Start with the format, then pick the fiber. FloorBox sells carpet as rolls in Broadloom Carpets and as modular squares in Carpet Tiles, and the whole range is in Carpet. Once you know the format, open the product page and read two lines in the specifications: Fiber Material and Pile Construction Method. The first tells you what the carpet is made of. The second tells you how the yarn is built.
Pick broadloom if you want one roll of carpet across the room. The FloorBox Broadloom Carpet Solon with PermaFuseXL Backing System Bed Rock 79-1/4" (Sold in sqyd) is sold by the square yard, and its page lists a width of 79-1/4 in. The Centura Broadloom Carpet Sonic 28 #7267 Bagpipe 12' (Sold in Sqyd) lists a width of 12 ft. Pick carpet tiles if you want modular pieces. The FloorBox Carpet page says tiles are installed by gluing them down or with a peel-and-stick backing, and that the floor under them must be clean, level, and dry. The QEP Carpet Tile Westminster Wrought Iron 19-11/16" x 19-11/16" page says each tile can be replaced on its own if it is badly damaged, rather than the whole floor.
The FloorBox Carpet page describes each one. Nylon is popular for its durability and comfort, is not prone to stains, and is not easily affected by foot traffic. Polypropylene is a synthetic that does not fade easily, and it gives the look of wool but is not as durable. Wool is natural, strong, and stain-resistant, and it feels soft while staying sturdy. Polyester is a versatile synthetic, and the page notes it has been known to be of lower quality than the other options. The page also lists recycled fibers, made from waste such as fishing nets, for durability and a more sustainable choice.
Under the specifications, read Fiber Material. The Solon broadloom lists 100% Aquafil BCF Anti-Static ECONYL nylon. The Westminster carpet tile lists 100% BCF Polypropylene. The Sonic 28 broadloom lists Olefin. Compare that line with the fiber you chose before you compare colours.
It is how the yarn loops are built, and FloorBox lists it as Pile Construction Method. Solon lists Multilevel Loop. Westminster lists Tufted Multi Level Loop, and its page says the loops at different heights create a sculptured effect that hides footprints in high-traffic areas. Sonic 28 lists Level Loop. Each page also lists Pile Weight (oz/sqyd): 20 for Solon, 19.17 for Westminster, and 28 for Sonic 28.
The Carpet Tiles category is written for offices, basements, rental spaces, and commercial areas. The Westminster page says those tiles are made for moderate or heavy foot traffic. The Solon page describes a carpet for commercial or living spaces, says it is low maintenance, and lists a 15-year limited commercial warranty. For the fiber, the Carpet page says nylon is not easily affected by foot traffic.
Measure the room's length and width in feet and multiply them, the method in How to Install Carpet. Then read Coverage on the product page. Solon and Sonic 28 each list Coverage (sqyd) 1 and Coverage (sqft) 9. Westminster lists Coverage (sqft) 53.82. The same guide says one square yard equals 9 square feet.
