Different Types of Carpet Materials & Styles

Carpet is one of the softest flooring materials out there, providing a cushioned surface for your feet in almost any location. It's important to know the characteristics of the different types of carpet materials available to ensure you get the appropriate one for your space. 

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Choosing the Best Carpet Material & Type for Your Space

When deciding on a carpet, you should start by choosing between two material options: natural and synthetic fibers.

Synthetic Carpet Materials

Synthetic carpets are made up of one or more man-made fibers. Synthetic materials make these carpets durable, affordable, and long-lasting: synthetic carpets can often last 5-15 years with proper maintenance.

The most popular synthetic carpet materials include:\

1. Nylon
2. Triexta
3. Polyester
4. Olefin (polypropylene)

Natural Carpet Materials

Natural carpets, on the other hand, are made of fibers found in plant and animal products. They’re often eco-friendlier and more sustainable and can last longer than synthetic carpets when properly maintained. 

Natural carpet materials often consist of one or a blend of:

1. Wool
2. Jute
3. Seagrass

Types of Carpet Pile

 

Carpet piles are the surface of the carpet - AKA the part you see and walk on. Carpet tufts are the fibers that are wound together to form carpet piles.

There are three main carpet pile types: cut pile, loop pile, and cut and loop pile. 

Cut carpet pile gets its durability through the fiber used, the density of the tufts, and the twist of the yarn. 

There are five popular cut pile carpet styles to choose from:

1. Textured Pile: This style uses low density fibers that have uneven height. Even though the textured look helps hide dirt, it isn't the ideal choice for high traffic areas.
2. Saxony/Velvet Pile: Saxony or velvet pile is made of individual strands standing straight up to create a lush fuzzy surface. This is one of the most popular styles out there today. The only disadvantage to this style is that it can be easily crushed by feet, furniture and vacuuming so it's not great for high traffic areas.
3. Frieze Pile: The frieze carpet style features long fibers with more twists, which gives the texture a more casual look. It's known to hide footprints and other annoying marks that usually show up on other carpets.

Loop pile carpets do not have to cut the yarn tips, which makes the loops visible. They are durable in construction and are considered an "all-purpose" carpet. 

There are various loop pile carpet styles to choose from:

4. Berber Pile: The Berber carpet style features packed short-looped fibers. This provides a durable surface for high traffic spaces with a casual appearance. Some color flecks in the fiber may make it easier to hide dirt, but the height of the fibers might make the seams more visible. 
5. Patterned Multi-Level Loop Pile: This kind of carpet features loops of varying heights to create a texture and or even a pattern.

You can also consider a cut and loop pile. This carpet style is a mixture between cut pile and loop pile fibers. The variant makes for a textured appearance that's ideal for highly trafficked areas and hiding dirt and stains.

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1. Nylon Carpet   

 

Nylon fiber is one of the most frequently used carpet fibers. It's highly desirable due to its exceptional durability, abrasion resistance and texture retention. These types of carpets are made in endless colors, numerous styles and textures and even offer a variety of pet-friendly styles for your four-legged friends.

Learn more about nylon carpet pros and cons.

Feature	Nylon Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$0.75-9
Best For	High traffic areas: Whole house, hallways, stairs, living rooms, bedrooms
Durability & Resilience	High
Static Electricity	Moderate
Maintenance	Easy to maintain
Lifespan	20+ years

Nylon vs Polyester Carpet

Choosing between nylon and polyester carpets will come down to your price point and needs. Nylon is a highly durable fiber that can work anywhere in your home. Polyester, however, is nearly as durable and typically costs less than nylon. It’s softer and more stain resistant. It’s also more environmentally friendly: polyester carpeting is often made from recycled materials like plastic bottles!

Either option is an affordable, stylish addition to your home.

2. Polyester Carpet

Polyester carpet offers good color clarity, colorfastness and resistance to water soluble stains. With the technological advances in the manufacturing process polyester is also known to have exceptional softness and improved strength. And, if you are looking to make an environmentally conscious decision in your home design, you're in luck as some polyester is made out of recycled plastic bottles!

Feature	Polyester Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$0.50-6
Best For	Low to medium traffic areas: bedrooms, guest rooms, formal rooms
Durability & Resilience	High
Static Electricity	High
Maintenance	Easy to maintain
Lifespan	20+ years

 

 

3. Triexta/SmartStrand Carpet

 

This is a relatively newer carpet yarn to the industry and has become known for its exceptional durability and stain resistance. Triexta is branded under SmartStrand Forever Clean and has become a very popular carpet fiber choice because it adds softness and fiber protection from stains; making it a great option for busy households and for homes with pets.

