Floor Coverings International® of Las Vegas West carries hundreds of carpet products, and for good reason: one size never fits all. There are dozens of natural and synthetic carpet materials to choose from, each with advantages and disadvantages. Find out what carpet is made from, and which materials are best suited for the busy or quiet areas of your home.
What Is Carpet Made Of?
While there are many niche options available, the most common carpet materials are a collection of synthetic and natural fibers.
Synthetic Carpet Materials
- Nylon – Nylon is the most popular carpet material due to its notorious durability, resistance to wear and tear, and color retention. While most carpet options have some fade-resistance, nylon is known for its excellent color retention, ensuring it looks new for the majority of its functional lifespan. It’s highly stain-resistant, soft, and available in a range of colors and patterns.
- Polyester (PET) – Polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as polyester, is usually made from recycled plastic water bottles. It is prized for its soft, luxurious feel, although it tends to “matt” or flatten under heavy use more than nylon. It tends to be more resistant to water-based stains than nylon, and most PET carpet products are more budget-friendly.
- Olefin – Also known as polypropylene, olefin carpet is light, highly moisture resistant, and holds color exceptionally well. Similar to PET, olefin is more susceptible to matting and may hold oil-based stains. It’s a great option for areas with a risk of spills or humidity, such as basements or living rooms.
- Acrylic – Acrylic carpets look and feel like wool carpeting but are considerably less expensive. It’s not as durable as nylon or olefin, but it is prized for its mold and mildew resistance.
Natural Carpet Materials
- Wool – Wool is the most common natural carpet material. Made from sheep’s fleece, wool carpet is naturally flame-retardant, effectively hypoallergenic, and naturally stain resistant. Wool is more expensive than most synthetic materials, though it tends to last longer when properly cared for.
- Sisal – Sisal is made from the agave sisal plant; that’s right, plant-based carpeting. Known for its durability, sisal is generally coarse and limited to a range of earthly colors. While low maintenance, sisal is rougher than other options and may not feel as soft and comfortable as other fibers.
- Jute – Also plant-derived, jute is soft and silky. It tends to be more susceptible to moisture damage than other natural fibers, but it’s the most affordable of the plant-based carpeting options. Due to its penchant for matting and sensitivity to moisture, it’s best suited for bedrooms, home offices, and low-traffic areas.
What Carpet Material Is Best?
Every material has its pros and cons. Floor Coverings International® of Las Vegas West will help you choose the right carpet to suit your space, taste, and budget. Whether you’re leaning toward a natural material or long-lasting synthetic, we will answer all your questions and make informed recommendations so that you can choose confidently.
What Is the Best Material for Carpets in High-Traffic Areas?
Nylon or Wool. Nylon is durable and springs back well after compression. Many nylon carpets come with stain protection treatments to keep their color bright and blemish-free. Wool is the best natural carpet material due to its resistance to matting and stains.
Is Nylon Carpet Better than Polyester?
Not always. Depending on where the carpet is installed, traffic volume, and other factors like direct sunlight exposure, one material may be the better fit for your home.
- Choose nylon carpeting if your priorities are longevity, you have a busy household with kids or pets, and you can afford the higher initial investment.
- Choose polyester carpeting if softness is a top priority, you want it for a low-traffic area of the home, and you prefer a more sustainable flooring material.
Find the Right Carpet for Your Home Today
Floor Coverings International® of Las Vegas West offers a wide selection of synthetic and natural flooring options, and we’ll bring our entire flooring catalog to you! Compare carpet samples, find the perfect colors and patterns, and get a down-to-the-penny quote to align your preferred designs and budget. See what makes us Las Vegas’ carpet contractors of choice; schedule your free in-home consultation with us today!
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