What Kind Of Carpet Is Right For Your Home?

Choosing the right carpet for your home is a big decision. A good carpet is durable, stain-resistant, comfortable to walk on and, of course, looks good in your home. There are numerous options available to choose from when it comes to carpeting, with differences in color, texture and stain-resisting properties. So how can you be sure which one is the right choice for your home?

Style –The first decision will be what style of construction you want in your carpet. The two most commonly used today are loop pile and cut pile. Loop pile carpets, such as Berber carpets, have strands of material fed up and back through the backing, creating a series of small loops of material. Cut pile carpets, such as plush, are simply woven strands that stand straight up. Cut pile is generally more durable than loop pile, due to the simpler nature. There are other types less commonly used in homes as well, including the firmer but more durable needle felt, which often found in high-traffic lobbies in buildings like hotels or offices.

Material – Once you have the style of carpet decided, the next step is choosing what material you want it made from. There is a large variety of fabric types, both natural and artificial, that can be used in the construction of carpets. Each type comes with its own pros and cons, and of course, cost is often a large consideration.

Nylon is the most popular material in modern carpets. Nylon carpets are known for their durability, although in their normal state, they are highly vulnerable to staining. Most modern nylon carpets circumvent this weakness with a coating applied to the fabric. Nylon carpets tend to fluctuate in cost in tandem with the price of oil, since the material is petroleum-based.

Polypropylene, often referred to as olefin, is common in Berber carpets. The big weakness of this material is that it tends to have a shorter lifespan. The loops often get matted down after undergoing large amounts of traffic. In this case, the shorter the loops, the longer the carpet will maintain its new appearance. These carpets are difficult to dye, but that also means they are quite resistant to stains, so long as they are water and not oil-based.

Wool is a natural material that has exceptional toughness, which is increased further when the material is blended with artificial materials. However, the premium price prohibits the material from gaining a large share of the carpet market.

Other common artificial materials include polyester and acrylic. Polyester has good durability and stain-resistance, although it does crush or mat down relatively easily. Acrylic has undergone much development since its introduction, and the modern versions of acrylic carpets are not as hampered by many of the weaknesses of their predecessors, such as their tendency to split and become fuzzy. Additionally, it feels very similar to wool, and is washable, making it a common ingredient in rugs.

Color and Patterns – One of the biggest decisions in choosing a carpet is the color. Even if a carpet feels nice and is durable, if it doesn’t look good in your home, it can quickly become an eyesore. Lighter colors often create the illusion of spaciousness, making the room appear slightly larger. However, stains and dirt will be much more apparent on light-colored carpets. Houses with pets or children are more likely to have accidents, so darker colors are often a good bet for them. Many carpets can also have multiple colors weaved into the design to create intricate patterns. However, depending on the material and style, this can mean longer production time and, therefore, higher cost.

This article was written by Mack Ward, who enjoys contributing his thoughts on a number of subjects, including carpeting, and recommends Nip & Tuck Flooring for carpet repairs and installation.