Feature	Triexta Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$1.50-7
Best For	High traffic areas: Whole house, hallways, stairs, living rooms, bedrooms
Durability & Resilience	High
Static Electricity	Low
Maintenance	Easy to maintain
Lifespan	20+ years

4. Wool Carpet

As one of the more expensive options for a carpet fiber, wool is a natural fiber with moderate soil and stain resistance qualities. A non-allergic and naturally fire-retardant option paired with excellent wear properties since the natural fibers restore themselves, makes wool carpet a great choice for any room in the home.

Learn more about wool carpet pros and cons.

Feature	Wool Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$8-25
Best For	Living rooms, high traffic areas, pets
Durability & Resilience	High
Static Electricity	None
Maintenance	Easy to maintain
Lifespan	20+ years

The polypropylene fiber is also referred to as Olefin. Polypropylene is solution dyed which means that the color is actually built into the fiber when it is formed in the manufacturing process making it so the color is an inherent part of the material that cannot be removed. This offers you a fade-free solution for your carpeting needs, even when it may be exposed to intense sunlight or bleach.

Feature	Polypropylene Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$0.70-5.00
Best For	Moisture-prone and high-traffic areas: basements, screened-in porches, commercial spaces
Durability & Resilience	High
Static Electricity	Low
Maintenance	Easy to maintain
Lifespan	5-7 years

 

 6. Jute Carpet

Jute carpets are made from jute, a natural fiber, and are known for their woven patterns. They’re naturally soft and come in earthy shades ranging from light to darker tans. While jute carpets can add warmth and texture to a space, they also require some maintenance. Jute rugs can shed and don’t handle spills well.

Feature	Jute Carpet
Avg. Cost (Per sq. ft.)	$4-20
Best For	Low traffic areas: bedrooms, sitting areas, dining rooms, under furniture or layered with a rug
Durability & Resilience	Low
Static Electricity	None
Maintenance	Some maintenance required
Lifespan	5-7 years

Replacing or Installing New Carpet

Once you have visited our showroom and picked out the new carpet of your dreams, we will have a professional estimator give you a free estimate on your carpet selection and the total sq ft of the install. Then you'll schedule an appointment with your sales specialist for the installation day of your carpet! 

It is highly recommended that you are home during the carpet installation so you can review the correct product and the way the carpet will be laid. 

• There are a few things to keep in mind when install day arrives. 
  Lay protective floor covering on your other floors where installers will be walking
• Remove furniture from the area of carpet installation
• Make sure your HVAC is running properly or open windows to ensure proper ventilation 

If your carpet is still a little smelly a day or two after installation, consider a professional cleaning with hot water extraction or try our home remedies for eliminating new carpet smells. 

Learn More About Carpet Installation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nylon carpet better than polyester?

Nylon isn’t necessarily better than polyester; it all depends on your space and your needs. Nylon is more durable, making it a very family (and pet!) friendly carpet option. Polyester isn’t quite as durable, but it costs less and is often softer than nylon. Nylon can be used anywhere in the home, whereas polyester may be a better choice for rooms with less foot traffic.

Cut pile vs loop pile: what’s the difference?

Cut pile carpets are made of yarn loops that are cut at the tips. This gives them a softer, plusher surface. If your main aim is comfort, cut pile carpets are the way to go.

Loop pile carpets, on the other hand, are made of uncut loops. This makes them more durable and easier to clean. Loop pile carpets are a great option for rooms with heavy foot traffic. 

What’s the best carpet material for pets?

The best carpets for pets are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Triexta and nylon are both great options for your four-legged family members. Check out more tips on how to keep carpets clean with pets.

How do you clean carpet properly? 

Here’s our best carpet cleaning tip cleaning carpets properly means cleaning regularly. Have your carpets professionally cleaned with a hot water extraction once a year and vacuum your carpets 1-3 times a week. And don’t forget to clean spots and spills immediately! 

What type of carpet is best for bedrooms?

When considering bedroom carpet ideas, think about how you use your bedroom. Is it just a place to sleep? Is it a home office you go in and out of multiple times a day? Do you have pets who sleep in your room? From there, you can decide whether you need a durable carpet designed for high traffic areas, like Triexta or wool, or a less durable option like polyester. 

What’s the best carpet material for basements?

Synthetic carpets are very durable, making them a good option for basements. If you’re looking for basement flooring ideas, consider materials like nylon or olefin. 

Do I need carpet padding?

Yes, you do need carpet padding! Carpet padding is the unseen, unsung hero of your carpet. Carpet padding:
•    Makes your carpet feel softer
•    Makes cleaning more efficient
•    Creates a moisture barrier between your carpet and subfloor
•    Stops drafts that seep through your floors
•    Dampens sound