What you Need to Know When Buying Carpet

Ahh, carpet. It’s soft and warm and has been used in homes for generations. It first appeared in the early 19th century but really boomed during the post war suburban building boom as it was a very affordable flooring option.

Carpet is typically categorized by two things: fiber and pile. Essentially, what it’s made of and how/how high the fibers are woven onto it’s backing. In this article we’ll dive into the details and characteristics of each so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for carpet. Let’s go!

THE FIBERS

There are two main types of carpet fibers: natural and synthetic. Most options on the market today are synthetic, because they’re more durable and easier to clean than a natural fiber such as wool.

Within the synthetic family, there are three main options: nylon, polyester and polypropylene.

Nylon

This is the most popular of all carpet options on the market - about 2/3 of all synthetics are nylon. Why? Probably because it’s the most durable. It resists wear, mold, mildew and stains. It’s easy to dye and holds it’s color very well over time. It’s also super affordable and lasts anywhere from 12-15 years. Pretty impressive, right?

Polyester

This carpet is made from recycled bottles, which is pretty cool and obviously environmentally friendly. Just like nylon, polyester carpet holds it’s color very well and is fade resistant. However it does have a few down sides. It’s prone to flattening under weight and heavy traffic, and tends to stain easily. It also has a shorter lifetime, only lasting about 5-10 years.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene (aka olefin) carpet is considered a synthetic wool substitute. It falls in between nylon and polyester on the cost scale. It’s typically sold in a loop cut, which is one of the piles we will discuss below. It wears well over time and while its generally stain resistant it may hold oil based stains. It’s typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

When it comes to natural fiber carpet, wool reigns supreme. It’s a pricier option than any synthetic, and comes with a few caveats.

Wool

This carpet is soft, luxurious and very long lasting - it can hold up anywhere from 25-50 years! It’s not a great option in areas with high moisture, as its prone to mold and mildew. It’s also prone to staining and can be challenging to clean. That’s because wool itself is highly absorbent, so it’s imperative to catch any spills before they set in. Some wool options are mixed with synthetic fibers in order to create a product that has the benefits of both.

THE PILES

There are four pile options that are widely available. They are loop, cut, frieze and sculpted. Let’s take a deeper look at all four.

Loop

Also known as Berber, these piles are left uncut and in loop form. It’s durable and easy to clean, and holds up in high traffic areas. It tends to be a bit less soft than other pile options and is also prone to snagging on things like furniture and pet nails. So if you’re lucky enough to have a dog who is known to get the zoomies, this may not be a great option for you.

Cut

This is one of the most popular piles. The exposed fibers are cut off and are available in many different lengths, thicknesses and colors. The options are virtually endless. It has a soft and inviting look, but also tends to show footprints and vacuum lines.

Frieze

These carpet fibers are left quite long and are twisted together and appear curled or kinked. It’s sometimes referred to as California Shag. It’s a dense and durable option that holds up in high traffic areas like hallways and staircases.

Sculpted

This pile is made up of a mixture of cut and loop pile, most often in geometric patterns that create a sort of 3D effect that looks like it has different layers of texture. It’s also referred to as cut-and-loop or patterned carpet.

Who knew there was so much to learn about carpet?! We hope this was helpful in differentiating the different options on the market. If you’re still feeling unsure there are a lot of people out there who can answer questions specific to your space, including us!