In a previous blog post, we looked at the benefits of having carpet in your home, which included soft texture underfoot, extra warmth during cold months and even health benefits. The next thing to consider when it comes to carpets is the material. To make the decision a little easier, we have listed the pros and cons of natural and synthetic carpets so you can choose the right material to suit your space.
Natural Pros
Natural carpets are made from wool which is a renewable resource and therefore environmentally friendly. They are luxuriously soft to walk on and maintain durability for years, showing little sign of wear or discolouring. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas as the fibres easily spring back to their original shape, increasing the lifespan. Wool also repels dirt more than synthetic carpets which may be a benefit for families with children or pets. If you suffer from allergies, wool is an excellent carpet choice as it improves the indoor air quality by absorbing toxins.
Natural Cons
The main disadvantage of wool carpets is the price. You tend to find them on the higher end of the price scale compared to synthetic as they have stronger fibres and are a high-quality carpet. Another downside of wool is that it can be sensitive to alkaline chemicals found in some detergents. This can damage or discolour the fibres.
Synthetic Pros
The most common material for synthetic carpets is nylon which is a strong, resilient material that can withstand high-traffic areas. They are easy to clean and maintain and have non-allergenic properties. Because they are artificial, nylon carpets are resistant to stains which is an advantage if your floors are prone to spillages.
Polyester is another synthetic material and although it isn’t as strong as nylon, it does share similarities such as being stain-resistance, non-allergenic and it cleans easily. Our Harold James designer range is a premium-quality polyester option that is also 100% eco-friendly.
Synthetic Cons
Nylon carpets can be susceptible to static although they can be treated to prevent this. Although they are stain-resistant, this does not apply to oil-based stains which can discolour the carpet if not treated immediately.
Polyester carpets may incur crimp loss or show signs of pilling and matting in high footfall areas. Like nylon, they also react badly to oil-based stains.
For more help with choosing the right carpet for your space, contact our highly trained representatives at Floormania or visit us in Caringbah, Kensington or Concord.