Get To Know Your Carpets

When it comes to choosing the perfect new carpet for your home, it can be quite a daunting task. With such a variety of styles, designs and materials now available, selecting the right one can quickly become confusing. When selecting your carpet it is important to first understand the characteristics of their materials. We’ve created this helpful guide to help you chose the best for your home.

When first looking at carpet materials it is important to remember that there is no best or worst material. Each material used has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Each of these materials can be classified into one of two categories: natural or synthetic.

NATURAL

Natural fibres generally tend to be more environmentally friendly than there synthetic counterparts. The resources used to make natural carpets are often very sustainable, they include:

• trees,
• grass and
• other natural resources.

However, with the exception of just a few, the cost and durability can be higher and not as durable as their synthetic alternatives. Below are some examples of types of natural materials that are currently used to make carpets.

Wool

Wool is an extremely soft and durable material. It posses many natural qualities such as resistance to stains, fire, dust and mites. All of which are very desirable for making a carpet. Due to these qualities and its famous durability, wool is often regarded as a luxury option, and depending on the grade of wool can be very expensive. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, quality natural carpet and cost isn’t an issue, then wool is definitely something to consider.

Pros and Cons of a Wool Carpet

Sisal

Derived from a plant, Sisal is one of the most durable carpet materials available across both natural and synthetic options. With its unique design, low maintenance requirements and natural absorbing properties, this sturdy material can be perfect for a hallway runner or large rug. Other materials, such as Jute and Coir, also share many of the same characteristics and can be a great affordable option for any home.

Pros and Cons of a Sisal Carpet

Seagrass

Seagrass is another great natural, eco friendly material. Flat and smooth underfoot, this hardwearing, stain resistant material is perfect for busy households with lots of foot traffic. Although very durable and hard wearing, Seagrass is prone to mould and mildew, so should be kept away from damp or humid rooms. The range of colours are also limited, with more understated tones that might not be to everyone’s taste.

Pros and Cons of a Seagrass Carpet

SYNTHETIC

Synthetic carpets, as the name implies, are created using artificially produced materials and represent the vast majority of carpets on sale in the UK today. Significantly less expensive than wool, these resilient materials offer homeowners a great looking, durable, low maintenance alternative, perfect for a growing family or the accident prone among us.

There are four main types of synthetic materials used to create carpets: nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and triexta.

Nylon

Nylon is now the most common and popular carpet in the UK. There are a multitude of factors that have made Nylon the choice material for carpets. Of key importance is its durability and soft feel. Nylon fibres are the strongest amongst all synthetics, and as such, stand up well to constance use in high-traffic areas within the home. Other key characteristics such as stain resistance, being easy to clean and its ability to retain shape and appearance have made Nylon carpets the success they are today. Available in a wide range of colours and price points, these are perfect for young families and first time buyers.

Pros and Cons of a Nylon Carpet

Polypropylene

Also known as Olefin, Polypropylene has many distinct properties when compared to other synthetic carpet materials. Offering great stain resistance, this cost effective material is similar to natural wool and is often blended to create synthetic wool substitutes. However, it is prone to soiling and lacks the durability of the other three synthetic materials. Perfect for new homeowners and young families.

Pros and Cons of a Polypropylene Carpet

Polyester

Often created using recycled materials, polyester is one of the few eco-friendly synthetic materials. Offering great stain and water resistance, this style carpet offers great value for money, and is ideal for parents of little ones and pet owners alike. However, durability of these carpets can be an issue. Although it can last up to 15 years, this material can suffer with flattening and wear very quickly in high-traffic areas.

Pros and Cons of a Polyester Carpet

Triexta

Triexta, which has only been around since 2009, has many of the same characteristics seen in nylon. Like nylon, triexta comes in a variety of qualities, thus may not always be better than the other materials we have discussed. Generally speaking though, this material is often less expensive than nylon due to its lower manufacturing costs. It’s highly stain resistant, due to the fibres being naturally hydrophobic, and cleans very easily. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, this might be a perfect alternative to nylon.

Pros and Cons of a Triexta Carpet

As you can see, there are a multitude of natural and synthetic materials now used to make carpets, each with their own unique character. Aside from price and colour, when installing your new carpet it is important to not only consider the material, but also where you will be installing it. Our expert team, here at CMS Downs, will be happy to help you choose the best carpet based on individuals tastes and needs. Contact us today for more information.