Choosing the Right Carpet Runner Material

Carpet buying is a large investment that many homeowners will make upon buying a new property. Redecorators will also see it as a large, but worthwhile, expenditure as it can transform the appearance of your home and take your interiors from dated and drab to new and luxurious looking.

This post will offer you some tips on how you can ensure that you buy the right kind of material that will be suitable for your carpet and/or hallway runner.

Why Carpet Material Matters

The price and quality of your chosen carpet runner are closely linked to your choice of materials. Therefore it is vitally important that you choose wisely and really think about your home’s needs before making an investment. There is no ideal carpet material that will work for every given situation, so consider the following factors before making your choice.

Foot traffic: Hallways and stairs will see a lot more action during the day than say a bedroom carpet will. Therefore if you’re in the market for a carpet or hallway runner, durability will be a key determiner of the right carpet for you.

Durability: Think about how much maintenance you are realistically able to upkeep to ensure your carpets look good for a long time. If you have the patience to maintain the luxurious feel of natural carpeting, then by all means go for it. However, nylon carpets will outperform on fibre durability and easy maintenance.

Carpet Material Types

Sisal: Sisal carpeting comes from the long and rugged fibres from the agave plant, which is native to the Americas. Most of the sisal in the world now however comes from either Africa or China. Traditionally sisal was used to make rope and twine, so as a carpet material, you can see why many people choose it for carpets as the durable and practical choice for their home. Sisal is also great for carpeting because it does not build up static or attract dust, therefore vacuuming is the only maintenance really needed to keep the fibres looking good. However, sisal on its own is not recommended for areas of carpet that see a lot of water and spills.

Polyamides (Nylon) carpets are synthetic and known for their strength and durability. Many of them now are made with stain resistant properties and they can now be created with ‘bounce-back-ability’ making the fibres resistant to flattening. Nylon carpets can also be made to feel soft, like wool carpeting and are a good choice for high traffic areas of your home.

Polypropylene (Olefin) carpet is strong and fade resistant, however not to the same extent as nylon carpeting is. This material type is also inexpensive, so a good choice for those on a tight budget. Many people like olefin carpets because they have an appearance similar to wool carpets, which can add a luxurious touch to your home. Olefin carpet is also stain resistant; however over time, everyday dirt build up can start to make this material look old and a bit shabby. It is recommended therefore the polypropylene carpeting is limited to lower traffic areas.

 Carpet Pile Types

Once you have decided on the perfect material for your chosen carpet runner, you will need to decide next on your chosen pile, to ensure it has the right appearance in-keeping with the rest of our interiors, and of course practical for your everyday needs. There are four main types in this category:

Saxony/Cut Pile: These carpet types have a smooth and traditional appearance that look great in areas of your home that see a lot of traffic, such as living areas, hallways and stairs.

Frieze: This type of carpeting features twisted fibres and is a popular, hard-wearing choice for carpets in busy areas. Frieze is also insulating as carpet weaves go, therefore, for an area like the staircase, frieze carpeting will help to dampen the sound of feet going up and down wooden steps.

Berber: Berber fibres are looped around on themselves and make for highly durable carpets, perfect for high traffic areas like family rooms.

Sculptured: Sculptured pile refers to patterned carpets where there is a mix of different textures. These carpets create a strong visual impact and are recommended for formal areas of the home, such as dining rooms.

So now that you have found out a little more on the different types and materials of carpet, hopefully now you can make an informed choice as to your carpeting needs. Here at runrug.com we’re always here to help, so check out this handy measuring guide to help you measure your exact requirements.