Decide on the Right Carpet Material

Among the most important elements in choosing carpet is understanding what it’s made of, because distinct carpet fibers have different characteristics. Before you head to the showroom, figure out which type is right for your room’s style and traffic pattern with this handy guide.

PPDS

WOOL

Pros

Hides soil Strong, elastic and resilient; excellent for heavy traffic
Responds very well to cleaning, as moisture leaves the fiber swell and discharge dirtNaturally fire retardantNeutralizes indoor air pollutants and does not reemit themEnvironmentally friendly
DisadvantagesHigh cost
Prone to distortion by excessive agitation
Stains easily, Because of Its absorbency and Simplicity of dyeingVery sensitive to chlorine bleachCost: About $5 to $24 per square foot, installed

Dunlap Design Group

NYLON

Pros
Most commonly used fiber; yet easily available in a Wide Selection of Colours and texturesGood elasticity — very important in heavy traffic areas where furniture can be dragged Throughout the carpetAbrasion resistant, exceeding even woolWear guaranties frequently availableResilient; can be crushed for long periods and regain its initial shapeResponds very well to most professional cleaning methods and treatmentsDisadvantages
Can have problems with waxing, evaporating, urine reactions and thus onSynthetic, so that it off-gases
Cost: $4 per square foot or longer for high quality, best for heavy traffic; $3 to $4 medium grade; $2 to $3 base grade; $2 or less apartment grade

Robert kiejdan

OLEFIN

Pros
Compounds resistantDifficult to stainGreat for outdoor applications (pool, stadium) Substance resistant; most chemicals and bleaches won’t damage it at all Fade resistantLow static
Disadvantages
Not a springy fiber; once crushed it does not regain its original shape easily
Like Comfort, protracted exposure to oil-based soils may become permanentDifficult to dye due to the low absorbency speed; nearly always alternative dyedSynthetic, so it off-gases.
Cost: About $2.25 to $6.50 per square foot, installed

POLYESTER

Pros
Very resistant to bleaching, fading and soil-dye reactionsResistant to water-based stainsDisadvantages
Tough to dye; normally need to be alternative dyed, which restricts the varietyNot resistant to fatty stainsCan mat down fast and Won’t come back the manner nylon doesSynthetic, so it off-gases
Cost: Around $2 to $7 per square foot mounted

ON Design Architects

SISAL

Pros
Can Resist high traffic ; good for stairsGives your room a Fantastic natural look while incorporating textureBiodegradable and nontoxic
Disadvantages
Uncomfortable against bare skinCan be pricey (but usually less so than wool)Susceptible to moisture damageCan be more difficult to clean
Cost: About $4 to $8.50 per square foot mounted

Robert kiejdan

Designer’s suggestion: I usually urge nylon and wool to my customers; both of those choices are going to perform well in most houses.

More flooring guides:
Wood, vinyl, laminates, stone, ceramic and much more

More:
How to Shop for a Persian Rug

How to Choose the Ideal Rug for Your Entryway

See related