What is the Best Carpet Type for High Traffic Areas?

Finding the best carpet for high-traffic areas of your home can be challenging. Don’t worry, though! We’ll guide you through durable carpet styles that stand the test of time in high-traffic areas of your home. Certain spaces, like your living room, stairs, and hallways, undergo huge amounts of foot traffic on a daily basis. When installing new carpets in high-traffic areas of your home, it’s important to look for slip-free, snag-free materials that can hold their shape over time. Fortunately, there’s good news for you: with just a handful of exceptions, most modern carpet styles are ideal for heavy-traffic areas! This means the best decision comes down to factors like your style preferences, renovation budget, and the amount of cleaning you’re willing to do. To help you make a decision, we’ll compare some commonly-used types of carpets, including nylon carpets, wool carpets, and polyester carpets.

Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpets are made from thousands of fibers 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” carpets are smooth, firm, and flat, while “high-pile” cuts are taller, looser, and fluffier. 

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

• Nylon

• Olefin

• Polyester

• Wool

Let’s take a closer look at each of these carpet types, along with some of the pros and cons you should consider when making your decision.

Nylon Carpet Fibers

Nylon is one of the most durable carpet fibers on the market today. It is a synthetic fiber that is resilient, stain-resistant, and comes in an almost infinite range of patterns, colors, and styles. Not only does nylon keep its shape even when exposed to the heaviest of foot traffic, but it also shields against pesky spills and stains from your pet or kids’ messes.

Olefin Carpet Fibers

Olefin is another name for polypropylene. Olefin is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor carpeting due to its moisture and stain resistance. This carpet material dries quickly, making it perfect for homes with pets and kids. The main drawback of olefin is that it is a less durable option for high-traffic areas of your home. You might find olefin carpet in your neighbor's four seasons room or your mother-in-law's finished basement.

Polyester Carpet Fibers

Polyester fibers are constructed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These synthetic fibers are designed to balance cost-efficiency with performance. Polyester delivers the luxury look and feel without the luxury carpet price tag. Polyester carpeting is durable enough for areas with moderate foot traffic, making it perfect for your bedroom, family room or entertainment space.

Wool Carpet Fibers

Wool is a strong candidate for your high-traffic carpeting needs, such as carpeting for your stairs, hallways, or living room. Wool is a natural material that has been a traditional favorite for thousands of years. Wool carpets are one of the best for high-traffic areas due to their durability, moisture resistance, and stain resistance. It's also perfect for keeping your feet cozy during those chilly winter months!

The Best High-Traffic Carpet Fiber Types

To reiterate, most of the carpet types manufactured today can withstand years of heavy foot traffic, so you don’t have to stress over difference in lifespan while you’re shopping. The best carpet for high-traffic areas holds its shape against the heaviest foot traffic and resists stains, moisture, dirt, oil, and discoloration. Developments in research and production have led to technological innovations in waterproofing and non-slip surfacing. Even the most budget-friendly carpets offer a solid foundation for comfort and quality. 

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

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

• Carpet with a high density that can resist dirt and debris

• Nylon carpet

• Wool carpet

Maintain Any Type of Carpet

Cleaning and maintaining your carpet is easy whether you purchase polyester, nylon, or another carpet type. Our oops-proof carpets are built to withstand the most challenging household messes from kids and pets alike and can even stand up to heavy foot traffic. Besides having your carpet professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months, you can keep your carpet looking brand-new for years to come by following these simple steps:

• Vacuum carpets regularly to remove dirt and debris.

• Have your carpets cleaned professionally once a year.

• Spot clean any accidents with a manufacturer-recommended carpet cleaner. Always double-check your carpet's warranty before using any chemical cleaners, as some chemicals can harm your 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 Flooring America! With over 500 convenient locations nationwide, we put thousands of premium quality flooring products at your fingertips. We’ll help you choose the best carpet for high-traffic areas, offer carpet care and maintenance tips, and even save you a headache by handling professional carpet installation for you. To learn more about our carpet products and services, contact us online today or visit a store near you to sample the carpet styles we carry!

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