Buying carpet for your home is a major undertaking that is ultimately dependent on a number of variables. For instance, carpeting intended for high-traffic areas should be darker in color and more durable than carpeting that will be used in low-traffic spaces. Similarly, stain and soil resistance will probably be higher on the list of must-have carpet features in homes with small children and pets present than in homes populated only by adults.
But perhaps even more important than the above considerations is what kind of carpet fiber (material) to choose. After all, fiber type influences everything from looks to durability to price, and can make the difference between getting a beautiful product that will last for more than a decade and having to replace your carpeting after just a few short years.
To help you decide which carpet fiber is right for your home, here are the main characteristics (both good and bad) of the most popular types on the market:
Nylon
- Most durable synthetic fiber available
- Highly resistant to wear, crushing, bending, and abrasion
- Easy to clean
- Must be treated for stain and static resistance
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
Polyester
- Very soft, luxurious texture
- Available in deep, vibrant, fade-resistant colors
- Easy to clean
- Prone to shedding and wear
- Best suited low-traffic areas
Triexta
- Highly resilient to footprints and furniture marks
- Excellent, lifelong stain resistance
- Softer than polyester or nylon
- Environmentally friendly
- Great for homes with kids and pets
Polypropylene (Olefin)
- Long-lasting
- Resists stains, moisture, mildew, acid, bleach, and static
- Can be used in tough environments, including basements and pool houses
- Can be used in commercial settings
Wool
- Wholly natural fiber
- Extremely soft and luxurious
- Superior durability
- Fire-resistant
- Susceptible to stains, mildew, mold, odors, and bald patches from excessive wear
- Expensive
- Not suitable for high foot traffic, children, or pets
