Carpet fiber: the most crucial decision you'll make

There’s so much to think about when shopping for floor covering, and when it's carpeting, the choice of fiber becomes most important. It has everything to do with visual appeal, softness, performance, and longevity.

Natural vs. synthetic fibers

The most commonly asked question is: "Which is better?" The answer is that they're both excellent choices, and it will ultimately come down to how much you value specific characteristics. For example, natural fibers come from nature, such as plants and animal fur. That may appeal especially to those concerned about the environment.

Synthetics are manufactured created through a manufacturing process. As a result, they are more stain-resistant and some, especially those with large families, feel they are the more practical choice.

The five most common fibers:

Wool is the only natural fiber used in broadloom (wall-to-wall). While other natural rug fibers, such as silk, sisal, coir, or jute, are mainly used in area rugs since they don't work well in broadloom. Wool is durable and can stand up to heavy foot traffic. It's also fire retardant and has excellent soil resistance due to its oils with tiny scales that repel dirt. Wool, however, is absorbent, so spills should be wiped immediately.

Synthetics include nylon, which accounts for over 50% of all rugs and is known for ultra strength and resiliency; it has good stain resistance when a protectant is used. Depending on the level of quality and care, a nylon rug can last 15 years or more.

Polyester is non-absorbent and has superior stain resistance. However, it's a little less resilient than nylon, so it's best to keep it in moderately foot trafficked rooms, such as homes with one or two adults and no kids or pets.

Olefin (polypropylene) is budget-friendly and mainly associated with the Berber (looped) style. It is durable with excellent stain resistance but is less resistant to soiling.

Triexta is a relative newcomer to the market. It's known, also, for ultra strength (actually, it's made from DuPont, the same company that brought us nylon), as well as permanent stain resistance built into the fiber. This is often a preferred choice for those with pets.

Our motto is: “Quality flooring at a small town price.” That’s what we bring to the carpet flooring journey! We also offer services such as custom shower tiling, professional, licensed installers, and free quotes. Custom Cut Flooring is in Newville, PA, convenient to Plainfield, Dickinson, Carlisle, Shippensburg, and Mechanicsburg and wants to be your carpet store.