Adding a carpet contributes immensely towards beautifying a space, such as a small living room, a bedroom, or even a busy office. The right material matters to ensure that the carpet is durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Thanks to the plethora of modern carpet types of fibers, textures, and constructions, selecting the most ideal carpet type for carpeted areas is based on your needs, the knowledge of material and features influencing performance and comfort of the different carpet styles.
Understanding Carpet Fibers
The carpet industry has an extensive range of fibers, with each having its strength and weakness. The most popular types of carpet fibers are:
1. Nylon
One of the leading synthetic carpet fibers, nylon enjoys a reputation for being a resilient and durable carpet fiber. It's resistant to wear and tear and is therefore best suited for frequently used carpeted spaces such as living rooms and hallways. It needs to be regularly treated against stains to look as good as it should.
2. Polyester
Polyester carpets are renowned for being soft to the touch and having bright colors. They resist staining and are environmentally friendly, as they are produced using recycled materials. Polyester fibers will not be as durable as nylon, so they are best placed in low-footfall areas.
3. Wool
A natural fiber prized for its softness, wool provides high-quality carpets and insulation. It is resistant to stains and wear but needs more careful carpet maintenance to help it last long.
4. Olefin (Polypropylene)
Olefin carpets are very resistant to water, mold, and mildew and are perfect for basements and outdoor use on carpeted surfaces. They have a tendency to lose their cushioning with heavy usage.
Types of Carpet Construction
Carpets are offered in a range of constructions, each with its unique aesthetics and performance features. The primary carpet constructions are:
1. Cut Pile Carpets
Cut pile carpets have their fibers cut at the surface, giving them a soft and fluffy appearance. Cut pile carpets are available in a range of densities and styles, which makes them suitable for use in various household settings.
2. Loop Pile Carpets
In loop pile carpets, the threads are looped and not cut, so there is added toughness. This variety is perfect for heavy-use carpeted floors since it is resistant to wear and blends footprints easily.
3. Cut Loop Pile
A blend of cut pile carpets and loop pile carpets, cut loop pile carpets have a textured appearance along with patterns. They are both fashionable and tough.