15 Different Types of Carpet for Your Future Home

There are so many options to choose from, and it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. The key to making the right choice is to determine the type of floor you're likely to have or the kind of setting in which to use it.

You can opt for either natural or synthetic materials, and in some cases, these two components combine to provide a better texture. If you're looking for durability, you can choose nylon or any other sturdy substance to ensure it doesn't stain. And you don't have to spend much time on maintenance.

But the question is, how do you choose from the numerous options lining the market? To help you, we have provided a detailed guide on the various types of carpets. And that’s not all; we’ve also included some maintenance tips and FAQs to clear all your doubts.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Types of Carpet

1. Nylon

First and foremost, you're guaranteed two things with a carpet made of nylon – softness and durability. Nylon is one of the sturdiest materials, enabling you to get the most use out of the carpet for a long time. It's incredibly resistant to stains and abrasions, which is perfect if you have a pet or accidentally spill anything.

Moreover, it's most popular among all the other materials used for making carpets with an estimated 90% of residential mats made from nylon. It's capable of withstanding mold, mildew, and rot, so you won't have a hard time cleaning it. Plus, you'll be pleased to know that it holds color for a long time and is easy to dye.

With the help of hydrogen molecules, you can revive the carpet to prime condition using hot water. The heat reactivates the hydrogen molecules, thereby ensuring the fibers get back to their original condition. With the proper care, you can use them for 12 to 15 years before buying a new one.

But the most critical factor perhaps is the feel. For a highly durable material, it offers a soft feel making it a favorite. Due to the texture retention, it can hold on to the original appearance for maximum comfort. Additionally, the price is very reasonable, making for a valuable deal.

2. Polypropylene

Straight off the bat, Polypropylene is incredibly popular and used in 80% of carpets for commercial and residential use. The reason for its popularity is its high durability combined with the soft texture, making it desirable. In some cases, it's also called olefin, so don't be confused.

Besides, it's mainly used for loop style carpets like Berbers because though it is durable, it doesn't match up to nylon. Apart from that, it's affordable, thereby making it an excellent option. You won't have to spend too much to get a quality carpet for your home. Furthermore, it's environment-friendly as it doesn't generate any harmful by-products.

Another reason why most people prefer it is because of the similarity to wool, whereby it acts as a synthetic substitute for it. Moreover, it's sturdy enough to withstand daily use, and you can rest assured that it'll last a long time. However, it's prone to soiling, which may be a point of contention for some people.

As a result, it gathers oil over time, which in turn collects dirt and so you'll have to clean it regularly. But the good news is that it's easy to clean, and you even have the option of using bleach without affecting the integrity of the carpet. The fibers are woven into a heavy textile for carpeting while retaining a smooth exterior.

3. Polyester

Firstly, the advantage of using a Polyester carpet is that it helps to retain the vibrant colors. It's fade-resistant, and even after regular use, you can rest assured that it'll hold the colors to provide a stunning look. Moreover, polyester makes the carpets eco-friendly because they are made by recycling plastic bottles.

Likewise, it doesn't stain easily because it's a closed-cell fiber, making it completely stain-proof. Many people tend to confuse staining with soiling, which occurs when you accidentally leave something on the carpet or forget to remove the cleaning agent. As a result, it can hold on to dirt, appearing as stains to the naked eye.

However, users have noticed that it tends to flatten underweight, which may not make it the ideal option if it's prone to encounter a lot of movement. Plus, if it does get soiled, it's likely to affect the look as it's not easy to clean. On the other hand, if you manage to be careful, you can enjoy the carpet's visible luster.

Meanwhile, it doesn't rate high when it comes to durability, and materials like nylon are sturdier. Apart from that, it's budget-friendly due to the low cost of raw materials and production. So, you're likely to get good value for your money.

4. Acrylic

Right away, it's often referred to as synthetic wool as it offers a feel similar to the original product but at a lower cost. There are instances when it's also blended with wool to deliver a fantastic performance. Since the feel is so good, most people would want to purchase it at an affordable price.

