What is the Best Carpet Type for High Traffic Areas?

Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpets are constructed from thousands of fibers, which are attached to a sturdy backing by industrial machinery. These fibers can be stitched into closed loops (“loop carpet”), or can be cut at one end (“cut-pile”) to create a plusher, more indulgent texture. “Low-pile” loop carpets are smooth, firm, and flat, while “high-pile” cuts are taller, looser, and fluffier.

While words like “pile” and “loop” describe the shape and density of a carpet’s fibers, they do not explain what those fibers are made from. It’s important to know what materials were used to construct the carpet you’re purchasing because it will impact how you maintain and care for the carpet in the future. There are four basic types of fibers to choose from:

1. Nylon fibers
2. Olefin fibers
3. Polyester fibers
4. Wool fibers

Let’s take a closer look at each of these carpet categories, along with some of the pros and cons you should think about when weighing your decision.

Nylon Carpet Fibers

When properly treated, nylon is an exceptionally well-rounded fiber that delivers the best of all worlds: durability, stain resistance, and of course, an almost infinite range of patterns, colors, and styles. Not only does nylon keep its shape, but it also shields against spills, pet stains, and kids’ messes.

Olefin Carpet Fibers

Olefin is another name for polypropylene, which is used to construct both indoor and outdoor carpeting. As a synthetic or man-made material, olefin was designed to deliver homeowners sought-after qualities like stain resistance and moisture resistance. The main drawback of olefin is that it is a less durable option for high traffic areas of your house.

Polyester Carpet Fibers

The technical term for polyester is polyethylene terephthalate or PET. Like olefin, polyester is a man-made substance that, while reasonably durable, is less robust than wool or nylon when subject to years of heavy wear.

Designed to balance cost-efficiency with performance, polyester delivers the luxury look and feel — but without the luxury carpet price tag. We generally recommend polyester carpeting for medium levels of foot traffic.

Wool Carpet Fibers

Wool is a strong candidate for any of your high traffic carpeting needs, such as carpeting for your stairs or living room. A traditional favorite that’s been in use for thousands of years, wool is a timeless and tested standby that never seems to lose its enduring appeal. It’s also perfect for keeping your feet cozy during those chilly winter months!

Best High Traffic Carpet Fiber Types

To reiterate, most of the carpet types that are being manufactured today can stand up to years of heavy foot traffic, so try not to feel too stressed while you’re shopping! Thanks to developments in research and production, which have led to technological innovations like waterproofing, stain-proofing, and non-slip surfacing, even the most economically priced carpets offer a solid baseline for comfort and quality.

That being said, several carpet styles and fibers have distinguished themselves as perennial favorites for high traffic areas. Some examples include:

• Low-pile carpets, which can be made from all types of fibers
• Nylon carpet fibers
• Wool carpet fibers

Find Nylon Carpets, Wool Carpeting, & More at a Flooring America Store near You

No matter what style of carpet you love, you’ll find the right look for the right price at All Flooring USA. With four convenient locations in the Central Florida area, we put thousands of premium quality products at your fingertips. We’ll help you choose the best carpet for high traffic areas, offer carpet care and maintenance tips, and even handle professional carpet installation for you. To learn more about the products and services we offer, contact us online today, or visit a store near you to sample the carpet styles we carry!

A carpet in the staircase and living room can instantly transform a small and dark hall into a bright one. You can easily create a bright and welcoming look in your hallway and stairs with your new carpet. However, you need to consider several factors while choosing your new carpet. Besides looking good, it should also be durable and easy to maintain. Your budget is another factor you might want to consider while choosing your carpet.

Homeowners trust All Flooring USA for their flooring needs. Find the best bang for your buck and choose a durable and exciting carpet for your home.

How to Choose the Right Carpet for your Halls? 

When you are choosing a carpet for your halls, you might want to consider the following factors:

1. Durability
2. Color of Carpet
3. Carpet material

Durability

Most of the time, a thick carpet is considered more durable. But that is not always the case. Sometimes less thick carpets can be more durable in the face of all the foot traffic. It is important to choose a carpet according to the type of household you have.

Loop pile carpets are thick and durable. They acquire their particular look due to how the strands of yarn are sewn together into the backing material. If the loops of yarn are left uncut, the resulting look is called a loop pile.

The carpet weavers experiment by combining different sizes of loops to create patterns. Such a carpet is called patterned loop pile carpet Loop pile or patterned loop pile carpet is ideal for family rooms, game rooms, and offices because of its durability and versatility.

They can take a lot of foot traffic without flattening. However, if you have pets with claws, they are not the right option for you. The long claws can cling into the carpet loops and damage it. Similarly, you need to be careful while dragging furniture on the loop pile carpet as it can pull a loop of yarn and damage the carpet.

Cut Pile Carpet has strands of yarn which are finely cut after they are sewn into the backing material. This type of carpet gives an upright, formal, and luxurious look. They are available in a variety of twists. If the twist is thicker, it creates texture which hides wear patterns. Cut pile carpet works well for a whole-house type carpet.

Texture and shag carpet has taller yarn loops. Various patterns can be created with the help of these yarns. Consequently, this type of carpet is quite versatile. Texture and shag carpet is considered very stylish and comfortable to use. They are very soft under the feet too. However, they require a lot of care and maintenance. The long fibers can trap a lot of dust and pet hair. They are not very resistant to spills as well.

Saxony and Plush has a soft cut pile with a smooth surface. The carpet is woven densely and has a soft, plush feel. Although it looks luxurious, the carpet easily shows footprints and vacuum marks.

Follow these tips to find a durable carpet for long-lasting good looks according to your household. However, you also need to consider the material and the color of the carpet. 

Color of the Carpet

Choose a carpet color that can camouflage dirt marks. You might love ivories and whites but your floors in stairs and halls don’t. Find a happy medium by selecting deeper neutrals like coffee, browns and beiges. These colors can hide the dirt marks as well as the signs of wear and tear.

Carpet Material

When you are choosing from a variety of carpet materials, you need to consider factors like your budget or the type of household you have.

Nylon is a high performance, affordable carpet which is resistant to wear and tear. It is soil resistant as well but it is not made up of renewable energy resources.

Polyester is budget-friendly, stain-resistant and recyclable. However, it is not crush-resistant and will easily wear down in high traffic areas. 

Smartstrand has an excellent resistance to stain and soil. It is nonabsorbent and resistant to mildew. On the downside, it is difficult to remove oil-based stains from this carpet. 

Choose the material of your carpet according to your specific needs. The material of the carpet plays a key role in determining how long it’s going to last.

How to choose the Right Carpet for Your Stairs?

The best carpet for stairs has a low pile i.e. ¾ inches underfoot for lending stability and durability. Most of the people choose a synthetic plush carpet in a cut pile for the stairs because it is thick and soil-resistant. If you choose a loop pile carpet for the stairs, choose a high-quality brand, and ensure that the carpet is properly installed.

When you install a carpet on stairs, make sure that the specific direction to the pile runs from top to bottom, not sideways. This will make your carpet more durable and attractive.

Key Takeaway

It is impossible to determine an ideal carpet fiber or look perfect for everyone. Use the information given above and choose your next carpet according to your budget, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic.