Installing a new carpet is a great way to switch up the look and feel of your home or office. It can lend a splash of colour, softness and cosiness to any room. If you are considering carpets for high-traffic areas though, this may be a particularly daunting prospect. It is important that the carpet fits all of your needs and lasts for years, while taking on the impact of heavy footfall.  

This handy guide will give you a head start as you start researching the best carpet for high-traffic areas. 

The type of twist is crucial in determining the quality and durability of a carpet. The twist type refers to carpet fibres turned or twisted over each other across a one-inch length. Essentially, the tighter the twist, the more resistant the carpet will be to changes in appearance or texture. 

When comparing carpets, compare twist counts and the tightness of the twist. Higher twist count and tighter twists means greater resilience and a more substantial feel underfoot. Perfect for high-traffic areas.

Generally, a carpet with a twist of 3.5 to 6 twists per inch is considered extremely sturdy and durable. Investing in a carpet with a higher twist count and tighter twist ensures a long-lasting, stylish, and comfortable addition to any home or office. 

Carpet density indicates how tightly the carpet fibres are stitched into the backing. The higher the density values, the more durable the carpet tends to be. 

You can check carpet density by pressing your fingers down on the carpet to see how much of the backing you can reach. The less backing you reach, the denser the carpet. As you explore carpeting for a high-traffic area, look for carpeting that is higher in density to prevent wear and tear.

Understanding the composition of your carpet is crucial while choosing carpets for high-traffic areas. Each fibre type has its own unique characteristic that helps make a carpet more durable, stain resistant and softer underfoot. Most of the carpets are made using four primary fibres: wool, nylon, polypropylene or olefin, and wool blends. 

Below are five types of carpet that will help you decide which suits your high traffic area and your preferences better:

A synthetic carpet fibre, nylon is one of the most durable and resilient options in the market today. This invariably means they are great for high-traffic areas, especially where kids and pets are involved. 

Nylon also has the ability to bounce back to shape even after heavy footfall. The secret lies in the hydrogen molecule that is part of its structure. Even when the fibres flatten due to frequent use or weight, a simple steam cleaning can help them come back to their original shape. 

One of nylon’s key advantages is its affordability. There is a nylon carpet available at every price point, making it an easy option for many. 

Wool fibre is hands down, a favourite around the world. Since it is 100% natural, wool makes for a luxurious, soft, biodegradable material that is highly durable, while being dirt and flame resistant. 

However much the foot traffic, the microscopic scales in wool fibres prevent dirt from getting embedded in the carpet. However, wool is high maintenance and is prone to being damaged by stains. 

Another natural fibre choice, polyester is also quite popular for high-traffic areas. It has the distinct advantage of being one of the most stain-resistant carpets, thanks to it’s closed-cell fibre construction that prevents stains from seeping in.

While being eco-friendly, polyester is also budget-friendly. But this does not suggest that it is low-quality or drab. Polyester carpets lend an upscale and lively appearance to any space.  

The downside to polyester is its lesser durability compared to nylon or wool. If you choose polyester, it’s better to find a dense, high-twist carpet to ensure it lasts for years to come.

Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre that has a wool-like appearance. This type of fibre is the most budget-friendly option. But the lower cost, in this case, also means a lower level of sturdiness, which makes it an unlikely choice for high-traffic areas. 

Olefin has other good properties though – like stain and mold resistance and quick-drying qualities. If you have an extremely tight budget, this could be an option to consider. But keep in mind that too much foot traffic can result in early damage of your polypropylene carpet.

The latest type of synthetic carpet fibre in the industry, Triexta is akin to polyester, but is more durable and softer. It is also more eco-friendly than polyester because it is created by fermenting corn glucose rather than petroleum.

Triexta is quite versatile as a fibre. While considered close in durability to nylon, nylon is still superior because of its unique ability to bounce back from pressure. 

Since it’s a fairly new carpet fibre, it’s hard to be certain that it will stand the test of time in high-traffic areas and when compared to other popular carpet fibres. However, it’s a highly budget-friendly option and has had positive reviews on the durability front.

Choosing the best carpet for your high-traffic areas need not be an overwhelming task. Flooring Factory Outlet’s knowledgeable and experienced staff is at hand to assist you along the way and make it all easier for you. 

Plus, you get a spread of over 300 high-quality rolls at clearance prices. To know more, call us on 020 3004 6630 or email at [email protected]