Types Of Carpet Material (Different Types Explained)

Walking on a plush surface seems nice. But with a wide range of carpet materials available, how do you choose the perfect one?

So, almost all types of carpet material are divided into 2 categories-

Natural materials:

Wool
Cotton
Sisal
Coir

Synthetic materials:

Nylon
Polyester
Olefin (Polypropylene)
Acrylic
Triexta
Velvet (mixed)

Need help finding the best type of carpet material for you? Keep reading and you’ll know yourself😉

At a glance

Carpet materials are like VIPs of the flooring world, you’d soon understand why.
Nylon can last up to 12-15 years, and wool for 15-25 years with proper care.
Pile height has a significant role to play for the softness underfoot.

Types Of Carpet Material

Among carpets, rugs, and mats, a rug or mat can be easily replaced without any expert help. After All these are compatibly smaller in size and so is easy to handle.

You can even make a handmade rug by yourself… no sweat!

But a carpet is a long-term investment which requires professional installation. And I’m sure you know that carpet installers will charge you about $60 to do so. Insanely expensive, right?

That is exactly why choosing the right type of carpet material is crucial. After that you can install your woven back carpet by yourself! No more cost worries.

As I mentioned, there are mainly 2 types of carpet material-

Natural Materials

These materials are derived from plants and animals. Many natural fibers offer a soft, comfortable feel underfoot. Some common ones are-

1. Wool

2. Cotton

3. Sisal

4. Coir

1. Wool

Get introduced to wool carpets! It’s an eco-friendly choice, made from shorn sheep, alpaca, or Angora rabbit fur!

They’re naturally stain-resistant, super durable, and can last for 15-25 years with proper care – says The Carpet Tone. I’m sure you’ve wondered about what is the hardest-wearing carpet material? 🤔 Well now you know it.

They are the softest natural carpet fibers you can find. It provides a plush and cozy feel for feet and is perfect for bedrooms and dens. But wools aren’t great for damp areas due to the risk of growing mildew and mold. So, it isn’t good for heavy-traffic areas.

2. Cotton

If you want an alternative to wool or synthetic materials that trigger sniffles and sneezes🤧, cotton is a good candidate. They are surprisingly tough for soft material and some can even be easily cleaned in a washing machine.

Although not a very common type of carpet material, cotton carpets can be a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Cotton also doesn’t have good stain-resistance quality. Rightmove shared this-

Some may find cotton hypoallergenic (only if you are using pure cotton!).

3. Sisal

Craving for a natural look for your house?

Sisal is the key, then!

Made from agave plant fibers, sisal offers a unique earthy texture, a common favorite to interior designers for wall-to-wall carpeting. But it’s rough on barefoot, prone to stains, and requires special cleaning methods(no steaming or wet-shampooed cleaning allowed!).

Sisal can last up to 10-15 years. So, if you can handle a bit of roughness and are looking for durable, eco-friendly options, sisal can be a good choice.

4. Coir Carpets

Another good option for a natural look is coir carpets! They are made from the extracted husks of coconuts and are very resistant to moisture and mold.

So, you can use it in your kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with high humidity. It’s sustainable and discomposable, so good for the environment!

Synthetic Materials

These materials are man-made chemicals created through scientific processes. Most of them are highly resistant to wear and tear. Some common synthetic fibers are-

1. Nylon

2. Polyester

3. Olefin (Polypropylene)

4. Acrylic

5. Triexta

6. Velvet

Nylon

What is the most commonly used carpet? It’s nylon carpets!

These are your go-to synthetic carpets for durability and affordability with a lifespan of 12-15 years!

They resist stains, wear, and tear, and temperature changes which is perfect for high-traffic areas. I read it in the spruce–

“Nylon carpet fiber is renowned for its durability, long regarded as the most robust synthetic carpet fiber available, though some argue that PTT triexta now rivals it for this title. The key to nylon’s durability is its resiliency—its capacity to “bounce back” from compaction.”