As a result, it's highly popular and has generated a lot of positive reviews. Moreover, it offers terrific resistance against several elements such as static electricity, moisture, mildew, fading as well as staining. So, you can enjoy the vibrant colors for a long time, and it's also easy to clean, with the integrity remaining intact.

Apart from that, it has exceptional wick ability and can dry itself quickly to remove moisture trapped in the fiber. Additionally, it doesn't degrade in sunlight, which is sure to please you. And complemented by the unevenness of the material, it provides a great feel which you'll love.

However, there are doubts regarding the durability, and buyers have reported it may not last a long time. There's a chance it may flatten if subjected to a lot of movement, which isn't the ideal scenario. Plus, it's prone to soiling, and if you fail to remove the cleaning agent altogether, the alkaline in the solution could stain it brown.

5. Wool

Having gone through several substitutes, it's time to discuss the details of the authentic carpet material. You can rest assured if your carpet consists of wool, it's likely to be one of the softest products going around. But don't worry as the naturally luxurious material also scores high when it comes to durability.

Manufacturers can combine it with synthetic fibers or acrylic to make a carpet with both materials' best qualities. If you decide to opt for a pure wool carpet, you'll love it doesn't include any chemicals or additives. As a result, it's perfect if you're susceptible to specific allergies or chemicals, making it suitable for residential use.

Likewise, it has excellent texture retention ability, ensuring you can use it for a long time. Plus, it resists soiling since it's a natural fiber with microscopic scales preventing the dust from grabbing onto the carpet. But if soiling does occur, it tends to disperse light, making sure it isn't visible.

However, it's not particularly resistant to stains, and nylon is a more durable fabric. It can absorb any stain easily, making it difficult to clean. Furthermore, if it experiences too much activity, there's a chance it could flatten, which you may not like. You can solve the issue by purchasing high-grade wool, but it's costlier than the low-grade version.

6. Loop Pile

First and foremost, it goes by many names, among which are uncut pile or the Berber pile. The latter is derived from a particular type of knotted pile prevalent in North America and has several advantages, which is the reason for the unique design. As a result, the yarn loop remains intact for optimum comfort.

Meanwhile, it's very sturdy, ensuring you can use it for a long time. And coupled with longevity, it's also resistant to stains, which is sure to please many users. Even if you spill anything, the fibers don't absorb the stain making it easy to clean. As a result, it can withstand a lot of activity without wearing out.

Likewise, you can choose from a range of options making it highly versatile. There are two major types – the level loop and the patterned loops. While the former compromises of fibers of the same size, the latter features loops of varying lengths. You can also opt for a cut-and-loop construction where the threads are mixed.

However, it's important to remember it's less soft and has considerably less padding than a cut-pile carpet. Moreover, if you have pets or small children, it may cause snagging issues, and so you need to keep a close watch to avoid accidents. Consequently, many people may have second thoughts and opt for some other option.

7. Cut Pile

Straight of the bat, discarding the exposed fibers gives the Cut Pile carpet a soft feel. Moreover, by changing the angle of the cuts, each rug can provide a different texture to suit various needs. In much the same way, the fibers can be subjected to multiple treatments to deliver distinct sensations.

As a result, the carpet's length and thickness vary, and you can use it to cover all the floors of your house. The strength of the product lies in the twist, and the more the fibers the twisted, the higher will be the strength. It, therefore, ensures the model isn't susceptible to matting or crushing.

Furthermore, thanks to the enhanced texture, it requires low maintenance, and any wear or dirt remains masked. Besides, you can also opt for a shag carpet having the unique feature of being longer than average. However, there are specific issues like durability, and you may have to change it earlier than you want.

Due to the range of options on offer, you get exceptional versatility suited to your needs. While it can withstand excessive use, you can spot the footmarks along with the vacuum trails. It's not likely to affect the softness underfoot, but you may not like the exterior fading after regular use.

