Confused by carpet terminology? Let us be your guide........
80:20
The 80% wool/ 20% nylon mix, developed by Brintons in the 1950's: the softness of wool combined with the strength of nylon creates the perfect carpet yarn.
Axminster
Axminster is a way of making woven carpets that offers greater pattern definition. Most axminster carpets are patterned.
Heather
Carpet yarn made from a mix of more than one fibre colour, giving a flecked, multicoloured effect.
Pile
The pile is the bit you stand on. "Total pile weight" refers to the amount of yarn used to make the carpet. Deep-pile carpets tend to feel more luxurious, while more rows of yarn are harder-wearing.
Tufted
Tufts of yarn are punched through a backing membrane and secured by latex. This is a less time consuming, and therefore less costly, process than weaving, however this does mean the construction of the carpet isn't solid.
Twist
A type of carpet that uses yarn with higher twist than usual, to create a textured surface. The best twist carpets use a two-ply yarn where tow yarn ends are tightly twisted together to give a carpet with exceptionally hard-wearing properties.
Velvet
Straighter than twisted yarn, with the cut ends at the top, giving a soft, velvety surface - great for special rooms.
Wilton
the oldest method of weaving, offering limited colour choice but a variety of textures. Ideal for producing textured plains.
Woven
A traditional process where the pile and backing yarns are woven together, offering unrivalled strength and stability. You can spot a woven carpet by the warp and weft threads on the reverse. Both axminster and wilton carpets are woven.
