The material on the underside of a carpet that provides stability and structure. Primary backing holds the carpet fibers, while secondary backing adds strength and dimensional stability.
A type of flooring that combines multiple layers of different materials for improved stability and performance. In the context of carpet, may refer to carpet tiles with engineered backing systems designed for specific performance characteristics.
A synthetic rubber compound applied to the back of carpets to secure the tufts and provide dimensional stability. Available in various formulations including SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) and synthetic latex, which offer different levels of flexibility and durability.
The surface of the carpet consisting of upright fibers, either in loops or cut tufts. Pile height refers to the length of these fibers from the backing.
Carpet made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials. May include fibers made from recycled plastic bottles (PET), reclaimed nylon from used carpets, or recycled backing materials.
A laboratory measure of the force needed to pull a single tuft out of a carpet's backing, usually expressed in pounds or newtons. It is one of the most revealing specs on a carpet datasheet: low tuft bind is what turns a snag into a run, especially in loop pile where one pulled loop can unzip a whole row. Good latexing or thermal bonding raises it dramatically.
A single-layer backing system applied to carpet, typically made of latex or synthetic materials. Unlike traditional carpets with primary and secondary backings, unitary-backed carpets have a single, more substantial backing layer that provides stability and dimensional integrity.
The capillary action by which a spill absorbed deep in the backing climbs back up the pile as the carpet dries — the reason a "removed" stain can reappear a day after cleaning. Professionals defeat wicking by extracting moisture thoroughly and drying fast, or by placing weighted absorbent pads over the spot overnight. If a stain keeps returning, the residue below the pile, not the fiber, is the culprit.
A specialized tufting technique where the needles create an X-pattern in the carpet backing rather than straight rows. This method increases tuft bind strength and creates a more stable, durable carpet construction that resists pile distortion in high-traffic areas.