The long debate of flooring products has always been soft surface versus hard surface, however in this article we’re sticking to the side of the soft. Carpet is the floor covering that started it all, and it has stood the test of time to compete and evolve with the industry around it.
Carpet flooring has been around for a very long time. According to historians, the first carpets were originally rugs made from sheep’s wool or goat hair, and their date of origin have been traced back as far as 2000 to 3000 B.C. Their origin has been traced back to the Middle East, but the exact place of origin remains unknown. These ancient carpets were created to make sitting on the ground more comfortable and were the very start of the world carpet industry.
Fast forward to today, carpet can be found all over the world, and in every climate. The warmth and comfort that it provides, along with the recent innovations that protect carpet fibers against fade, wear and stains(and sometimes even water) contributes to its continued popularity. These factors, as well as the fact that carpet is often less expensive than hardwood flooring, have solidified carpet as a flooring choice that will likely never go away. Carpet also offers unlimited variety in texture, color and pattern. Durable fibers, like nylon, which is stain resistant and great for high traffic areas, makes carpet a worthy competitor in comparison to other flooring options.
The innovations of the carpet world have brought many great advancements in the production process and the quality of the products produced, including the fibers that carpets are made of. Depending on which fibers are used in the manufacturing process, it will affect the carpet’s durability, softness, and stain resistance.
Nylon is one of the most durable carpet fibers and is a good choice for high traffic areas like living rooms, family rooms, hallways, and staircases. Nylon is resilient and can regain its shape after being compressed by furniture or footsteps. It’s also abrasion resistant and has a very long product lifespan. Nylon comes in a large variety of styles, textures and color options, meaning you could definitely find a nylon carpet for every room of your home. While nylon boasts a number of benefits over other carpeting types, it isn’t the softest fiber on the market. If your carpet’s softness is a top priority, there maybe better options than nylon for your home.
Polyester is another popular choice in the carpet world. It’s known for its soft texture, vibrant colors, and resistance to stains and fading. Polyester is naturally resistant to many common stains, including water-based spills, food, and beverages. This resistance makes it great for areas where spills can be a common occurrence. Polyester also holds its color well and resists fading from sunlight, ensuring your carpet stays vibrant for longer. Polyester fibers are inherently soft and plush, providing a comfortable surface to walk on. Polyester carpet is often more budget-friendly than natural fibers like wool or nylon, making it a more affordable and an attractive option for cost-conscious homeowners. Polyester is not as durable as some other carpet fibers like nylon, however. Under certain circumstances, it can be prone to crushing and matting under heavy furniture or foot traffic, leading to footprints and indentations over time. In a typical residential setting, however, this concern shouldn’t be a problem.
Wool is another major fiber used in carpet manufacturing. Wool carpeting is manufactured from short lengths of wool derived from sheep. Though it's a higher-end product, wool is not delicate. Its resilience is rated good to excellent and when properly maintained, it stands up to decades of wear. One notable aspect of its natural durability is its inherent elasticity that resists crushing. The structure of wool fiber is naturally coiled, giving it a built-in resiliency. This helps give a wool carpet longevity that can outlast synthetic fiber carpets. Wool carpet costs vary according to the source of the wool. However, the most desirable types of wool carpeting cost up to twice as much as nylon and polyester.
Carpet flooring is steeped in rich history, and with it being extremely comfortable underfoot, it’s no surprise that carpet maintains its popularity and will continue to do so for years to come.
