A Quick Reference Guide to the Various Types of Carpet

When deciding upon the best wall-to-wall carpeting for your home, there are a number of materials to consider. Each has its benefits and disadvantages. Here is a quick rundown on the most common types and some suggestions for purchasing the best one for both your aesthetic tastes and your functional needs:

Wool – Wool was one of the original floor carpets and is still widely used in homes today. Although a little pricey, it does afford an exceptional feel under your feet, cleans up well and is naturally fire-retardant. In addition, wool is an all natural material that is hypo-allergenic and environmentally friendly.

Nylon – Since nylon is one of the hardest of all synthetic fibers, it is exceptionally resilient and durable. In fact, a nylon carpet will usually last longer than one made from any other type of fiber – natural or synthetic – under similar circumstances. While nylon is easy to clean, unfortunately it also stains quite easily and should be chemically treated for stain resistance before installation.

Olefin – More technically known as polypropylene, this synthetic fiber is renowned for its colorfastness, stain resistance and affordability. It is extremely resistant to exposure to sunlight, water and harsh chemicals making it ideal for indoor/outdoor applications such as spas, pool houses and basements.

Polyester – This fiber is certainly the most affordable from a short-term perspective and is quite comfortable to walk on. Unfortunately, these benefits are negated to some extent by the inability of polyester carpeting to withstand any significant amount of wear and tear. It is best used in low traffic areas such as extra bedrooms.

These are just four of the more generic terms for carpeting available to the 21st century homeowner. There are literally thousands of other carpet types. For more information on them and on choosing the right type of carpet for your home, please contact us at Great Western Flooring. We can be found online at www.greatwesternflooring.com or reached directly a t630-357-3331.