Everything You Need to Know About Broadloom Carpet
If you’ve ever wondered about broadloom carpet, you’ve come to the right place. Broadloom carpet, not to be confused with carpet tiles, is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for a seamless and luxurious flooring option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about broadloom carpet, from its history to its installation and everything in between.
Understanding Broadloom Carpet
Broadloom carpet is unique in that it is woven on a wide loom, hence its name. This type of carpet is typically tufted and designed to be installed wall-to-wall. Broadloom carpet is sold in rolls of standard widths, such as 12 feet, 15 feet, or 13 feet, 6 inches. Historically, broadloom carpet was hand woven on wide looms, making it larger than traditional carpets.
What Is a Loom?
To understand broadloom carpet, it’s essential to know what a loom is. A loom is a device used to weave fabric. When hand-weaving, fibers running in one direction are held in place while fibers going in the opposite direction are interwoven to create a cohesive textile.
Buying Broadloom Carpet
Broadloom carpet is typically sold in rolls of a standard width chosen by the manufacturer. These rolls are approximately 150 feet in length and can be sold by square yards or square feet. In North America, where imperial measurements are commonly used, broadloom is often sold by square feet. However, Canada, which typically uses the metric system, may also sell broadloom by square meters. It’s essential to understand the conversion between square yards and square feet to ensure you purchase the correct amount of carpet for your space.
Types of Broadloom Carpeting
Broadloom carpeting comes in various fiber types, each offering unique textures, looks, and feels. Some popular types of broadloom carpet include:
- Loop: Known for its durability and minimalistic look, looped carpet is a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
- Cut Pile: Soft and plush, cut pile carpet is luxurious and perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Cut and Loop: This style combines both looped and cut pile fibers for a textured appearance.
- Frieze: Featuring twisted fibers, frieze carpet is known for its durability and ability to hide footprints and vacuum marks.
Installing Broadloom Carpet
Broadloom carpet is most commonly installed wall-to-wall, either in residential homes over an underpad or in commercial spaces glued directly to the floor. Installation can be tricky if the room is wider or narrower than the carpet roll’s width. For wider rooms, multiple pieces of broadloom may need to be seamed together, while narrower rooms may require the carpet to be cut down to size.
Making Area Rugs
One of the benefits of broadloom carpet is its versatility in creating custom-sized area rugs or carpet runners. If you have a room smaller than the standard roll width, consider purchasing a carpet remnant that fits your space. Carpet vendors often sell pre-cut remnants at a reduced price, offering the same quality at a fraction of the cost. Remember to finish the edges of area rugs, runners, and remnants to prevent fraying and maintain durability.
Pros and Cons of Broadloom Carpet
Like any flooring option, broadloom carpet has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Seamless Appearance: Broadloom carpet creates a seamless look that can make a room appear larger and more spacious.
- Softness: Broadloom carpet is known for its soft and plush feel underfoot, providing comfort and warmth.
- Versatility: Broadloom can be cut and customized to fit any space, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use.
Cons:
- Complex Installation: Installing broadloom carpet can be labor-intensive and may require special tools, leading many to opt for professional installation at an added cost.
- Maintenance: If a section of broadloom carpet gets damaged, the entire carpet may need to be replaced, unlike carpet tiles, which allow for individual tile replacement.
In conclusion, broadloom carpet offers a luxurious and versatile flooring option for a variety of spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a seamless look in your home or add comfort to a commercial setting, broadloom carpet is a timeless choice that can elevate any room. Explore the different types of broadloom carpet available and consider the pros and cons before making your decision. With proper maintenance and care, broadloom carpet can be a long-lasting and stylish addition to your space.
