This article comes from The Spruce.
Types of Carpet That Won’t Show Footprints
To understand why a carpet will not show tracking marks (including footprints) let’s first understand why some carpets do. The style of carpet that most commonly shows tracking is a straight Saxony. This style features cut carpet fibers all twisted in the same direction and presents a finish somewhat similar to velvet.
So what kinds of carpet won’t show tracking marks? Well, based on the above explanation of why carpet shows tracking marks, we need to look for a carpet that varies the texture of the fibers. Following are some carpet styles that can help minimize tracking:
Textured Saxony
A textured Saxony is a cut-pile carpet of a uniform height similar to a straight Saxony. However, it is specially designed to reduce the appearance of tracking marks. Textured Saxony carpets—sometimes referred to as trackless carpets—feature kinks or twists in the fibers, which help to disperse the light particles.
Looped Berber
Looped styles of carpet are an excellent option for someone who does not want to see any tracking marks or shading variances. Tighter loops will provide greater masking of shading marks, as there is minimal movement of the fibers allowed by the small loops.
Frieze
Friezes have a lot of texture, so they are ideal for minimizing tracking marks. While their long fibers have a lot of movement, their loose pile, and tightly twisted yarns disperse light particles, so there is a very little reflection.
Beware Cut and Loop
Typically, the “cut” part of a cut and loop features short, uniform fibers in a Saxony style, so even though the “loop” part of the carpet adds texture and height variation, you will still likely notice some degree of shading with this style of carpet.
Click here to view the original article.