How to Choose the Best Carpet for Your Space

The Two Primary Carpet Types

• Cut Pile — Available in many unique types, cut pile carpet fibers feature ends that are cut evenly. Depending on which type you choose, cut pile carpeting can resist the buildup of soil, but may show seams and vacuum marks.

• Loop Pile — Unlike cut pile carpet, loop pile carpet features yarns which are looped and then fastened to the backing of the carpet. If you need carpeting for a high-traffic area, loop pile is a good choice.

Carpet Materials: Which is Best?

Polyester is a highly durable, stain-resistant carpet material and is easy to clean and offers the benefit of being resistant to moths and mildew.

Olefin carpet is made of polypropylene, which makes it particularly well-suited to outdoor spaces. However, it can be used indoors as well, especially in spaces requiring resistance to mold, mildew, moisture and staining.

The plush, comfortable feel of carpet makes it an excellent choice for myriad spaces. From the living room to the bedroom to your kids’ play space, there’s no denying that carpet brings a warmth and practicality that you simply don’t get with other types of flooring. (Hello, extra padding for those inevitable tumbles!) But with so many options on the market — cut pile, loop pile, nylon, olefin, polyester, wool and more — it can be hard to know which type to choose.

Nylon is the most common carpeting material available, nylon is strong and durable, so it’s great for high-traffic areas. It’s also easy to clean and provides resistance to soil and mildew.

The natural fiber of wool is popular among those who like a rich, plush feel. Due to its tightly packed fibers, wool carpeting is naturally durable and resistant to staining.

If you love the look and feel of wool but need a more budget-conscious option, acrylic is a good choice. This material is most often used in commercial spaces, but can be placed in the home as well. It’s resistant to soil, static, moths and mildew.