When purchasing carpet, consumers have a lot of options! There are different styles, colors, weights, and even fibers. So, which one should you pick? I’ll let you in on a little secret…take a closer look at the fibers. Color and styles are important; however, longevity and durability are found within the fibers.
There are four main types of carpet fibers: wool, nylon, triexta and polyester. If you are looking for a carpet that is composed of a stronger yarn and is known for best wear, then you should choose wool. This type of carpet is soft and naturally made. However, while wool is long lasting and nice looking, it is not the most stain resistant and may not be the most cost effective choice. Because of these reasons, wool is found mostly in rugs and stair runners.
Nylons consist of the strongest man-made yarn and are second best when it comes to wear. Treated with Stain Master, Anso or Wear Dated, nylon rugs are more stain resistant and can also be a bit more cost effective. Over time, this type of fiber must be retreated to ensure the carpet maintains its stain resistance capabilities.
If stain resistance is your top priority, look for carpets made of triexta. This type of yarn is composed of 38 percent corn silk and 62 percent various other polymers. This organic fiber gets its excellent stain resistant properties from the corn in the corn silk fiber. In order to prove its durability and stain resistance, the manufacturer performed a Rhino Test. A sample of the carpet was placed inside a 5,400-pound rhinoceros’s enclosure, where he lived on it for two weeks. The carpet was covered with mud and other matter. After a professional cleaning, the carpet remained soft, durable, and looked as if it were brand new. This fiber never has to be retreated and is comparable in price to nylons.
Finally, if cost is your main concern, then consider Polyester. Polyester provides you with more yarn for your money, but lacks the strength of wool, nylon or triexta and it must be retreated to ensure it remains stain resistant. If you are looking for vibrant colors, you will find more options within polyester carpet because this type of fiber can absorb color more easily.
In general, being educated on your options makes shopping so much easier. If you are in the market for carpet or any type of flooring for that matter, stop by Hughes Floor Covering today!
Randy Hughes, founder of Hughes Floor Covering, has been in the flooring business for over 40 years. Their family-run showroom carries one of the best selections of carpet, hardwoods, vinyl, laminates and ceramic and porcelain tile in the Charlotte area. Visit them at 4312 Monroe Road, call them at 704-372-7486 or visit www.hughesfloorcovering.com.