Saxony

The carpet fiber loops are cut and twisted to create a relatively dense, consistent look. Saxony carpet presents a smooth, luxurious surface and is generally for formal settings.



Seams

The line formed by joining two pieces of carpet. The pieces can be sewn together, or fastened with various seaming tapes or other adhesives.



Shading

A change in the appearance of a carpet due to distortions in the orientation of fibers, tufts or loops that make up the carpet pile. This is not an actual change in the color of the carpet, but a difference in light reflection.



Sisal

A type of woven floor covering originally made of vegetable fibers such as grass and jute. Now synthetic alternatives are available that offer a more comfortable feel as well as interesting textures, patterns and prints.



Sisal Flooring

Rugs, mats and matting made from sisal, a natural plant material. Available woven and dyed in various colors, as well as machine and hand painted. Similar flooring is made of jute, coconut and seagrass.



Soil retardant

A chemical finish applied to carpet fibers or surfaces that inhibits the attachment of soil.



Soiling

Soiling occurs when dirt particles build up in carpet fibers. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will prevent this problem.



Sprouting

The raising up of an individual tuft or fiber above the level of the pile. These may be cut with scissors.



Stain Resistant

A chemical finish applied to or inherent in carpet fibers which inhibit specific stains from adhering to or dying (staining) carpet and fabrics.



Stitches

The number of yarn tufts per running inch of a single row in a tufted carpet.



Stitches per inch (SPI)

Number of yarn tufts per running inch along the length of the carpet (as opposed to the gauge which is the number of stitches across the width of the carpet).



Stretch

A carpet installation term for the give in carpet when it is pulled over pad onto tackless strips.



Stretch-in

The procedure for installing residential carpet over a separate cushion using a tackless strip with a power-stretcher.



Strip Flooring

The most popular wood flooring, it is made of long, narrow - about 3 inches wide - tongue - and - groove boards that are end-matched. Strip flooring wider than 3 inches is called plank flooring.The most popular wood flooring, it is made of long, narrow - about 3 inches wide - tongue - and - groove boards that are end-matched. Strip flooring wider than 3 inches is called plank flooring.



Surface area

The perimeter of an individual fiber filament or multiple filaments.