Any home with pets or children will require carpets that hide stains and footprints, especially in high-traffic areas. The most practical choices are usually man-made materials, such as nylon and polyester. A more natural option is wool. Here is a closer look at each of these carpet varieties.
Nylon carpet is extremely popular for home use. It is crafted from durable fibers that retain their shape. It also resists stains when treated, hides dirt, and withstands abuse. Nylon is made from some of the strongest fibers available, so it can be used in areas of the home with a lot of traffic. It is the most durable synthetic carpet material and resists mold and mildew. Since nylon fibers are continuous, there is little shedding or pilling. It works well throughout the home.
Polyester carpet provides some of the most beautiful color variations. And because it is process-dyed, it has excellent fade-resistance as well. Although it is not quite as durable as nylon, it comes in a larger selection of textures and colors. It resists shedding, moisture, and oil-based stains. If you are concerned about the environment and want to keep your living space as eco-friendly as possible, you can find specific polyester carpet made from recycled plastic.
Polypropylene, commonly known as olefin, is becoming one of the most popular materials for home carpet construction. It offers numerous benefits, including stain resistance and affordability. It resists fading, which makes it perfect for areas of your home that are exposed to sunlight. Olefin works well in moist areas and resists mildew, pilling, and shedding. A properly constructed olefin can outperform nylon carpet, especially in a home’s busy family room.
A natural carpeting option that hides stains is wool. Wool is extremely soft and rich in appearance and is considered top-of-the-line in the carpet industry. However, the price reflects its resilience and durability. Often, it is at least twice the price of nylon or other synthetics, which places it out of reach for many homeowners.
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that is most similar to wool. It offers a spring under the feet and resists dirt and mildew because while wool holds moisture, acrylic wicks it away. It also tends to pill and is more costly than nylon, but it provides beautiful color and durability. Acrylic carpet resists soiling, stains, static and mildew, which also makes it easier to clean than wool.
Textured carpet is known for its traditional and luxurious look. It features a smooth, level surface that provides a blend of soft comfort and traditional style, which helps to hide footprints in high traffic areas. If you are looking for a great “whole house carpet,” a textured carpet can be the best choice due to its universal style and versatility –complimenting every area of your home.
Frieze carpeting is made by tightly twisting fibers together to create a comfortable, shaggy look. The frieze carpet fibers can be uniformly colored, contain specks of color or have a barber-pole appearance. It is known for its casual comfort, but its unique styling is a popular choice for almost any room in your home due to its ability to hide footprints.
Berber carpeting is low profile and has higher density construction, which makes it a better performer. However, it can be less cushiony underfoot than other carpet styles. Berber carpeting is a great choice for practical performance and rooms that need a basic floor covering, as it helps to hide footprints in high traffic areas.
When searching for a carpet that hides stains and footprints, there are many options. It appears as though nylon is the best choice. However, wool is a smart natural alternative. Both work in high-traffic locations around the home and preserve a clean appearance. The final decision will have to be made according to your individual preferences and budget. If you need help figuring out the right fit for your home, Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate with our flooring experts.
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