Warm, durable and not as expensive as one might think. Used primarily in the construction of higher, luxurious carpets. As a fibre wool is known for the excellent appearance retention and pressure withstanding qualities. The very best wool for carpet manufacture is ‘strong’ wool from sheep breeds found in Britain and New Zealand.

Is the most widely used fibre in carpet manufacturing. It is very strong and extremely durable. It is easy to clean and holds its colour well. Very popular in high-end carpet tiles.

Polyester carpet fibre gives a luxurious feel to thick, cut pile styles and it also provides a good depth of colour. However, it is not as resistant to flattening as some other fibres although it does wear well and provides good resistance to water-soluble stains.

Polypropylene is becoming widely used in carpet manufacturing, either as part of a blend, or in its own right. While it withstands footfall well, it is not as resilient as other fibres. Polypropylene is highly stain resistant as the fibres are created in the colour of the carpet and are not dyed. Polypropylene carpets are so stain resistant they can be cleaned with bleach.

Can look and feel like wool but not as expensive.

Being so delicate, silk is rarely used in carpet but it does bring a certain something to the finest handmade rugs, particularly those from the Middle East and Indian regions.

Used mainly in the backing of carpets from a traditional point of view, jute is gaining popularity as a natural fibre floorcovering and its depth of texture makes it great for rugs.

Coir is made from the fibres of coconut husks and it is a strong and resilient fibre. The husks are harvested and then soaked for months before being beaten into submission, washed and then dried. The pale yellow fibres are then spun into yarn that is then woven into flat weave carpeting or as many people will recognise it, into cut pile doormats that are great at removing dirt and moisture from soles.

These are some of the toughest fibres in the business and unlike most natural fibres it can be dyed. When combined with wool, sisal can also take on a softer side and is being favoured by natural flooring manufacturers for its aptitude at creating colourful, natural floors.

Hailing from the paddy fields of China, Seagrass is a rapidly replenishing resource. Once the fields have been flooded with seawater, the fibre is harvested and spun into yarn that has an impermeable quality. While this makes it hard to dye, it also makes it relatively easy to care for.

The carpet fibre or pile is woven through the backing and cut to the required length resulting in a U shaped tuft. This process allows for carpets to have detailed designs with various colours. Carpets manufactured this way, normally are of high quality, comfort and durability.   Carpet Interiors supply Ulster carpets, Axminster of Devon, Woodward Grosvenor and Brintons, which use this type of construction.

 Similar to the way Axminsters are produced, only that Wiltons are woven using a continuous fibre all the way through. It can be looped or cut design and has a luxurious feel with high durability. Carpet Interiors supply Balta, Ulster and Lano, which use this type of construction.

 As the name would imply, the yarn is twisted to create a strong, robust texture. The quality of the carpet will depend on the density of these tuffs. This is the most popular type of carpet and is ideal for plain colours. Carpet Interiors supply Ulster, Cormar, Cavalier, Brockway, Ryalux, Westex, Furlongs, Abington and Curragh Carpets, which use this type of construction.

Soft and luxurious. Twisting heavy tufts and then softening them with heat create Saxony. Because the yarns are thick and heavy they make the carpet a popular choice for all rooms. Cut and loop process is also used in Saxony’s. Carpet Interiors supply Cormar, Furlongs, Abington, Westex, Associated Weavers and Ryalux, which use this type of construction.

Shearing the surface of the cut yarn, which is not twisted, creates this type of carpet. It is luxurious and smooth, and best used in formal rooms. Carpet Interiors supply Ulster, Cavalier, Balta, Westex, Ryalux and Curragh carpets, which use this type of construction.

Created by using thick bulky yarn this is looped to give a cushioned effect. Today’s designs and shades are normally natural which are flecked but are available in assorted colours. They are manufactured using wool or wool nylon mix. Carpet Interiors supply Associated Weavers, Cormar and Axminster carpets, which use this type of construction.

Can be created by tufting or weaving. Normally level looped, all the loops are made the same size to create a smooth, even surface. They can be of different thickness and are normally very durable. Carpet Interiors supply Cormar, Associated Weavers, Ryalux, Ulster, Westex and Curragh carpets which use this type of construction.