Common Materials Used for Carpet (and Which is Best for You)

Common Materials Used for Carpet (and Which is Best for You)

January 10, 2022  |  Carpet, Design Trends
A person picking out carpet and the types of carpet materials

Carpet is one of the most popular materials used for flooring, and with good reason. Carpet can cover almost any other type of flooring material, helps retain heat, absorbs sounds, and adds an extra touch of style to a room.  

However, not all carpets are made the same. A wide variety of materials can be used to produce carpets, and each has its own benefits.  

In this post, we will go over the four most popular materials used to produce carpeting. Bear in mind that these materials can be blended to make use of each material’s benefits. Keep a close eye on the material used before you make a carpeting purchase.  

The Four Most Common Carpet Materials 

Carpets can be made from just about any fibrous material, however, the following are the most common: 

  • Wool 
    Wool is one of the most common carpeting materials. Wool carpet is made of natural fibers and many classic carpets are made of wool. Wool is strong and durable and can handle high amounts of traffic, including children and pets.  


    Additionally, wool can be tricky to clean and can get fuzzy overtime after cleanings. It should be noted however that you can easily ruin wool with bleach.  


    Wool is an eco-friendly choice as it is sourced from organic material and is 100% biodegradable.  


    Wool holds color very well so you can make your carpet as vibrant as you wish. While most wool carpet is affordable, the highest quality wool can be expensive.  

  • Nylon 
    Nylon is widely thought to be the most popular carpet type. It is estimated that up to two-thirds of all carpet is made of nylon.  


    Nylon is an extremely versatile material. It is resistant to tears and scuffs of all kinds. Additionally, it does not retain furniture marks from even the heaviest pieces.  


    Nylon carpet is available in many different colors and textures and thus suits almost any style.  


    Nylon is commonly mixed with other materials due to its resilience and versatility.  

  • Olefin 
    Also known as polypropylene, olefin is another commonly encountered material.  


    Olefin is made of synthetic fibers and does not fade easily and is extremely difficult to stain. Additionally, olefin is resistant to bleach and other chemicals, making it very easy to clean.  


    Olefin does lack the resiliency of nylon and will lose its shape easily, especially if improperly stored. 
     

    Olefin does not build static electricity and is available in many different colors.  

  • Polyester 
    Polyester offers a luxurious look and feel. It is very comfortable to walk on and is therefore ideal for many homes.  


    Polyester is moderately resistant to wear and can handle a medium amount of traffic. You should avoid placing it near doors and hallways.  


    While it feels nice on your feet, polyester does not last as long as other materials and tends to flatten over time. But, unlike other materials, it does not stain easily and is resistant to fading.  


    Lastly, polyester is more hypoallergenic than other materials and will not trigger your allergies.  

Carpeting You can Depend On 

While there are no bad kinds of carpet, there are certain carpet types that are better for different situations.  

Before buying carpeting, be sure to look at the materials to ensure what you are buying will fit your flooring and lifestyle.  

If you are looking for a wide variety of carpeting to suit any lifestyle, stop by A Step Above Flooring. Only A Step Above goes above and beyond to make sure you find your perfect flooring fit, regardless of what you are looking for.  

Go A Step Above today!