8. Saxony Cut

Firstly, it's a variant of the cut-pile with the fibers being soft and dense to provide a terrific sensation. The threads being short can stand straight up, thereby creating a fuzzy yet lush surface for optimum comfort. Moreover, it offers excellent versatility and can blend with nylon, wool, and polyester.

The density, the type of fiber, and most importantly, the twist all come together to produce a quality product. The twist is essential for imparting the necessary strength, and the higher the twist, the more is the durability. As a result, it's useful in preventing foot marks or vacuum lines in most top activity areas.

It comes in handy, reflecting the light, which helps mask stains, making sure the color doesn't fade. If you rub your hand on the surface, you'll see it doesn't leave any lines, leading to increasing popularity among users. So, it's easy to clean, and you won't have to worry about it gathering too much dust.

But there are issues when it comes to wear and tear. Because of the unique standing fibers, it tends to get flattened quite quickly, and it's susceptible to soiling as well. It's perhaps best to use it in formal living areas where the chances of the fibers remaining intact are higher. Moreover, it's costlier, too, which could be a deterring factor.

9. Plush Pile

Right away, the Plush Pile is also known as the velvet cut pile and presents a regal look, thereby providing a degree of sophistication. The fibers have deliberately been kept short and packed together, enabling you to get a luxurious surface and incredible sensations underfoot. Additionally, you can choose from a range of colors to spruce up any area.

An important factor is a twist in the fibers, and a higher twist provides more strength. But even with a lower twist, you get a smooth texture producing a classic look, making it very versatile. You can quickly assess all the factors and purchase the type best suited to your needs.

Another aspect is the shading and tracking of the product, meaning it'll show light and dark areas during use. While it's not a significant issue, many users may not like to see vacuum lines or the color changing due to a lower twist in the yarns. It also means that in areas with regular use, it tends to show footmarks.

It fails to score high on durability, affecting longevity and making it prone to wear and tear. You'll have to spend time on maintenance or even change it if you have to. Most customers may opt for some other model that doesn't show much scuffing.

10. Textured Cut

First and foremost, the Textured Cut's primary characteristic is the fibers are of uneven length. As a result, it gets the unique texture providing maximum comfort for a long time. The manufacturers use a special steam treatment helping to curl individual strands for more cohesion.

It ensures the fibers have the necessary twist, which has several benefits, one of which is the trackless nature. So, it isn't troubled by footprints or vacuum marks like some of the other products. Meanwhile, the strands' spiral view reflects light and helps to mask if it's crushed down.

It's suitable for use in areas where there's a lot of activity without needing to spend much time on maintenance. You'll love how the tightness of the texture makes it a fantastic option for preventing stains, and if you do spill something accidentally, it's easy to clean. Another point to consider is the texture changes with regular use.

While the durability remains intact, the textured look differs as the years go by. It's not a big problem, and issues like this appear in most models. It provides much-needed reliability, making it highly accessible, thereby generating positive reviews. You can rest assured; you'll be able to use it for a long time to get a terrific performance.

11. Frieze Cut

Straight of the bat, the long fibers, interspersed with the shorter ones, are twisted together to provide the necessary cohesion. You'll see the tangled threads spread across the surface, delivering a comfortable texture. Apart from that, it has several benefits and scores high when it comes to durability.

You can use it for a long time without worrying about wear and tear, while it's also useful in hiding dirt and footprints. As a result, you can use it in areas experiencing a lot of activity without affecting the quality of the product. It also ensures you get a soft feel, providing great comfort for your feet.

Likewise, it doesn't require a lot of maintenance, thanks to the unique design. And as the fibers are long, the load is transferred to the sides, keeping the surface intact. However, there are a few downsides, and it's not the easiest to clean. So, it's best to remain careful and avoid spilling on the carpet.

