IN THIS POST
– Types of Carpets Based on Texture
– Types of Carpets Based on Material
– Prices of Carpets in Pakistan
– Where to Install Wall-to-Wall Carpets
Want to make your home feel a bit more comfortable without compromising its aesthetics? Consider investing in wall-to-wall carpeting to make your space look a bit more elegant while providing a soft and cushiony surface underfoot. There are hundreds of types of carpets available in the market in a wide range of colours, patterns, textures, fibres and styles. This means you won’t have much trouble finding the perfect floor covering for your home regardless of your colour palette and décor theme.
In case you have any qualms about installing carpet in your home, here are some pros and cons of carpet flooring that might help you reach a quick decision.
However, one can also not ignore the fact that carpet shopping can be a bit overwhelming owing to the large number of options to choose from. In case you are having trouble figuring out which type of carpet would fit your home the best, you should take a step back and first determine which texture and material you want to add to your space. Don’t forget, it’s these two characteristics of a carpet that determine its comfort and durability. Once you’ve decided on the texture and material all that is left is to do is choose the right colour and design.
Here is a detailed guide on different types of carpets and their prices in Pakistan to help you buy the best floor covering for your home. Though before we get started, we would like to clarify that this guide will focus solely on carpet rolls used for wall-to-wall carpeting instead of centrepieces, rugs and mats etc.
So, let’s get started.
Different Types of Carpet Textures
One of the main questions the shopkeeper may ask you during carpet shopping is the type of texture you are looking for.
As you may already know, carpets are made by looping the yarn through a backing material, much like how one sews a button onto a shirt. The manufacturers may cut the yarn at various angles and length, twist it to stay in place, or simply leave it intact. How each loop is treated in the carpet is called the carpet pile. Each pile style has its own unique texture, with some feeling softer than others, some hiding dirt and grime better, and some appearing worn out rather quickly.
Here are some of the carpet piles styles that you must know about:
- Cut pile carpets
- Loop pile or Berber carpets
- Low pile carpets
- Level loop pile carpets
- Patterned loop pile carpets
- Cut and loop pile carpets
- Twist pile or frieze-cut carpet
- Plush carpets
Let’s take a look at the types of carpets based on textures.
Cut Pile Carpets
A cut pile carpet has straight fibre that is either sheared off or cut and twisted to produce a fairly soft surface. These types of carpets come in different thicknesses and lengths. They are also rather easy to clean. However, cut pile carpets do not stand up against crushing and matting. That means you will be able to foot imprints and vacuum streaks on its surface.
Although cut pile carpets are rather popular, they are generally not as durable as loop pile carpets.
Loop Pile or Berber Carpets
Berber carpets are also known as loop pile and uncut pile carpets because they have the entire yarn loop left intact on their surface. These carpets are named after a particular type of hand-knotted rugs from Africa. They are very clean to clean, do not shed over time, are less likely to tuft, and last for a long time. Owing to their texture, these carpets are good at hiding dirt and stains. Loop piles carpets are also a great choice for high-traffic areas as they won’t show any indentations caused by foot or vacuum cleaner.
The only downside to Berber carpets is that they have a relatively coarse texture and may pose a snagging hazard in households with little kids or pets.
Low Pile Carpets
Low pile carpets have very short fibres that may give it a dense and flat appearance. They are usually not very soft and have fibres cut to 6.5 millimetres or less.
Level Loop Pile Carpets
The level loop pile carpets have yarn fibres cut to the same height. They are a variation of loop pile carpet with uniform strands, giving them a rather informal appearance. Level loop pile carpets are a good option for high-traffic areas in the home. They are also resistant to stains and provide some cushioning, making them one of the best types of carpet for stairs.
Patterned Loop Pile Carpets
In patterned loop pile carpets, the fibre strands are cut in varying heights to create interesting patterns on the surface. Different colours are often added to make these carpets stand out from the rest. Patterned loop carpets usually have a soft surface.
Moreover, their casual look makes them one of the best types of carpets in Pakistan for living rooms.
Cut and Loop Pile Carpets
This type of carpet comprises a mixture of different pile styles such as made by combining straight strands with looped fibres to create geometric or abstract designs. Cut and loop pile carpets are quite comfortable, aesthetically appealing, and considered one of the best types of carpet for bedrooms.
Owing to their interesting design, these carpets can serve as a focal point of any room. However, on the flip side, the longer strands in cut and loop pile carpets tend to bend rather easily, giving the piece a worn-out look despite not being very old.
Twist Pile or Frieze-Cut Carpet
The cut pile or frieze carpets feature relatively long cut yarn fibres that are twisted together until they curl across the surface. These types of carpets boast a soft texture and are a good choice for high-traffic areas in homes as well as commercial settings.
Due to their pile style, these carpets take a while to get dirty and don’t stain too easily. They are also very durable, provide protection against general wear and tear, and last for a very long time.
Frieze carpets are also one of the most popular types of carpets used in hotels and offices.
