The pros & cons of manmade carpets

When choosing a new carpet, you may want to consider carpets made from polypropylene, polyester and nylon, as well as natural materials. Manmade carpets are currently very popular for a number of reasons and are certainly worth considering when you are browsing around for a new carpet. Below, we detail the pros and cons of the main types of materials that are commonly used for manmade carpets.

Polypropylene/Olefin

Polypropylene or olefin carpets were first developed to be used outside and therefore they can cope with a reasonable amount of moisture. Polypropylene is a popular choice because it is very easy to clean and can withstand chemicals from cleaning products. It is relatively inexpensive when compared to other carpet types and holds its colour for a long time. Polypropylene carpets with short fibre heights are very popular in commercial properties, whereas long fibre polypropylene carpets are more often used in homes. The downside to polypropylene carpets is that the fibres do not have a very good bounce back rate, meaning that the fibres may mat down in high traffic areas and it is common to see indents in the carpet from furniture.

Nylon

Nylon is one of the most popular material choices for carpets. The fibres are very strong, they do not produce static and they do not flatten easily in high traffic areas. This allows carpets made from nylon to be used in a variety of rooms, especially when you consider that the material is relatively easy to clean. Carpets made from nylon tend to be more expensive than other synthetic carpets but this should be offset by the durability of the material. However, it is worth noting that although nylon carpets are easy to clean, if stains are not treated immediately you could risk permanent staining, and that certain cleaning products may also remove the dye colouring of a carpet.

Polyester

Polyester has recently become a more popular synthetic fibre for carpets. The material used to have a poor reputation when used in carpets but that has since improved. Carpets made of polyester are less expensive than nylon and its properties allow for carpets to be designed in some of the most vibrant colours. The fibres feel soft to touch which gives a strong sense of quality and luxury when new. The material is a good choice for allergy sufferers, it is easy to clean and it resists moisture well. However, polyester carpets are the least resilient to high footfall and this will become apparent over time if used in high traffic areas. The fibres can become matted and once this has occurred it can be difficult to reverse.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages for all three fibre choices. For more information about choosing, buying, fitting and maintaining carpets, please read our online guide or come and speak to us at our flooring showroom in Lincoln.