Choosing the right carpet for your home can seem like an easy decision to make. But are there certain types of carpets that last longer than others? Which ones are the most durable, and what factors make some carpets better than others? We've done a bit of research on carpeting, and in this post, we will answer this question for you.
Carpets comprised of wool, polypropylene, nylon, and polyester tend to rank the highest in terms of durability. These fibers in these carpets are denser, typically more water-resistant, and can withstand more daily wear and tear. Carpets that are tightly spun will also be more durable.
If durability is the main requirement for new carpeting, it's helpful to know which types of carpeting stand up the best. Knowing other factors that affect durability and carpet resistance can help you make your final purchase decision. Continue reading to learn more about the carpet options available.
Most Durable Types of Carpet
Wool Carpets
Carpets made of wool blends offer durability, various color options, and a natural feel when you walk on them. These carpets can remain in good condition for several years with regular maintenance.
And even if they are placed in high-traffic areas, they'll tend to fare better than other carpet materials. They're also less likely to turn yellow or experience the number of fraying issues often associated with carpets made with synthetic fibers.
Wool is a tough, insulating material that is dense enough to repel liquid spills so that they don't immediately stain the carpet. Overall, wool is usually the number one pick for carpet durability. So, if you have a home with small children or pets, wool carpeting may be the best option for you.
Nylon Carpets
Nylon carpeting is also known for being extremely durable. You'll find that it's readily available in a variety of different patterns colors, making it one of the easiest carpets to find. It's also one of the most affordable options for carpeting material.
Nylon carpeting works wonderfully in high-traffic areas, as it is easy to maintain and clean. It also works well in entranceways, stairwells, and hallways. You can purchase versions that are coated with built-in stain protection.
This means that if you spill something, the carpet is less likely to hold on to the stain. Nylon is excellent at repelling dirt and debris.
Polypropylene Carpet
Polypropylene carpeting [aka "Olefin"] is made from synthetic fibers and is commonly confused with sisal and wool carpeting. It has a matte or sheen-like appearance and is renowned as one of the best-looking synthetic carpets you can purchase.
This carpeting is explicitly designed for superior resilience and comfort, making it one of the most versatile carpet materials you can find. One of the greatest things about this type of carpet is that it is stain-resistant, making it perfect for homes with more than one high-traffic area. It also makes for great outdoor rugs and is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Polyester Carpets
Polyester carpeting is another good option if you're looking for resilient carpeting--though it's not as durable as nylon or wool. It's not only incredibly resistant to stains, but it's easy to maintain. However, you will want to watch oil-based stains when you have polyester carpeting, as they can be more challenging to remove [dishwashing detergent helps].
Polyester carpeting is made of synthetic materials and is available in various colors and patterns. If you're looking for stain-resistant carpeting but less expensive than other options, polyester may be a good fit. It's great for high-traffic areas and is commonly used for indoor and outdoor rugs as an easy-to-clean option.
What is the best grade of carpet?
Different factors determine the quality of a carpet. Let's look at the most common ones.
Carpet Weight
The heavier the carpet fibers are, the denser it will be. A high-density carpet is better at repelling stains and spills. These carpets will also hold up better over time with everyday wear and tear. So it's something to consider if you plan to use the carpet in high-traffic areas such as bedrooms and home entrances or hallways.
Carpet Material
Probably the most significant factor determining the durability and overall quality of a carpet is its material. As mentioned earlier, the most durable carpet materials include wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. These carpet materials have denser fabric, higher resilience levels, and withstand heavy wear and tear over their lifetime.
On the other hand, carpet fabrics such as acrylic and nylon don't hold up as well. They may be easy to clean, but they're also quicker to become dirty from spills and stains.
Carpet Construction
A carpet's durability also relies pretty heavily on the construction of its fibers. Let's take a look at the most common types of carpeting construction.
Bulked Continuous Filament [aka "BCF"]
This type of carpeting is designed using a single long strand of fiber. The texture is later added to the material to make it bulkier. This, in turn, increases the twist of the material, making it more durable and resilient overall. This type of carpeting construction is one of the most popular in the industry.
Staple
Also known as "spun" fiber carpeting, staple carpeting is typically made from synthetic fibers that are heated, cord, and then carefully crimped. This process improves the strength of the fibers and enhances their durability.
The spinning process makes the fibers easier to blend and dye. This is why you'll often find stapled carpeting available in a variety of densities, patterns, and finishes. Nylon carpeting that is spun typically has a very soft and warlike feel and luster. If you're looking for a carpet that is versatile and natural-looking, spun carpeting may be a good pick.
Carpet Density
The FHA requires a minimum carpet density level. Carpet density refers to the space between the strands of a carpet fiber at the base. It will also tell you the total number of strands of fiber in the entire carpet.
Carpeting with a higher density is usually of better quality. These numbers are important because the higher density means less matting and fewer imprints from daily foot traffic.
If you want carpeting that can stand up well to high-traffic areas, be sure to look at the carpet density. Density levels of 3,000 or more are typically considered good.
Carpet Height
One last thing to consider is carpet height. Carpets with longer fibers will typically be more fragile, especially near the top of the fiber. This type of carpeting is not ideal for stairs, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.
What is the most durable type of carpet?
Wool is typically considered to be the most durable type of carpet. In addition to its durability, it's also one of the best carpeting materials you can use in terms of overall performance and feel. It's solved, has unmatched strand resistance, and though it's more expensive than other fabrics, it makes up for overall quality.
Nylon would be a close second, as it's also exceptionally durable and resilient. Nylon performs exceptionally well when it comes to soil resistance and colorfastness. And it accounts for about 50 to 60% of all carpet sales in the US. It can also be treated with chemicals for stain and water resistance.
What type of carpet is easiest to maintain?
Most carpenters will probably tell you that nylon carpeting is the easiest to clean and maintain. The strong fibers in the material allow it to stand up fairly well to compression and abrasion. And its high resilience allows it to maintain its Integrity even after steam cleaning, vacuuming, and everyday wear and tear.
What type of carpet cleans the best?
Carpets made of nylon fibers are the most durable and resilient options available. Nylon is a strong fiber and stands up very well to abrasion. It is also resilient, has good texture retention, and can maintain its original appearance for a long time. Lastly, nylon carpeting responds very well to steam cleaning.
What makes a high-quality carpet?
When it comes to a quality carpet, its material, construction, density, and height all play an essential role in how well it performs. When shopping for new carpeting, you will find these details on the product label. If you're looking for carpeting of a high-quality, you can also expect to pay more.
Wrapping Things Up
Before shopping for new carpeting, it is helpful to know what makes quality carpeting stand out from low-quality carpeting. Factors such as density, material, construction, and ease of maintenance can make all the difference in how well your carpet performs.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: