Finding the best carpet for your home can be challenging, especially when you have so many little ones underfoot or pets clawing and scratching their way around. Don’t worry, though! We’ll guide you through durable carpet styles that stand the test of time, even in the busiest of households. Certain spaces, like your living room, stairs, and hallways, undergo huge amounts of heavy foot traffic on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there’s good news for you: with just a handful of exceptions, most modern carpet styles are ideal for heavy-traffic areas! This means the best decision comes down to factors like your style preferences, renovation budget, and the amount of cleaning you’re willing to do. To help you make a decision on the right carpet for you, we’ll compare some commonly used types of carpets, including nylon carpets, wool carpets, and polyester carpets.
Types of Carpet Fibers
Carpets are made from thousands of fibers attached to a sturdy backing by industrial machinery. These fibers can be stitched into closed loops (loop carpet) or cut at one end (cut-pile) to create a plusher, more indulgent texture. Low-pile carpets are smooth, firm, and flat, while high-pile cuts are taller, looser, and fluffier.
Even though the terms "pile" and "loop” describe the shape and density of a carpet’s fibers, they do not fully explain what those fibers are made from. It’s important to know what materials were used in making the carpet you’re purchasing because it will make a difference in how you care for and maintain the carpet in the future. There are four basic types of fibers to choose from:
Nylon
Olefin
Polyester
Wool
Let’s take a closer look at each of these carpet types, along with some of the pros and cons you should consider when making your decision.
Nylon Carpet Fibers
Nylon is one of the most increasingly popular and durable carpet fibers on the market today. This type of carpet is a synthetic fiber that is resilient, stain-resistant, and comes in an almost infinite range of patterns, colors, and styles. Not only do nylon fibers keep their shape even when exposed to the heaviest of foot traffic, but they also shields against pesky spills and stains from your pet or kids’ messes.
Olefin Carpet Fibers
Olefin is another name for polypropylene. Olefin is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor carpeting due to its moisture and stain resistance. This carpet material dries quickly, making it perfect for homes with pets and kids. The main drawback of olefin carpet materials is that it is a less durable option for high-traffic areas of your home. You might find olefin carpet in your neighbor's four seasons room or your mother-in-law's finished basem*nt.
Polyester Carpet Fibers
Polyester fibers are synthetic materials constructed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These synthetic fibers are designed to balance cost-efficiency with performance. Polyester delivers the luxury look and feel without the luxury carpet price tag. Polyester carpeting is durable enough for areas with moderate foot traffic, making it perfect for your bedroom, family room, or entertainment space.
Wool Carpet Fibers
Wool is a strong candidate for your high-traffic carpeting needs, such as carpeting for your stairs, hallways, or living room. Wool is a natural material that has been a traditional favorite for thousands of years. Wool carpets are one of the very best carpets for high-traffic areas due to their durability, moisture resistance, and stain resistance. It's also perfect for keeping your feet cozy during those chilly winter months!
The Best High-Traffic Carpet Fiber Types
When installing new carpets in high-traffic areas of your home, it’s important to look for slip-free, snag-free materials that can hold their shape over time. To reiterate, most of the carpet types manufactured today can withstand years of heavy foot traffic, so you don’t have to stress over difference in lifespan while you’re shopping. The best carpet type for high-traffic areas holds its shape against the heaviest foot traffic and resists stains, moisture, dirt, oil, and discoloration.
Developments in research and production have led to technological innovations in waterproofing and non-slip surfacing. Even the most budget-friendly carpets offer a solid foundation for comfort and quality in living rooms, bedrooms, or any other space in your home.
That being said, several carpet styles and fibers have distinguished themselves as favorites for high-traffic areas. Some examples include:
Low-pile carpets, which can be made from all types of fibers
Carpet with a high density that can resist dirt and debris
Nylon carpet
Wool carpet
Maintain Any Type of Carpet
Cleaning and maintaining your carpet is easy whether you purchase polyester, nylon, or another carpet type. Our oops-proof carpets are built to withstand the most challenging household messes from kids and pets alike, resist stains, and can even stand up to heavy foot traffic. Besides having your carpet professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months, you can keep your carpet looking brand-new for years to come by following these simple steps:
Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dirt and debris.
Have your carpets cleaned professionally once a year.
Spot clean any accidents with a manufacturer-recommended carpet cleaner. Always double-check your carpet's warranty before using any chemical cleaners, as some chemicals can harm your carpet fibers.
Find Nylon Carpets, Wool Carpeting, & More at a Flooring America Store Near You
Not all carpets are created equal, but no matter what style of carpet you love, you’ll find the right look for the right price at Flooring America! With over 500 convenient locations nationwide, we put thousands of premium quality flooring products at your fingertips.
We’ll help you choose the best durable carpets for any heavy traffic areas in your home, offer carpet care and maintenance tips, and even save you the installation headache by providing professional carpet installation.
To learn more about our vast array of carpet products and services, contact us online today or visit a store near you to sample the carpet styles we carry!
