Carpet has been around for thousands of years. Over time, different techniques for manufacturing carpets have been engineered or discovered. You will find that each carpet fiber can have its own set of pros and cons. While carpet can be a great addition in your home, knowing which one is best suited for your lifestyle can help narrow down the search. To help, here are four of the most common carpet fiber options, and some reasons why you may or may not want to consider each choice:
Wool
One of the most natural options to consider is wool. Wool fiber is an excellent insulator and helps keep in the heat. Plus, wool carpet is exceptionally durable. Wool is also great at keeping the color inside the fibers and not fading over time. You will also find that wool is flame resistant and can work well in areas that could be prone to combustion like near fireplaces. However, wool can naturally pull water from the air and could become saturated in highly humid environments. It is also prone to shedding for the first year after installation.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most resilient carpet fibers. This means it has the best ability to “bounce” back after being crushed. This feature makes nylon extremely durable and does not show traffic patterns hardly ever. This synthetic fiber is one of the most durable and higher-end fibers and can be more costly than other fibers.
Polyester
Another synthetic carpet fiber is polyester. This is nylon’s main rival in the synthetic carpet fiber choices. While not as durable, polyester has come a long way. These fibers can take a while to show traffic patterns and fading. They are also less expensive than nylon, typically.
Olefin / Polypropylene
Olefin does not last as long as the other two synthetic options, yet it is one of the least expensive. It is an excellent option for placing outdoors and can handle moisture the best. While it is typically not the best for heavy traffic areas, it is the best when it comes to outdoor spaces and wet environments.
While the fibers can be substantial, do not get too caught up in the fiber. Many fibers have special treatments to help resist stains or help with fading. Make sure you understand all the benefits of each carpet you look at to better understand what is most suitable for your lifestyle.
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