Frieze Carpet Types

Durability

• Frieze carpeting is very durable, easy to clean and lasts years longer than other carpet styles. It is dense and doesn't hold dirt and dust as easily as more loosely-constructed carpet styles. Frieze carpeting is a cut-pile carpet, with each loop cut and the individual strands twisted to strengthen the carpet fiber and make it resistant to fraying, wear and matting. The frieze construction combined with a strong fiber such as nylon or wool makes it one of the highest quality carpets.

Carpet Twist Level

• Frieze carpet has a high twist level, up to 9 turns per inch, while most carpet styles have 3.5 to 5 turns, or twists, per inch. This type of carpet construction produces a density and stiff feel to the carpet, versus a softer, more cushioned feel. This dense construction leaves little space between strands for dirt and particles to accumulate, so dirt is more easily seen on top of the carpet surface for removal.

Appearance

• True frieze carpet has a tight, stiff appearance that is not easily moved with an object brushed or dragged across it. It has a heavy textured, nubby look, and the high carpet twist level causes the fibers to kink, creating the curled nubs. It resists trampling and stays stiff when pressure is applied to it. Bend a section of true frieze carpet into a "u" shape to see the density of the fibers. There should be only very slight space between each strand, and the strands of true frieze are not looped, but individual.

Fiber Types

• Frieze carpet is available in different fiber types, including acrylic, nylon, Olefin, polyester and wool. Wool and nylon are more expensive fibers, and polyester and acrylic are cheaper fibers. The best, longest-lasting frieze carpet is made from nylon or wool, the strongest fibers for carpeting.