What type of carpet is the most durable?

When investing in a carpet for their home, most people’s first consideration is the aesthetic quality of the carpet. Yet, while that’s obviously important, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. The durability of the carpet should be a factor, too. After all, if you’re going to go through the process of selecting and installing a new carpet, you’ll hope that you get to enjoy it for many years to come.

Some carpets are more durable than others, which means they’re better at resisting the common stains, marks, and scuffs that carpets are typically subject to. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the most durable carpet types through two different lenses -- the texture and the material of the carpet. 

Carpet Types

Loop Pile

Loop pile carpets are popular because they offer a nice balance between durability and beauty. They’re often the go-to option for heavy footfall areas, such as entrance hallways, because they’re good at hiding footprints. They’re also easy to look after, too. One downside: they’re generally not suitable for homes with cats because the claws tend to get stuck, and the carpet can be damaged when the cat is clawing themselves free. 

Twist Pile

Twist pile carpets share many of the advantages of loop pile carpets. They’re stylish and durable, and if you opt for a weathered style, then you’ll have a carpet that very much prevents the appearance of marks and stains. And, unlike loop pile carpets, twist pile carpets aren’t impacted by pets. 

Luxury Saxony

We don’t tend to associate luxury with durability; indeed, it’s often the softness of these products that appeal to us. Luxury Saxony carpets are most definitely luxurious and soft, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not durable. This used to be the case, but modern advancements have made them more robust than in the olden days. With that being said, it’s important to note that they’re not as strong as other options, so it’s best to keep this type of carpet reserved for places that don’t have too much foot traffic. But for sure, don’t discount it because you think it won’t last: with proper maintenance, it will. 

Man-Made Carpets

Synthetic carpets have grown in popularity in recent years for many reasons, including durability. They’re not all created equal since various fibres are used to make carpets, but broadly speaking, they’re among the most durable. They tend to manage stains and footfall well, and keep their colour for longer, too. They’re also cost-effective, which gives them another advantage.

Materials

You can also judge a carpet’s durability by looking at the material that it is made of. Below, we’ll run through some of the strongest carpet materials you can choose from. 

Nylon Carpets 

Nylon is a popular carpet fibre choice because it’s strong and versatile. In general, you’ll find that nylon is excellent at resisting soil and other marks, retains its colour well, and generally stands up to wear and tear. Nylon tends to be cheaper than other materials, though sometimes you can get “enhanced” nylon carpets, which provide an additional dose of protection; these options cost around the same as wool. 

Polyester Carpets 

Polyester isn’t as durable as nylon, but it’s not too far off. And it has plenty of other qualities, too. For one thing, it can be incredibly soft. It’s also noted for keeping its colour for a long time and resists soil well. It’s a cost-effective option, too. 

Wool Carpets

Wool is generally considered to be the best carpet fibre out there. After all, it offers a lot -- it sits at the top of the performance and luxury chart. However, there’s a cost to having all the benefits of having a wool carpet; it’s also at the top end of the most expensive fibres. For that reason, only a small percentage of carpet sales -- around 2- 4% -- are wool. It’s also a good option for people who have allergies since wool is hypoallergenic. 

Final Thoughts

And there we have it! If you’re going to invest in a carpet, you’ll want it to last a long time, and that’s just what the options above will provide. Remember that you can extend the life of your carpet even further by looking after it properly. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way, so once you’ve chosen your carpet, read up on the best ways to take care of it. 

If you’re looking for quality flooring in the Ottawa area, be sure to check out the excellent selection of options we have available at Ottawa Flooring Company.