Carpet, though not right for every application (link to Vacation Rental Blog), is a great flooring option for many rooms in residential and commercial buildings. Like all types of flooring materials, carpet comes in a variety of materials, designs, and levels of quality. There are many fibers used to make carpeting and not all are created equally. Carpet construction, how the piles are sewn, also vary.
Carpet Fibers
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Nylon is the most popular carpet fiber option. It is the strongest and most durable fiber available and is therefore the best choice for high-traffic areas.
Polyester combines superior stain and fade resistance with vibrant coloration. Thanks to recent advances, several polyester styles are made using polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T.), a fiber derived from recycled plastic bottles that is very soft to the touch.
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Triexta™ is a unique fiber type made with 39% corn sugars, a renewable resource. Carpet made with Triexta™ offers extreme softness and a high level of stain resistance.
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Olefin is the least expensive carpet fiber. In addition to being very stain resistant, Olefin is not affected by UV rays. It is often used for indoor/outdoor carpets.
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Wool is the premier carpet fiber. It offers excellent durability with a soft, luxurious feel. Due to its durability, wool carpets are great for high traffic areas such as main living areas and hallways. The smooth surface of the pile gives the space a traditional look. Similar types include Saxony and cut pile.
Carpet Construction
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Twist, or frieze, carpet is casual and stylish, yet durable. These styles give rooms a modern and updated look.
Recommended for: ■ Bedrooms ■ Sitting rooms ■ Media rooms
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Pattern, the distinctive looks of pattern carpets make a visual impact. Large-scale or small, their designs set any room apart. They are also referred to as cut-and-loop or "sculptured" carpets.
Recommended for: ■ Formal rooms ■ Dining rooms ■ Basements
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Loop carpet, also known as Berber, provides maximum durability for high-traffic areas. In addition, many speckled design patterns are available which do well to hide debris. It is the perfect answer for active rooms.
Recommended for: ■ Recreation rooms ■ Basements ■ Work
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Texture the pile’s smooth surface in textured carpet provides for a traditional look and is a great choice for high traffic areas.
Recommended for: ■ Main living areas ■ Hallways ■ Living rooms
Carpet Basics
Carpet is designed for warm, dry applications. Synthetic options are conventionally made of polyester, nylon or polypropylene with natural carpet made of wool. Comes in many patterns, colors and styles.
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Pros - creates a comfortable atmosphere and acts as insulation to retain warm air in cold months. It also acts as a noise dampener and provides a soft, cushioned surface for children to play on.
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Cons - can stain relatively easily when compared to other flooring options, can become difficult and costly to clean, also carpets placed in high traffic areas tend to wear out if made of lower quality materials
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Cost - varies greatly based on material (berber, cut pile, frieze, loop pile, saxony, plush, textured, shag, etc). 3-4 out of 5
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Installation DIfficulty - 3 out of 5
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Durability - depends on use, some carpets can last for 8 to 10 years, 2 out of 5
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Cleaning Difficulty - 5 out of 5
Before tackling any flooring project, stop by your local flooring professional’s showroom to compare the many different options and styles available.
Eckard’s Flooring and Design Center has flooring professionals in Savannah, GA and in Bethany, Carrollton, St. Joseph, and Stanberry, MO. Eckard’s Flooring Design Center is a family business with over 50 years of experience and can help you every step of the way to design and install your perfect floor. Give them a call at 912-355-6224 to begin the process of finding the perfect floor for your needs.
