Carpet is a popular flooring choice due to its attractive appearance, level of comfort, and sound reduction qualities. However, different types of carpets lend themselves to different applications.
What different types of carpet are there?
Carpets can be categorized by their fibers: natural or synthetic. Wool is the only natural carpet fiber readily available, the rest are synthetic. In this blog, we will look at how to choose a carpet suited to your needs, focusing on synthetic fibers.
The four most popular synthetic fibers are nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and triexta. Each fiber type shares similarities with others, but also has its own unique properties and features that make it more or less suited for different applications.
If you want to compare the features of each fiber type, check out our handy guides:
Which type of carpet is best for stairs?
The flooring for stairs and hallways often sees the most wear and tear compared to other areas of the home due to high volumes of foot traffic, so it’s important to choose a carpet fiber with good durability.
The two best synthetic fibers for stair and hallway applications are nylon and polypropylene. Both fibers are very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic without risk of deformation.
Although both are suited for this particular application, each fiber’s level of water absorption may be a deciding factor. Nylon is very absorbent, meaning it can stain easily and is also vulnerable to mold and mildew. If moisture or spills may be a concern in your stair and hallway areas, opt for polypropylene instead.
What type of carpet is best for bedrooms?
Carpet is a common choice for bedroom floors due to its soft, warm feel, so comfort is often a big factor when choosing a bedroom carpet. The best synthetic carpet for comfort is triexta, but nylon and polyester are also regarded as comfortable fibers.
To help your decision between the three, consider the drawbacks of each fiber type and relate them to your personal needs and preferences:
- Triexta can be difficult to thoroughly clean due to its dense fibers
- Nylon is absorbent and can stain easily
- Polyester flattens under weight and can deform over time under heavy furniture and regular foot traffic.
Which type of carpet is best for pets?
Your needs as a pet owner will depend on the type of pet you have. Caged animals like reptiles, rabbits, or hamsters require less consideration than free-roaming pets like cats and dogs, which are notorious for dragging dirt inside, spilling water from their bowls, and potentially having an accident indoors. Many pet owners opt for hard flooring, but the right carpet fiber can also be a suitable choice.
The best carpet for pets is one that is easy to clean, and has low absorbency. Out of the main synthetic fiber types, the one that best fits the bill is polypropylene. Polypropylene is durable and has low water absorption. On top of this, it’s very easy to clean, making it the ideal carpet choice for pets that shed a lot of fur.
What type of carpet is best for children?
Children, especially particularly young children, may dictate your choice of flooring. There are plenty of factors to consider when you have small children, such as a carpet’s stain resistance and level of water absorption, but if your children are at the crawling stage, or spend a lot of time playing on the floor, comfort can also be a deciding factor.
The best carpet fibers for homes with children are triexta and polyester. Both are comfortable and stain-resistant with low water absorption. Polyester is known as the synthetic carpet fiber with the lowest risk of allergic reactions when coming in contact with skin, so this can be an additional peace of mind for young children.
What carpet is best?
There’s no cut-and-dry answer for what carpet is best, as it will depend on the needs and wants of your household. Consider the location of the carpet, and lifestyle factors like any pets and children, and compare the features of each carpet fiber to determine which is best for you.
If you’re not completely sold on carpet, we also have some helpful comparisons that look at the features of carpet compared to hard flooring types:
Whichever carpet you choose, maintain its appearance and keep your floors sanitary with a regular professional carpet cleaning service. The benefits of a professional clean stretch much further than standard vacuuming.
Always have your carpet installed by a professional to increase its longevity and ensure premium results.