While there are aspects where it delivers a cracking performance, it doesn't precisely spruce up the place's appearance. Besides, the price is higher than some of the other models, and since the price is a crucial aspect for customers, it may lose out on potential buyers.

12. Sculptured Cut

Firstly, it uses a combination of both looped and cut pile fibers to create the ideal texture suited to your needs. Due to dual nature, you get variations in both height and feel on the surface. Cutting the various strands differently, provides different geometric patterns, ensuring you get a three-dimensional feel.

The variety of patterns in different colors creates a fantastic appearance meaning you can use it for residential and formal settings. Moreover, it can withstand daily use and ensures there are no trails left behind because of high activity. It's also stain-resistant, though not a lot, but helps to mask small spillage.

However, over time it tends to wear out, and the appearance starts to fade. But it's not a significant issue, and a similar problem is seen with other products as well. The longer fibers lose their twist, causing it to droop over the shorter fibers, thereby hiding them from sight. Meanwhile, the cost of the model is also high.

Many customers may not be flexible with their budget, and given the range of choices on offer, they may opt for some other model. We understand the price is higher due to the extra effort required to make different patterns. However, if you decide to purchase it, you won't be disappointed with the look and feel.

13. Woven Carpets

Right away, with Woven Carpets, you have the choice of decorating your room uniquely. Although made from traditional methods dating back to the 16th century, there's no cause for concern as it doesn't compromise with quality. You can choose from vibrant colors, which are ideal for most rooms or formal gatherings.

Moreover, it scores high when it comes to durability, making it extremely desirable among people. You can use it for a long time without having to worry about wear and tear. And it also has excellent variety, ensuring you get great versatility. Among the choices at your disposal are Axminster and Wilton carpets.

While the former provides you the option of choosing intricate patterns, the latter is simple yet elegant. The Axminster variant is made by weaving fibers through the backing material giving rise to eye-catching designs lending a degree of sophistication. On the other hand, the Wilton version, produced from the loom, involves weaving the fibers in a continuous strand.

As a result, even after regular use, the fibers can withstand prolonged activity and are complemented by the anti-static nature. Furthermore, it has the added benefit of absorbing harmful pollutants like nitrogen and sulfur dioxide.

So, the air around it will also be cleaner, preventing adverse side effects. Finally, it absorbs or releases moisture depending upon the humidity.

14. Plant-based

First and foremost, using a carpet based out of plant materials is very popular because of the eco-friendly nature. There aren't any harmful chemicals meaning if you have allergies, kids, or pets at home, you won't be affected in any way. Moreover, it flaunts a contemporary design to suit the latest trends.

Some of the materials used include sisal, jute, seagrass, and coir, making it highly versatile and suited for different needs and settings. While some are rough underfoot to provide added durability, some other products are soft, scoring high on the comfort scale. If you're worried about staining, you can opt for seagrass, which is resistant to watermarks.

As a result, it doesn't require a lot of maintenance, making it incredibly efficient. Meanwhile, it produces 63% fewer greenhouse gases, providing a significant step in protecting the environment. Besides, you get the option of dyeing it as well, meaning you can choose from a variety of colors.

You can use it in areas experiencing a lot of activity without the top surface wilting away. However, there are a few downsides, one of which is the price. The price is considerably higher than other models, which could cause you to think twice before purchasing it. Additionally, it's hard to get the perfect blend of durability and comfort in one carpet.

15. Twist Carpet

It derives its name from the fibers, which generate a twisting pattern, thanks to the tight weave. As a result, it gets a stylish look on top of providing the necessary durability and can withstand rigorous activity without losing its shape or finish. Moreover, you get a lot of variety to choose from.

It comes in varied colors and patterns, meaning it isn't prone to shading or vacuum trails like other models. And you can use it in most rooms, helping to grab the attention, and brightening up your space. Plus, you'll be glad to know it doesn't require much maintenance and is easy to clean.

