For comfort, warmth, and an overall cozy feeling for your home, carpet can’t be beat. In today’s vibrant market for flooring materials, carpet holds the undisputed title for sheer variety of colors, textures, styles, and patterns. In the Milwaukee area, no one knows carpet installation like My Affordable Floors.
You may know that the variety of colors and patterns available in carpet is staggering, but did you know that there are many different types of carpet fibers available, and some are more appropriate for certain areas of the home than others? Let’s take a deep dive into carpet and discuss its common types as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Getting familiar with Carpet Terminology
Carpet is constructed of fibers which are spun together and attached to a woven backing. Different types of carpet have longer or shorter fibers, which is referred to as the “pile” of the carpet. The density of the fibers is another factor which can contribute to the strength and resilience of the carpet, as well as the texture, which determines how the fibers are looped, twisted or cut. Texture also greatly affects the look of the carpet, and determines how it reacts to traffic – and whether or not it shows footprints and tracks from the vacuum cleaner.
The quality and beauty of a particular carpet are analyzed using a PAR rating. This scale rates carpet on a scale of 1-5 for Performance, Appearance, and Retention, with 5 meaning the carpet is highly durable and will retain its appearance for many years.
Types of Carpet Fibers
Carpets are made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, with Nylon being the most common. Nylon is extremely durable and easy to clean, and soft. It performs very well in high traffic areas, and it’s affordable price makes it a contender for any application. Other synthetic fibers, such as Olefin, Polyester, Triexta, and Acrylic offer similar levels of durability with improved feel and deeper color, at an affordable price point. Natural Wool is also a common choice, although its high price may be a dealbreaker for some. Wool’s natural properties make it stain-resistant, durable and resilient, with a deep, rich look.
In our next post, we’ll discuss the different types of carpet, and how the construction and weave of the fibers affects a carpet’s feel and appropriate application.
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
Our depth of carpet knowledge goes far beyond the basics we’ve shared here. My Affordable Floors is your carpet expert! Call us today at 262-653-1120 for a free, no-obligation estimate, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, i
