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CARPET, HARDWOOD, AND LAMINATE TEXTURES & STYLES
There are several different flooring styles and textures.
Each has its own distinct look and each, if used properly,
can achieve beautiful results. We suggest that you get an
overview by reading about some of the styles listed below.
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 Cut
Pile
The most common style of carpet is a Cut Pile. This is what
most consider "normal carpet". It's the type of
carpet that shows the vacuum lines after it's been vacuumed,
and footprints when you walk on it. In addition, some styles
of cut pile are available in a trackless, which reduces
the vacuum marks and footprints.
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 Sculptured
Another style that has become extremely popular over the
last few years is the Sculptured style. It is also been
referred to as the "Trackless" or "No Foot
Print" style, because it is twisted differently than
a Cut Pile style. With this different twist, it gives a
textured and in some cases, almost two-toned, appearance.
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 Berber
Looped carpet, more commonly referred to as Berber carpet,
has also gained popularity over the years. This carpet style
offers excellent durability, while lending its own distinct
character to any room.
There are many differences in the Berber style. Some are
level loop Berbers, where all of the loops are the same
height. Another variation is the Multilevel Loop Berber,
where the loops may be different sizes as well as different
heights. There are many choices with Berbers - they come
in a huge variety of patterns and colors, including Multicolored
styles.
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 Frieze
A Frieze style is another popular style. This style is something
like the Sculptured style except that the texturing or twist
is much heavier with the Frieze than the sculptured style.
A good quality Frieze styled carpet can be one of the most
durable styles you can buy.
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 Laminate
Laminate flooring is a cheaper alternative to wood flooring.
Laminate is similar to your mica countertop only much stronger.
The surface is actually a plastic type composition applied
to the core using heat and pressure, the core is usually
made of high density fiber or particle board, and the backing
can be a paper or another layer of laminate. Laminate flooring
requires a pad prior to installation, for soundproofing
and to provide a moisture barrier.
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 Hardwood
Hardwood floors add a beautiful and natural touch. They
also add value to your home and are highly praised in the
resale home market. Today's hardwood floors have made advances
in style, durability, maintenance and care, making them
more widely usable throughout the home (with the exception
of the bathroom where its use is not recommended due to
potential moisture problems). With simple sweeping or vacuuming
and occasional spot cleaning, wood floors will last a lifetime.
There are hundreds of choices in style and color with today's
options even spanning into exotic hardwoods. Most wood floors
are available in several grades in a wide range of prices.
There are two constructions of wood commonly sold. "Solid"
wood is milled from one piece of wood. "Engineered"
wood consists of three or more layers in a cross-ply construction.
Solid wood construction is generally used when installing
over a wood subfloor where the hardwood will be nailed to
the subfloor. Engineered wood construction is generally
used when the floor is installed in basements or over slab
concrete where the hardwood floor needs to adhere to the
subfloor.
Woods styles come in strips, planks, or parquet tiles with
numerous edge treatments such as square, micro, and beveled
edges. You can choose from a wide range of stains to complement
your décor and from two types of finishes: urethane
or wax. Both can be enjoyed as soon as the floor is installed.
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