There are many different fiber types, styles and strengths in the amazing options offered in carpet.
WOOL CARPET
Wools are the gold-standard for durability. The soft, matte visual of wool is outstanding. Styling offered runs from oriental-styles and wovens to sisal-looks. Wool is an excellent choice for your home. It is also a flame retardant, green product.
TRIEXTA CARPET (Synthetic fibers)
Smartstrand (Triexta) carpet is the newest to the market. Its’ own fiber class, Smartstrand is outstanding for fade resistance, cleanability and softness. It’s made of 37% corn and has such a low absorption rate, most stains stay topical and can clean up with simply warm water. Even though it’s very soft, there’s no reduction in strength as the fiber has a kink in it that makes it very resilient to traffic.
OLEFIN CARPET (Synthetic Fiber)
Olefin carpet is a great option when price is a factor. This fiber is most often used in tight commercial-looking loop carpets and popular berbers. It’s not the longest-wearing fiber, but certainly a more affordable line where look is important and routine traffic is less (i.e., basements, playrooms, etc).
NYLON CARPET
Nylons offer great strength while being very cleanable. This has been the workhorse of the industry for many decades. There are many differing manufacturers of fiber, Stainmaster for example, that make it perfect for a busy household and high traffic areas (like hallways, stairs). While it’s likely the majority of typical style carpets you’ve seen, it’s also offered in so many interesting designs and textures, you can’t help but find one that works well.
POLYPROPYLENE CARPET (Synthetic Fiber)
Polypropylenes have increased in number as many customers want the look of wool without the price of wool. Many have that “oriental-esque” visual and/or some new geometrics that are funky. It’s a cleanable product and often used for stair runners and rooms where traffic is not the highest, but cost can be kept lower than wool.
POLYESTER CARPET (Synthetic Fiber)
Polyester carpets are great for cleanability and price, especially the Resista line. Good for family settings, especially bedrooms where the pile volume feels luxurious. They are often cut-pile and/or texture styles.
