Side match

Side match

Before correction

After correction

Side match

Side match or carpet turned

Before color correction

After color correction

Side match

Side match

Side match

Texture variation across the seamSide match

Side match

Texture Side match

Side match

Color Side Match

Pencil/Paper pile direction test

Shadow Box

Color Side Match

Box Light test

Side Match (Carpet)

Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide

Summary

Side match is an appearance-related condition in which adjoining carpet breadths appear different in color, shade, texture, or reflectance after seaming. The condition may develop from true widthwise manufacturing variation across the carpet roll or from directional pile reflectance, seam geometry, lighting angle, or texture orientation that alters how light reflects from adjacent breadths. In some cases, side match may be confused with turned or opposing pile direction or pile reversal within the roll because all may create light-dark contrast near seams or across installed sections. Side match affects appearance uniformity rather than carpet durability, tuft bind, backing integrity, or structural performance. See also Turned / Opposing Pile Direction, Pile Reversal Within Roll, and Carpet Problems for broader context.

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