One of the primary reasons to consider getting carpeting is it's cheap. Installing hardwood can cost $4 to $8 or higher per square foot. Carpeting is $1 to $12 per square foot.
Carpet is the way to go if you want to change up how your home looks. Different types of carpets have distinct qualities that can brighten and revitalize whatever space you place them.
If you're looking for the best type of carpet for your home, keep reading. We'll talk about seven types of carpets and their qualities.
Types of Carpet
There are two ways you can judge carpet quality: weight and density. There is no other way to tell how good a carpet is. Don't be fooled by manufacturing claims that say otherwise."Weight" quantifies how much fiber is in each carpet. The more threads your carpet has, the better its quality. Density denotes the closeness of fibers.
You've got a dense, plush carpet if the fibers are closely packed. It's easy to test density. All you have to do is touch the carpet with your fingers; a lush carpet is one where you don't feel the padding underneath.
1. Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic carpet material that's an excellent choice for people looking for bright, bold flooring colors. The material is excellent at retaining color even after a fair bit of UV exposure.Nylon is durable and stain-resistant with treatment. If the carpet does stain, it's relatively easy to clean. There are many types of carpet cleaning to keep your nylon rug stain-free.
One disadvantage nylon has is that it tends to build static quickly. Nylon also isn't very environmentally-friendly.
2. Wool
Unlike nylon, wool is naturally stain-resistant. You don't have to learn many carpet cleaning methods to keep this fabric looking neat and pretty. Wool's overlapping fibers make it hard to stick dirt and other stains.Wool is also a natural air purifier; the fabric can absorb airborne pollutants like nitrous oxide and formaldehyde. Wool is flame-retardant, soft, and comfortable. The material does hold plenty of moisture, though.
3. Jute
Jute is an excellent choice of carpet if you're interested in environmental friendliness. Much like wool, jute is a renewable source and biodegradable. Many people appreciate jute for its beautiful coloring.The material comes in earthy colors like beige, golden brown, and tan. Jute isn't as plush as wool or nylon. The plant-based carpet is coarse and isn't ideal for many indoor spaces.
4. Polyester
Polyester is another type of synthetic carpet material that keeps color relatively well. The fibers are durable and soft. Polyester is cheaper than wool or nylon and is better at staying dirt-free.The fabric is also more eco-friendly than nylon. However, polyester's color does begin to fade over time. The material doesn't bounce back very well from furniture indentations, either.
5. Olefin
Olefin or polypropylene is similar to nylon and polyester, although it doesn't retain colors as well and fades in UV light faster. Olefin is moisture, mildew, and mold-resistant. Polypropylene doesn't generate much static either.These types of carpets are easy to maintain and work well in basements and patios. Olefin is highly stain resistant as well.
6. Seagrass
Seagrass is another plant-based material and has a rough, tightly woven appearance. The carpet is typically brown, beige, or tan. Seagrass is perfect for people with allergies because it doesn't hold pet hair or dust.But, you won't find much color variation with seagrass carpets. The material is stain and water-resistant, making it very hard to dye.
7. Sisal
Sisal is a tough, hearty plant-based carpet, so it's great for places with high foot traffic. The rug is a good choice if you've got allergies and comes in neutral tones.You can expect to find Sisal carpets in white, tan, beige, and blond. Sisal does have the disadvantage of staining easily and isn't soft underfoot. You can vacuum away dirt, but there's no shampooing away a set stain.
Carpet Padding
Regardless of how soft or durable your carpet is, you still need padding underneath. Carpet padding helps keep your carpet in good condition and keeps cold air from seeping in through the floor.There are various types of carpet padding you can choose from for your floor. Here are a few options listed below.
Memory Foam
Memory foam carpet padding feels like mattresses; they're soft and comfortable. Memory foam carpet pads are the most comfortable you could choose.However, they don't hold up well in areas with high foot traffic. Over time, the foam will squish down under the weight of each step and deform the carpet. Memory foam is also expensive.
Rebonded Foam
Rebonded foam is the most common carpet pad in the United States. This material is made of foam scraps which give it a multicolored appearance.All the foam is 100% recycled, so it's environmentally friendly. Rebonded foam also offers the most for your money as it comes in different thicknesses and is highly durable.
Rebonded foam is best in places with low to moderate foot traffic. Areas with high traffic (like office spaces) should probably consider another type of carpet padding.
Fiber Padding
Fiber carpet padding combines nylon, felt, polyester, and other fiber types. Fiber padding isn't soft but flat and durable, and they work sufficiently well in high traffic areas.Most people don't choose fiber padding unless their warranties require it. They're not too comfortable and are prone to mold when exposed to moisture.
Have You Decided What's the Best Type of Carpet?
There are plenty of types of carpets you can choose to spruce up your living space. Nylon holds color well but carries a lot of static. Jute comes in beautiful colors but doesn't feel too great on your feet.Regardless of what kind of flooring you're looking to get, you can trust National Floors Direct to install it for you expertly.
Carpet, hardwood, tile - it doesn't matter! Contact us today if you're looking to revitalize your old, tired floors.