Furthermore, thanks to the hardness of the external fibe0r, you don't have to worry about staining, and it doesn't absorb any accidental spillage. The most exciting aspect, however, is that it acts as a temperature and noise insulator. So, even if you have kids running around, the carpet muffles the sound while keeping your room at optimum temperature.

Additionally, it's very safe, and due to the high moisture content, it's flame-resistant as well. Besides, the biodegradable nature doesn't have any harmful effects, proving suitable for people with allergies or pets. Finally, it presents an affordable option, and you don't have to squeeze your budget to make the purchase.

Carpet Maintenance Tips

The process doesn't end with buying a carpet because you have to make sure you get the most use out of it. To help you, we have listed down specific ways to help you take care of your carpet. By keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy it for a long time.

1. Patching Your Carpet

It's possible to patch a carpet, but you'll need professional help. In case you're a DIY enthusiast, you'll have to get hold of a patch repair kit containing adhesive disks. You'll need to measure, using a tape, the size of the area that requires patching.

Proceed to remove the damaged area and replace it with the freshly cut out area. Ensure it's in the right position and then apply glue to hold it in place. Lastly, you'll have to smoothen the edges of the carpet to ensure the seams aren't visible.

2. Stretching the Carpet

Over time, if your carpet becomes loose, wrinkled, or lumpy, it's possible to solve the problem by pulling it. As a result, you'll need a power carpet stretcher, pry bar, knee kicker utility knife, tack strips, and a stapler with 5/16" staples. First, you'll have to secure one end of the carpet using the tack strips.

Next, with the carpet stretcher, pull the carpet right across the room to get rid of the rolls and creases. Then proceed to take the other end of the rug, embed it into the tack strips, and restore the worn-out spots. All that's left is to continue using your old carpet without compromising on performance.

Different Types of Carpeting

For those of you who are wondering, it's possible to carry out carpeting on different types of floors. Since it consists of various materials, you can opt for carpets suitable for a particular kind of space based on your need.

1. Carpeting a Hardwood Floor

You'll need to use tackless strips and nail them on the floor on the baseboards situated along the perimeter of the room. Remember to apply masonry nails for reliable performance and use the carpet padding to cover the surface. Next, cut the carpet four inches larger compared to the size of the room.

It's essential so that you don't run out of the carpet to cover the floor. Then lay down the rug and keep two inches extra near the walls. Beginning at the corners, take one end of the carpet and hook it to the tackless strip and stretch it to the other wall with the help of a power stretcher.

Now, hook the other end of the carpet to the tackless strip and trim off the excess portion. Please make sure the rug covers the room in the entirety, making it ready for use.

2. Carpeting over Concrete

If you want to carpet over concrete, the necessary steps remain the same, but there are some additional aspects you'll need to keep in mind. Firstly, nail the tack strips into the floor covering the perimeter of the room. Next, cover the concrete with carpet padding thoroughly and connect them by using tape.

Now, you'll have to unroll the carpet on top of the padding, starting at one corner of the room while fitting the edge into the tack strips. Cover the end of the back wall in its entirety by connecting it with the tack strips while using a power carpet stretcher to stretch it to the other wall.

Check the tightness and ensure it isn't slacking. Hook the other end to the tack strips and replace the baseboards. After completing all the steps, make sure no portion of the floor is left vacant.

Types of Carpet FAQs

Final Words

We hope you have a much better idea regarding your carpeting needs after going through our informative guide.

With the right carpet, you'll get the optimum comfort for many years. Moreover, depending on the fiber strength, it's easy to clean and helps resist staining or soiling to reduce your stress. Likewise, you can choose from various patterns and colors to brighten up your living space.

Having the right product will give you the perfect balance of comfort and longevity for a cracking performance. So, all that's left is to bring home the ideal carpet and enjoy luxurious living.

That's all the time we have. Until next time. Ciao!

Related Articles

9 Best Outdoor Doormat

The 53 Best Funny Welcome Mats to Rock