Twist Carpets Buying Guide

Carpets add a certain ambiance and provide comfort and warmth for your home, but one option has stood the test of time: the twist pile carpet.  Known for their hard-wearing nature, twist carpets are an extremely popular choice for busy family homes and high-traffic areas.  In this article, we will explore the world of twist pile carpets, their numerous benefits, unique characteristics, and how they stack up against other carpet types. 

What is a twist carpet?

Twist pile carpets derive their name from the manufacturing process used to create them.  The fibres are twisted together tightly during production, resulting in a luxurious, springy, and textured surface.  The resulting short pile gives a firm but comfortable underfoot feeling, and the densely packed fibres mean there's less chance of flattening, meaning you won't usually see vacuum or footprint marks. 

What's the difference between a twist carpet and a loop carpet?

Twist carpets are similar to loop pile carpets in that they are tufted and have a short pile. The main difference is that twist carpets have a cut pile, giving them a uniform appearance, whereas loop carpets are tightly woven and left uncut to create a more textured feel.

What's the difference between a twist carpet and a saxony carpet?

Twist pile carpets and saxony pile carpets are both tufted and feature a cut pile, but that is where the similarity ends. Twist carpets are densely packed and quite short in pile height, whereas saxony carpets are less dense, much softer, and have a far deeper pile. The short, dense nature of a twist pile means it won't show vacuum or footprint marks, unlike a saxony.

What rooms are suitable for twist carpets?

Due to the combination of comfort, durability, and stain resistance, twist pile carpets make a great choice for nearly any room of the home. Some popular rooms that twist carpets are suitable for include:

• Hallways: Popular in hallways for their hard wearing nature, twist piles in heathered finishes hide the day-to-day buildup of dirt and debris.
• Stairs: A twist carpet is a smart choice for the stairs, as the short pile easily bounces back and tends not to flatten much.
• Living Rooms: Perfect for family living rooms, twist piles are inherently stain resistant and easy to care for.
• Bedrooms: When coupled with a good underlay, a twist carpet gives a soft, luxurious, and springy finish to any bedroom.
• Dining Rooms: The combination of dense pile, stain resistance, and practicality makes a twist carpet a great choice for any dining room.

What are the benefits of a twist pile carpet?

Twist pile carpets offer a winning combination of comfort, durability, style, and practicality. You really can't go wrong with a twist carpet.

• Comfort: The tightly twisted fibres create a firm, cushioned surface that feels warm and inviting when coupled with an appropriate underlay.
• Hard Wearing: The tight twist of the fibres makes them more resilient to wear and tear, ensuring your carpet retains its appearance for years to come.
• Stain Resistance: Many twist pile carpets are inherently stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for homes with children or pets.
• Easy Maintenance: Regular vacuuming is all that's really needed to keep a twist carpet looking its best.
• Huge Choice: There is a twist pile carpet for every budget and different colours and finishes to suit all tastes, from smooth plains to heathered tones.

What are the pros and cons of a twist carpet?

The pros of twist pile carpets

• Short pile that doesn't flatten easily or show vacuum or footprint marks.
• Very durable, so suitable for high traffic locations such as hallways and stairs.
• Many twist carpets are inherently stain resistant or treated to make them easy to clean.
• A truly huge amount of choice, whatever your budget there are twist options available.

The cons of twist pile carpets

• High density and wool options can be pretty expensive.
• Firmer underfoot compared to a saxony, though that can be mitigated somewhat with a good underlay.
• Not a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms as they are not inherently waterproof.

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