But nylon carpets aren’t the most eco-friendly option and can generate static electricity. It requires annual steam cleaning to maintain its best performance.

Polyester

Looking for a vibrant, fade-resistant carpet? Look no further than polyester aka P.E.T.(Polyethylene terephthalate)!

Instead of being less pricer, polyester offers a luxuriously soft feel underfoot, perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, and low-traffic areas. But it’s not the most durable. It can flatten under furniture and gets oil stains easily. So, try to avoid using it in kitchens or dining rooms. Polyester carpeting can last up to 5-15 years.

Olefin (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene, also known as olefin is almost alternative natural wool. Due to hydrophobic characteristics, they are perfect for damp areas like basements and bathrooms. It dries quickly and resists mold and mildew growth.

It might not be as bouncy material as nylon but it’s a champ of keeping stains away. That makes it a good fit for looped yarn-style carpets like Berber carpets.

Olefin carpet can last up to 10-15 years. Loop pile carpets are a popular choice as they are resistant to indentations from footprints and vacuum marks.

Acrylic

Craving for a cozy feel of wool kind of carpet material but at an affordable price? Acrylic carpets might be your answer. They also offer benefits like resisting fading, moisture, and static.

Plus, they’re hypoallergenic and great for allergy sufferers. Acrylic can last up to 10 years.

Triexta

It’s a new player in the town!

Triexta carpets are made with eco-friendly materials like corn sugar(which releases fewer chemicals like VOC gases) instead of petroleum. This makes them a sustainable choice for the planet-conscious homeowner. But that’s not all!

Triexta offers amazing benefits. It’s super soft underfoot, hydrophobic, fade-resistant, and extremely durable. Some even claim it surpasses nylon! Triexta carpets can last 10 years or longer.

Velvet

It is traditionally crafted from the finest wool, but most velvet carpets today are blends of 80% wool and 20% nylon. If you’re looking for a luxurious plush and surprisingly durable carpet, velvet can be excellent choice!

But Martha Stewart shared a disadvantage-

‘Velvet carpet is soft, like the fabric for which it’s named. The Low-pile carpets is short, uniform, and dense. Velvet pile generally holds up well but, like plush, its uniform surface can reveal indentations and tracks over time.’

Video- Different types of carpet fibers

*Types of Carpet Material*	Stain-resistance	Durability	Comfort	Resisting mildew and mold	Ease of cleaning
Nylon	High	Very high	Moderate	High	High
Polyester Fiber	High	Poor	High	High	High
Olefin	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	Very high	High
Wool	Moderate	Very high	Very high	Poor	Moderate
Triexta (PPT)	Very high	Very high	high	Very high	Poor
Sisal	Poor	high	Poor	Poor	Poor
Cotton	Poor	Moderate	High	Poor	Moderate

NOTE: If you want to know how to identify carpet types, you can check this article, how to tell carpet material.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Different Types Of Rug Materials Available?

Rugs come in various options. There are natural fibers(for breathability) like wool, cotton, jute, and silk, and synthetic fibers(stain resistant) like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.

Can You Tell Me Some Common Types Of Yoga Mat Materials?

Yoga mats prioritize grip and comfort. Common picks include natural rubber (eco-friendly and anti-slip properties) or PVC (budget-friendly). TPE offers a good balance and some prefer cork (cushioning for comfortable underfoot) or cotton mats.

What Are Some Popular Types Of Table Mat Materials?

A wide variety of popular types include woven mats (easier to clean), linen mats(decorative touch), cork mats(heat-resistant), and vinyl mats. For sustaintainable natural materials jute and bamboo table mats are popular choices.

In The end

So, now you know about the types of carpet material.

From the luxurious softness of wool to the budget-friendly practicality of synthetics, you now have the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect carpet for your needs.

Remember, the best carpet isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it makes you feel underfoot and how well it suits your lifestyle.

So, I hope you are no longer lost in the sea of carpet materials! Feel free to comment if you have any queries.

Happy carpeting!☺️

Types Of Carpet Material (Different Textures And Piles Explained!)