Carpet is a popular choice in various rooms of the home due to its aesthetic appeal, level of comfort, and strong sound reduction qualities. However, not every carpet is created equal. Different carpet fibers have unique characteristics and qualities that may make them more or less suitable for certain applications.
The main carpet types
When shopping around for carpet, it’s important to understand the key differences between each fiber type. All carpets fall under two categories: natural and synthetic.
The only readily available natural fiber is wool, which offers great durability and resistance against stains, allergens, and even flames. Wool carpets often fall into the higher price category, which can result in fewer households opting for a natural carpet fiber.
This article is going to focus on the main synthetic fiber types: nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and triexta.
Bedroom carpet
The most common room in the home for carpeted flooring is the bedroom. Carpet provides a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot that is very desirable in these rooms, and its level of noise reduction can be a big benefit too. The best synthetic carpet choice to match these characteristics is triexta, however, nylon and polyester are also regarded as comfortable fibers.
Despite all being suitable in terms of comfort, these three fibers each have unique drawbacks that may sway your decision when choosing carpet for a bedroom. Triexta carpet can be difficult to thoroughly clean due to its dense fibers, and polyester can flatten under weight, deforming over time under heavy furniture and regular foot traffic. Nylon is very absorbent, meaning it can stain easily, which may render it unsuitable for young children’s bedrooms where spills are more likely.
Carpet for stairs and hallways
Stairs, hallways, and landings are often the areas in the home that see the highest level of foot traffic, meaning that wear and tear can begin to show much earlier than in other rooms.
The two best fibers for durability are nylon and polypropylene, both able to withstand heavy foot traffic without risk of deformation. The differentiator to consider here is water resistance. Nylon is very absorbent and therefore offers low levels of water resistance, so can be less than desirable for use near the front or back door of the home, or if spills are likely. Polypropylene offers better protection against moisture.
Carpet for homes with pets
You may think that hard flooring is a must if you have pet cats or dogs, but the right carpet choice can also be a suitable option. The best carpet for homes with pets is one that’s easy to clean, with low absorbency and good water resistance.
The best fiber for the job is polypropylene, which is both durable and water-resistant. It can withstand large, energetic dogs running around the home, and is also very easy to clean, making it ideal for pets that may shed a lot of fur.
Carpet for homes with young children
Carpet can offer great comfort for young children who may still be crawling, or often play with their toys on the floors. However, stain resistance may be a priority if the children are prone to causing small spills, and it can be beneficial to consider the allergen potential of a carpet type too.
Triexta and polyester are suitable choices for homes with children, offering good comfort, as well as strong stain resistance. Polyester is regarded as the synthetic carpet fiber with the lowest risk of allergic reactions, which can be an additional peace of mind for young children.
Choosing the right carpet for your home
Consider all of your requirements for the carpet:
- What rooms / areas of the home will be carpeted, and what are the main carpet features that will benefit these spaces?
- Do you have any pets or children, and if so, what features will make a carpet most suitable for their needs?
- What are the main needs of your household when it comes to flooring? This may be easy maintenance and cleaning, strong durability, or low allergenic risk.
- Will you be investing in regular professional carpet cleans? Although this is recommended, if you will not be regularly budgeting for a professional cleaning service, opting for a carpet fiber that is easy to clean and maintain at home will be the best option to ensure longevity.
Using these requirements, look at the main benefits and drawbacks of each fiber type to determine which is best for your needs.
Whatever type of carpet you choose, always have it installed by a professional to ensure maximum longevity and premium results.
Powerhouse is a full-service home and commercial services company based in Texas, specializing in flooring installation.