Plush Carpets
Plush carpets are extremely soft and smooth to touch. The yarn strands in this type of carpet are relatively longer and trimmed in such a fashion that they stand up in soft yet densely packed tufts. These carpets tend to look rather elegant and luxurious. Velvet-cut pile and Saxony cut are two of the most famous types of plush carpets available in the market.
Their major disadvantage is that they are only meant to be used in low-traffic settings. Due to their longer strands, these carpets are prone to scuffing, matting, and wearing out.
Now that we know about the major carpet pile types, it’s time to move on to the different types of carpet materials you can choose for your home.
Different Types of Carpet Materials
Carpets in Pakistan are made from a variety of materials, including:
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Olefin
- Acrylic
If you are wondering why wool isn’t included in this list, it is because this material is rarely used in wall-to-wall carpeting, owing to its high price. However, wool is still popular (and the most expensive) material used to make smaller Persian carpets that are mostly used as centrepieces in drawing rooms. Wool is also used to make different types of Afghan carpets.
Nylon Carpets
For those planning to buy carpet online, the options you are seeing on your screen are most likely nylon.
Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic carpet materials in Pakistan. It is known for its soft texture, smooth surface and durability along with resistance to stains, mould and mildew. This material is also rather strong, making it a suitable choice for high-traffic settings. Moreover, nylon fibres are easy to dye and do not lose their shape.
If treated with care, nylon carpets can last between 10 to 15 years. They are also rather budget-friendly and available in a wide range of colours, patterns, textures and designs.
It is also considered one of the best types of carpet for pets.
Polyester Carpets
Another affordable choice for floor covering, polyester carpets are popular among homeowners for their softness and comfort. Much like nylon, polyester is also resistant to stains and liquid spills. In addition to that, the carpets made of polyester feel smooth and lavish underfoot.
As far as colours are concerned, polyester carpets are available in a wide range of hues, designs and patterns. They are also easy to dye and do not lose their colour with time. Polyester carpets are also easy to install.
However, it is important to mention that this type of carpet is not very suitable for high-traffic areas. Even in low-traffic areas, these carpets usually last between 5 to 8 years. Polyester fibres are also prone to matting and it is almost impossible to get rid of oil stains from this material.
Olefin Carpets
Also known as polypropylene, olefin carpets are widely used in both commercial and residential settings. It is a low-cost material that is pre-treated to retain its colour for a long time. Relatively cheaper than nylon, this material is almost just as soft with its fibres bearing a striking similarity of those of natural wool. This is also one of the main reasons why olefin is generally used as a synthetic substitute for wool.
Olefin carpets are highly resistant to staining and easy to clean. However, it is not as durable or resilient as nylon. It can melt under excessive heat, can hold on to oils and collect dirt.
Most Berber carpets are made of recycled olefin resins. Therefore, if you want to buy this type of floor covering for your home, you should consider opting for a loop-style carpet.
Acrylic Carpets
Much like olefin, acrylic is also called ‘synthetic wool’ because of its visual and textural similarities to the natural material. Acrylic carpets are soft, smooth and resistant to static electricity. They also have a high resistance for moisture, so you won’t have to worry about mould, mildew or discolouration.
Most importantly, acrylic carpets are rather cheap.
On the other hand, this material tends to accumulate dirt and grime. It may also turn brown after coming in contact with alkaline chemicals usually found in cleaning solutions. Acrylic carpets may give you the same aesthetics as that of wool carpets, but they are not very durable. They don’t perform well in high-traffic settings either.
Prices of Carpets in Pakistan
Budget can be a huge constraint while shopping for the best carpets for your home.
The price of carpets in Pakistan vary significantly with their design, quality, padding, and texture, among other factors. However, if you are in the market to buy carpet rolls for wall-to-wall coverage, you can find something to your liking within the range of PKR 35 to PKR 400 (and above) per sq ft.
Of course, the more expensive options are usually more beautiful and durable. Though you can easily buy a good quality carpet for PKR 150 per sq ft on average.
Moreover, you can save some money on carpet installation by following our DIY guide on how to install carpet on your floors. Similarly, our step-by-step guide to installing carpet on stairs may also help you out.
Where to Install Wall-to-Wall Carpets in Your Home
The best areas for carpet flooring in your home are:
- Bedrooms
- Stairs
- Living room
- Home offices
- Basement
On the other hand, the worst areas for wall-to-wall carpeting in your home include:
- Entry areas
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Balconies
- Dining rooms
This brings an end to our guide on types of carpets and their prices in Pakistan. You share your comments and thoughts with us by dropping a message at blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our tips on how to keep a carpet looking new and smelling fresh for longer as well as ways to remove rigid carpet stains.
To learn more about affordable flooring options for your home, head over to Zameen Blog – the best home décor and real estate blog in Pakistan.
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Disclaimer: The prices of carpets mentioned in this guide are extracted from local vendors and are subject to change. Zameen Blog does not recommend buying any products, therefore, this blog must only be used for guidance. Please check back frequently for the latest carpet cost per square foot.
