Choosing the Best Carpet Fiber for Your Lifestyle

When it’s time to upgrade your carpet, certain considerations come to mind. Obviously, most people think about appearance, first and foremost: What color carpet suits your decor? Do you want a pattern or a solid color? What about hiding dirt? Do you have a busy household and a high threshold for cleaning?

Other things, like comfort also come to mind. How do you want the carpet to feel underfoot? You might choose a different type of carpet in a family room or bedroom versus a hallway, just based on how much luxury you want, rather than practicality. One consideration that sometimes gets overlooked is fiber. What a carpet is made of and the way it’s constructed are equally important. So, what are some of the more popular options for carpet fiber, and what are their strengths? Keep reading to find out!

Nylon Carpets

Nylon, a synthetic fiber, is soft underfoot and durable, making it a great choice for busy households. In addition, nylon is resistant to stains, wear, and mildew, so it holds up well to foot traffic and messes made by kids or pets. It is available in a wide variety of color and style options and is among the most popular and affordable carpet options on the market today.

Polyester

The biggest draw of polyester carpets is their ability to resist fading, making them a great choice if your home is bright, or if any part of your carpet will receive direct sunlight. It is also great for homes where some family members may have allergies, as it tends to be more hypoallergenic than other synthetic carpet options. On the downside, polyester is prone to flattening from foot traffic and furniture and can hold on to some stains.

Wool

Wool is known as a luxury item and is the softest and long-lasting carpet that money can buy. Sometimes wool is found blended with another material, to offer the best of both worlds. There are different grades of wool; while low-grade wool is more affordable, it can stain more easily. High quality wool carpets can be very expensive, placing them out of reach for some homeowners. If you have the budget, pure wool carpets are a great investment in your home.

Polypropylene

Also known as Olefin, polypropylene carpets are another popular option of synthetic carpets. Previously seen more in commercial settings, polypropylene has become more popular in the residential market. The fibers feel similar to wool and are sometimes used as a wool substitute. While these carpets can tend to hold on to dirt and oils more easily than nylon, they are easily cleaned, which is good news for homes with kids or pets.

Depending on your lifestyle, budget and decor, you may already be leaning toward one or two types of carpets for your home. If you need more help, or just want to look at the options in person, go visit our professionals. We can further educate you about all the options, talk about pricing and installation timeframes, and provide you with samples that you can take home to view in your space, making your carpet decision smooth and easy.