Because carpet is manufactured in widths of 12', 13'6" or 15', seaming is necessary for the complete installation of your carpet. Seam visibility will vary with each type of carpet. The seam will be made as unobtrusive as possible, but an invisible carpet seam is not possible. Low profile carpets such as looped Berbers and patterned carpet have very evident seams, and these are not considered to be a defect. These types of carpets are very popular for their durability and fashionable styles. The visible seams vary depending on the texture and color of the product as well as the lighting in the room. Keep in mind that visible seams are minimized once furniture and window coverings have been added. Additionally, bending of the carpet on stairs can sometimes expose the backing of the carpet. This greatly depends on the type of carpet selected and the color.

The larger fiber manufacturers generally offer a variety of stain and soil protection, anti-static control, fade resistance, and texture retention warranties. The higher the quality of carpet, the longer your warranty lasts or the more coverage you receive. We highly recommend, at a minimum, that you get some type of stain and soil protection on your carpet.

Fiber type is another decision. Nylon is regarded as the premier carpet fiber for its performance in stain resistance, soil resistance, durability and styling options. 75% of carpet sold today is nylon. There are other choices such as olefin, polypropylene, polyester and wool that may have benefits in certain areas. However, nylon rates the best overall in all categories.

When you're choosing carpet for your new home, your FrameWorks design consultant will provide you with manufacturer's care and warranty information.

Many floor areas may be subject to a lot of traffic, so it is important to make your selections wisely to ensure your lasting satisfaction. Understanding all the options available to you is the key to your satisfaction.

Terms you should know:

• Face weight - More ounces per square yard is better
• Twist - Higher twist helps resist crushing & matting
• Density - Higher density improves comfort and performance

Cut Pile Styles

• Velvet/Saxony – This style of cut pile is achieved when the tufts of yarn are sheared to a low, smooth pile height. The carpet is typically very dense, creating uniform color and a very formal look.
• Texture – This popular style offers a smooth, level finish, but the yarns have more twist, which creates a less formal look and minimizes the appearance of footprints.
• Frieze – The yarns in this style are tightly twisted to create a curly, textured appearance. This style also minimizes the appearance of footprints and vacuum marks and is extremely durable.
• Shag – The yarns in this style are even longer, creating a soft, comfortable, casual appearance. As with Friezes, footprints and vacuum marks will not be noticeable on shag carpets.

Loop Pile Styles

• Level Loop – In this style, all the loops are the same height. The dense, firm surface of a loop pile carpet makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Berbers – many of today's popular Berber styles are level loop styles with speckles of darker color on a lighter background.
• Sisal – this style is similar to Berbers, but has more of a woven look, similar to a basket weave.
• Patterned Loop – The yarns in this style are also looped, but they are at two or three varying heights. The various heights can be arranged to create a wide range of patterns and textures.

Cut Pile/Loop Blends

• Level Cut Loop (LCL) – LCL carpets beautifully blend loops and cuts in varying heights for dramatic, unique patterns.
• Precision Cut Uncut (PCU) – PCU styles mix cuts and loops of the same level, generally creating geometric or pin-dot designs.

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