There are many fibers currently being used to make carpet and rugs.
Each type has different values of look, feel, luster, cleanability, durability and overall life.
Please see individual product pages for more details.
| FIBER | LOOK | FEEL | LUSTER | CLEANABILITY (1-10) | DURABILITY (1-10) | OVERALL LIFE (1-10) | FADING (1-10) | SPOT CLEANING (1-10) | VACUUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOOL The Gold Standard |
Rich | Soft | Low | 8 – Can absorb stains | 10 – Except vacuum abrasion | 10 – Wears with an elegance | 5 – Direct sun will fade | 8 – Good when done quickly | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |
| NYLON America's favorite carpet fiber |
Strong | Coarse | Medium to High | 10 | 10 | 7 – Shows its age | 5–10 – Depends on dye method | 8–10 – Depends on dye method | Up to highest suction; bristle/beater bar |
| POLYESTER (Polysilk) | Rich | Soft | High | 8 | 7 – Can crush | 6 – Shows its age | 6–10 – Depends on dye method | 8–10 – Depends on dye method | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |
| POLYPROPYLENE (Olefin) | Bright | Medium Soft | High | 10 – Needs detergent cleaning to remove oils | 7 – Can crush | 7 | 10 – Color built into fiber | 10 | Up to highest suction; bristle/beater bar |
| PLANT FIBER (Jute, Sisal, Abaca, Coir, Seagrass, Nettle) |
Rich | Very Coarse | Low | 5 – Dry cleaning only | 9 – Brittle fiber can break loose | 7 – Ages naturally | 6 – Vegetable dyes | 6 – Absorbs stains | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |
| SILK | Rich | Soft | High | 4 – Dry cleaning only | 7 – Can shed | 10 – If well maintained | 6 – Vegetable dyes | 8 – Dry clean only | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |
| VISCOSE (Rayon, Tencel, Faux Silk, Art Silk, Banana Silk, Bamboo Silk) |
Rich | Soft | High | 4 – Dry cleaning only | 5 | 5 | 6–8 – Depends on dyes used | 7 – Dry clean only; no rubbing | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |
| COTTON | Rich | Soft | Low | 9 | 5 – Fast fiber abrasion | 5 | 6–8 | 8 – Very absorbent | Medium suction; soft bristle or no beater brush |