prevent backing damage.

History and environment: Carpets have ancient origins in Asia and the Middle East and were transformed by industrialization. Modern carpets can be recyclable and manufactured for low VOC emissions. Lifespan typically ranges from 8 to 15 years with proper care.