Carpet • Stretch-In Format
Stretch-In Carpet, Explained
Stretch-in carpet is a common broadloom carpet format installed using perimeter anchoring and tension. This page explains what stretch-in means and the specs you’ll commonly see on technical data sheets — reference-only, no product or install advice.
What Is Stretch-In Carpet?
Stretch-in is an installation format for broadloom carpet where the carpet is held in place at the perimeter and installed under tension. It’s commonly paired with a separate carpet pad, which is specified as part of the overall system.
On spec sheets, stretch-in products are often described as “broadloom” with construction details. The installation system (pad + perimeter anchoring) is usually treated as a separate system spec rather than a single “carpet-only” number.
Related Pages
How Stretch-In Differs From Glue-Down And Tile
Stretch-in carpet is built around a system approach: broadloom carpet plus a separate pad and perimeter anchoring. Because the carpet isn’t bonded across its entire surface, spec sheets often focus on construction and wear-related specs rather than adhesive-related requirements.
Glue-down and tile systems tend to emphasize different sheet details (like adhesive compatibility or modular backing systems), while stretch-in systems often emphasize the carpet’s pile and fiber construction and the backing build.
Common Stretch-In Terms You’ll See
- Broadloom (roll carpet format)
- Pile Height (surface yarn height)
- Face Weight (fiber weight per area)
- Density (how tightly tufts are packed)
- Twist Level (yarn twist, often for cut piles)
- Backing Construction (primary/secondary backing)
Stretch-In Carpet Specs Glossary
One-sentence explanations of common spec-sheet items, with links to deeper spec pages.
| Spec | What It Means (1 Sentence) | Where It Appears | Deep Dive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | The material used for the carpet yarn (which affects feel, resilience, and maintenance characteristics). | Construction | Fiber Type Explained |
| Pile Height | The height of the carpet yarn above the backing (a surface profile spec, not a durability guarantee). | Construction | Pile Height Explained |
| Face Weight | The weight of yarn on the face of the carpet per square yard (often listed as oz/yd²). | Construction / Performance | Face Weight Explained |
| Density | A measure of how tightly the carpet tufts are packed, which can relate to how the surface holds up under traffic. | Performance / Construction | Density Explained |
| Twist Level | How tightly the carpet yarn is twisted (often listed as TPI), which can affect texture change in many cut piles. | Construction (sometimes) | Twist Level Explained |
| Backing Construction | The layers on the underside of the carpet that help lock yarn in place and support the carpet structure. | Construction | Backing Construction Explained |
FAQ
What Is Stretch-In Carpet? ⌄
Stretch-in carpet is broadloom carpet installed by stretching it over perimeter anchoring (often tack strip) and securing it at edges, commonly over a separate carpet pad.
Is Stretch-In Carpet The Same As Pad? ⌄
No. Stretch-in is an installation format. Pad is a separate layer underneath many stretch-in installations and is usually specified as part of the overall flooring system.
How Is Stretch-In Different From Glue-Down? ⌄
Stretch-in relies on perimeter anchoring and tension (often over pad), while glue-down relies on adhesive bonding to the substrate and commonly uses different backing/adhesive considerations.
What Specs Matter Most For Stretch-In Carpet? ⌄
Common specs include fiber type, pile height, face weight, density, twist level (for many cut piles), and backing construction. Pad/cushion is often specified separately as part of the system.
Reference-Only Note
This page provides general informational reference about stretch-in carpet terminology and specifications. It does not provide installation instructions, professional advice, or product recommendations.