Carpeting your home makes for a beautiful addition to any room. It provides softness underfoot and makes any room look cozy and inviting. However, the shopping process for carpet can get complicated pretty quickly. Not only do you have to consider the color, but you also must think about the cut and length of the pile, the material and, of course, you have to consider the carpet pad that will be going underneath. If you have younger children that run around your home on a regular basis, or pets, you also need to consider all of the dirt, mud and assortment of spills that will need to be cleaned up. In fact, children and pets can be a big deterrent for carpet in the first place. It doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of effective, quality stain-resistant carpet options available for your home.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular carpeting choices available, comprising more than half of carpet sales throughout the United States. This is because nylon is a very durable material. The fibers hold their twist well and yarn the excellent ability to bounce back after being crushed. Many choose nylon for its resilience, and that it is one of the materials that holds up well under high amounts of foot traffic. It is also quite affordable.
While nylon doesn’t absorb, it is not naturally stain resistant. However, most nylon carpeting is treated with a special stain-resistant coating. Bear in mind, though, not all nylon carpeting marketed as stain resistant is created equally. Name brand nylon carpets, such as STAINMASTER, are much more likely to use not only a high-quality nylon, but a high-quality coating as well.
Polyester
Polyester carpeting is a favorite because of its feel and luxuriousness. There is also a vast array of colors to choose from. Polyester is not quite as resilient as nylon carpeting, as the fibers can often get matted down, unable to bounce back after being put under pressure, but brands such as Shaw still make a great choice for rooms that don’t see quite as much foot traffic, such as a dining room.
Often included in the polyester category is olefin carpeting. Olefin is made out of propylene that is solution dyed. This type of carpeting does not absorb moisture and is naturally stain and fade resistant. However, it is one of the least resilient carpets available, and is therefore often used in loop style types.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber that is prized for its beauty. It is also a quite durable and naturally stain-resistant carpet, resisting both liquid and oil stains. It doesn’t need to be treated like other carpet fibers, which can be a real draw for many people. It is resilient, cleans well and has a wide selection of colors. So why is it then, with all of these qualities, that wool makes up such a small percentage of carpeted floors across the country? Wool has a high price point, and can often cost twice as much as nylon, making it difficult for most average families to afford.
Finding the right kind of stain-resistant carpet for your home is essential to a long, beautiful life. Not sure what option is right for you? Windows, Floors & Decor is here to help. Our flooring professionals are available to help you figure out which carpet can best meet your needs on your time. Contact us today!