Getting new carpet can be a fun and exciting way to change up the look and feel of your home. It’s just figuring out where to start your carpet research that can be a bit of a daunting task. It is important that the carpet you select fits all of your needs for the space and will last for years, particularly if the carpet is going in a high-traffic area of your home, like a hallway or family room.
As you start your research for great high-traffic carpet options, we recommend comparing different carpet types to ensure you find the best fit for your home and budget. Before we dive into common carpet types, let’s first explore what to look for in carpet fibers for quality so you can make a more informed carpet selection decision.
Carpet Types and Quality
Carpet Twist
The twist of carpet fiber is determined by how the fiber filaments are spun into yarn, and how the yarn is then turned upon itself. The tighter the twist, the more resistant the carpet will be to changes in appearance or texture. For high-traffic areas of your home, a tighter twist is likely the way to go.
Carpet Density
Density refers to how closely together the tufts of fiber are to one another. Generally, the higher the density, the better quality the carpet is. You can check carpet density by pressing your fingers down on the carpet to see how much of the backing you can reach. The less backing you reach, the denser the carpet. As you explore carpeting for a high-traffic area, it is important that you find a carpeting that is higher in density to prevent wear.
Carpet Fiber Type
Each type of fiber used in carpet brings unique features, so it is important to evaluate what carpet type will be the best fit for your space. The type of fiber you select will determine the longevity of your carpet, how soft it feels, and how much it costs.
Below are five types of carpet we sell at Denver Carpet and Flooring and why these types could be the ideal fit for your high-traffic space in your home.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon is the most durable and resilient of synthetic carpet fibers, making it a great choice for areas of the home with a lot of traffic, kids and pets. Nylon’s durability comes from the hydrogen molecule that makes up part of its structure. When nylon carpet fibers flatten because it is walked on regularly or something is set on it, steam cleaning the carpet will actually make the fibers bounce back.
Nylon has good resistance to soils. It is quite absorbent, which means it is important to clean spills up promptly to prevent staining. You can easily treat nylon carpets to prevent spills from setting in and staining the fibers though making it a potentially strong fiber for stain resistance.
Nylon carpeting is budget-friendly. There is a nylon option available at all price points. Nylon type 6,6 is often preferred to Nylon type 6, even though it is the more expensive option, because of its increased colorfastness and resistance to static
Pros
- Durable
- Soil Resistance
- Easy to Clean
- Budget Friendly
Cons
- Less Stain Resistance (Unless Treated)
- Synthetic (Not as Eco Friendly)
Wool Carpet
Wool is the natural fiber most commonly used in the world of carpeting. It is a high-end biodegradable durable fiber known for its resistance to dirt and flames. Wool has microscopic scales as a natural fiber that help to prevent dirt from getting embedded into the carpet. It also will not burn, which can be useful in spaces with fireplaces. One of the downsides to wool; however, is that it requires professional cleaning. It also is less stain resistant than other fibers. Wool is quite absorbent, so it is important to treat spills on wool carpet as quickly as possible.
Believe it or not, there is an upside to wool’s absorbance for your home though. Wool can be a great solution for homes in humid climates because the wool carpet will absorb excess moisture in the air and release the moisture when the air is dyer.
Pros
- Durability
- Dirt Resistance
- Flame Resistance
- Acts as a Humidifier
- Biodegradable
Cons
- Requires Special Cleaning
- Less Stain Resistance
- More Expensive
Polyester Carpet
Polyester carpeting is another popular natural fiber choice for carpeting in high-traffic areas of the home. It is among the most stain-resistant carpets because it is composed of closed-cell fibers that prevent stains from adhering.
Polyester is also an eco-friendly option requiring just half the amount of energy used to create the same quality of nylon fiber. Because of the lower cost of production, polyester is a budget-friendly carpet option but with a vibrant and upscale appearance.
The downside to polyester is its durability compared to nylon or wool. While technological improvements have reduced the gap in durability, it is not naturally as durable of a fiber. If you go with polyester, it is important to find a dense, high-twist polyester carpet to ensure the fibers will last for years to come.
Pros
- Stain Resistance
- Eco-Friendly
- Budget Friendly
- Appearance
Cons
- Durability
Polypropylene Carpet (Olefin)
Polypropylene also referred to as olefin, is a synthetic fiber with a wool-like appearance. Unlike other carpet types mentioned, polypropylene is hydrophobic, meaning it is naturally very stain resistant; however, it attracts oils making it low in soil resistance.
Olefin has a lower cost of production than other common fiber types, so it is often the most budget-friendly option of all, even polyester. The low cost also means often lower durability; however, as the fibers will not last as long as other common carpet types.
Polypropylene has quick-drying and mold-resistant qualities, making it a good choice for damp basements. The low soil resistance; however, makes it a more difficult carpet choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens.
Pros
- Stain Resistance
- Mold Resistance
- Budget Friendly
Cons
- Durability
- Less Soil Resistance
- Absorbs Oils
Triexta Carpet
Triexta is the newest type of carpet fiber in the industry. It is considered a subclass of polyester, but it is more durable and softer. It also is more eco-friendly than polyester because it is created with biotechnology based on the fermentation of corn glucose rather than petroleum.
Triexta can be used to create many different qualities of carpet. While considered often close in durability to nylon, nylon is still superior in resiliency because of its unique ability to bounce back from pressure. Like Olefin, triexta is hydrophobic making it incredibly stain-resistant.
Because triexta is still such a new carpet fiber, it is hard to know with certainty how it will stand against some of the more common fibers used in high-traffic areas. So far, however, triexta has been a popular budget-friendly choice and reviews have been positive on the durability front.
Pros
- Soft
- Eco-Friendly
- Stain Resistance
Cons
- New to Market
- Less Resilient
By understanding how to discern the best carpet as you shop, you will discover that finding quality carpet for high-traffic areas of your home can be an easier, more budget-friendly process than you envision. The experts at Denver Carpet and Flooring are available and happy to assist with your search. Explore your carpet options more in-depth by contacting us today at 303.536.3838.
Sources: The Spruce and The Family Handyman HGTV
