Different Types of Carpeting

While some people dream of hardwood or tile flooring, sometimes carpet is the better choice! 

The process of choosing new carpet isn't as easy as pointing to a sample and knowing "it's the one."  There are so many options to choose from, and it can be hard to know which carpet type is best for you. Do you have children? Pets? A significant other who spills a lot? Here are some things to consider as you weigh your carpet options.

Four popular types of carpet materials 

Not all carpets are made out of the same materials. There are many different types of carpet materials to choose from, but these are four of the most popular carpet options: 

• Nylon.
• Olefin. 
• Polyester.
• Triexta.

Nylon is the most durable of these types of materials. Not only do nylon carpets have the ability to withstand significant wear and tear, but they are also very easy to care for and maintain. Nylon carpets are ideal for people who have children, pets, or both, as well as for anyone who wants a carpet that will last for a very long time. 

Olefin is a more budget-friendly carpet option, but it is also less durable than nylon. Carpets made out of polyester are more susceptible to damage caused by wear and tear, especially when compared with nylon carpets. Triexta is a close second to nylon in terms of durability, though carpets made with this material don't stain as easily as nylon does, giving triexta carpets a leg up in terms of anti-staining properties. 

Five factors to consider when determining carpet quality 

When you're looking at options and comparing different types of carpets, be sure to look closely at the quality of the carpet you're considering. Keep in mind that not all carpets are graded against the same quality standards. 

This means that what one company deems as a high-quality carpet might be subpar in the eyes of another carpet brand. It's not that you cannot trust what carpet manufacturers say in regard to the quality of their carpets. This means you should pay more attention to the number of fibers within the carpet and the density of the carpet. 

The number of fibers that a carpet contains will tell you the carpet's weight.  Heavier carpets are generally better in terms of quality. Similarly, knowing the number of fibers within the carpet can give you information about the density of the carpet. You’ll want to look for a carpet with a high density value because the greater the density, the better the quality of the carpet. 

Carpet options to match your decorating needs

Carpets don't have to cover the entire floor of a room, either. Carpets come in all shapes and sizes, so you can add as little carpeting or as many carpets as you want. Here are some ideas:

• Area rugs
• Carpet tiles
• Rolls of carpet
• Runners
• Peel-and-stick carpets

Whatever you decide, have fun picking out your new carpeting!