In accessing a tufted carpet, you will come across the following terms that help define the quality.
 
• Density: relates to how tightly the carpet fibre or yarn is packed together and bound into the carpet backing. The denser, the better.
 
• Face or pile weight: the number of ounces of fiber in a square yard of carpet; applies to the pile yarn.
 
• Pile height: the height of the cut pile yarns or uncut loops when measured from the primary backing.
 
All three terms are associated with the quality of carpet. A high density and pile weight means that more yarn covers the primary backing, which increases durability and appearance retention. In regard to pile height, it is worth remembering that while longer pile may look luxurious, it also crushes more easily.
 
Berber is a type of weave within the tufted carpet category, and not a fibre type. Berber carpet simply means that the fibers are a loop style. Berber can be made with various heights of loops or it can be mixed with cut loops of the same or different heights to make what is known as a 'cut and loop pile'.
 
Unlike tufted carpet, Axminster or Wilton carpets are woven, although there are differences in method.
 
With Axminster carpets each individual yarn colour that goes to make up the carpet pattern is selected by a gripper and woven with the weft. After the required yarn colour has been woven into the backing it is cut automatically to the required pile height and then reinserted when this colour is next required.

Wilton carpet, like Axminster carpet, is woven. However the difference between the two methods is the way in which the carpet is woven. Whereas the Axminster yarn is woven into each weft and then cut to the required pile height and then reinserted when that colour is needed again – the Wilton carpet yarn is a continuous strand woven all the way through. 
 
For discerning consumers who require oustanding quality, durability and luxury, an Axminster or Wilton carpet is still the carpet of choice that fulfills these criteria.