As a premier commercial carpets manufacturers representative, Lane Sales knows a thing or two about quality carpets.Today we’ll be going over a few differences between the types of fibers that are used to make carpet. There are many other types of floors to choose from like laminate and hardwood flooring, but today we’ll focus specifically on the differences between wool and synthetic carpeting, and also a couple of the main differences between residential carpet and commercial carpet and what to expect in those.

Carpet is made of up very small individual fibers that come together to make a whole. What makes carpets different is the type of fiber used. Some are long and provide a lot of cushion, others are short and provide a firm surface that does not wear down and is good for withstanding lots of traffic. Carpets come in all colors and patterns that can be made to fit any room or setting. Let’s look at a couple different types of fibers.

Wool Carpet

This is the most luxurious and premier option when it comes to carpet choices. It has a soft, elegant vibe and feel. A couple drawbacks of wool carpeting are that bald spots can sometimes occur in spots where it sees heavy foot traffic, so put wool carpeting in a den or a more quiet location where it will be seen but not treaded on constantly. Also, wool carpeting is less resistant to sunlight than nylon and other synthetic carpets, making it a poor choice for a spot right next to a window or an area that receives heavy sun during the day.

Nylon Carpet

A very popular choice because of its balance between durability and beauty, nylon carpeting is the strongest fiber and an excellent choice for commercial flooring or for areas in a home that receive heavy foot traffic. Nylon fiber is also very stain resistant, especially when it is coated with stain treatment. 65% of the carpet in the United States is made of nylon fiber, and it is so popular because this material does a wonderful job of blending elegance, durability, and is able to fit into many people’s price range.

Commercial Carpet

Commercial carpeting is used mostly in environments that are going to be very busy and have a lot of floor traffic. For this reason, commercial carpeting’s biggest strength is its durability. This style of flooring is designed to withstand the heavy footsteps of a hectic atmosphere.

Another strength of commercial carpeting is its affordability. Generally, commercial carpeting can be obtained at a reasonable price and be a good investment because of its durability and how long this style of carpet tends to last.

 Residential Carpet

Unlike commercial carpets, residential carpeting focuses on and has its greatest strength in its aesthetic appeal. There are very professional looking commercial choices, but this is what to look into when elegance and style are your biggest concern.  Residential flooring also tends to be more comfortable to walk on. With more cushion and padding in these styles, it makes for a softer landing for your feet and for a nicer walk from the den to the kitchen. It may not have the durability of commercial flooring, but that won’t be a major issue in a home or another place that is going to get less traffic.