Get To Know Your Carpets

Published On: February 1st, 2019

When it comes to choosing the perfect new carpet for your home, it can be quite a daunting task. With such a variety of styles, designs and materials now available, selecting the right one can quickly become confusing. When selecting your carpet it is important to first understand the characteristics of their materials. We’ve created this helpful guide to help you chose the best for your home.

When first looking at carpet materials it is important to remember that there is no best or worst material. Each material used has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Each of these materials can be classified into one of two categories: natural or synthetic.

NATURAL

Natural fibres generally tend to be more environmentally friendly than there synthetic counterparts. The resources used to make natural carpets are often very sustainable, they include:

  • trees,
  • grass and
  • other natural resources.

However, with the exception of just a few, the cost and durability can be higher and not as durable as their synthetic alternatives. Below are some examples of types of natural materials that are currently used to make carpets.

Wool

Wool is an extremely soft and durable material. It posses many natural qualities such as resistance to stains, fire, dust and mites. All of which are very desirable for making a carpet. Due to these qualities and its famous durability, wool is often regarded as a luxury option, and depending on the grade of wool can be very expensive. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, quality natural carpet and cost isn’t an issue, then wool is definitely something to consider.

Pros and Cons of a Wool Carpet

Pros Cons
Warm and durable Not as stain-resistant as synthetic materials
Reduces heat loss and noise Also, may not be quite as soft as other synthetic materials
Sustainable Can be expensive
Naturally flame resistant

Sisal

Derived from a plant, Sisal is one of the most durable carpet materials available across both natural and synthetic options. With its unique design, low maintenance requirements and natural absorbing properties, this sturdy material can be perfect for a hallway runner or large rug. Other materials, such as Jute and Coir, also share many of the same characteristics and can be a great affordable option for any home.

Pros and Cons of a Sisal Carpet

Pros Cons
Strong and hard wearing Easily stains
Great looking Can be very hard to clean
Available in a variety of colours Not as soft as other options

Seagrass

Seagrass is another great natural, eco friendly material. Flat and smooth underfoot, this hardwearing, stain resistant material is perfect for busy households with lots of foot traffic. Although very durable and hard wearing, Seagrass is prone to mould and mildew, so should be kept away from damp or humid rooms. The range of colours are also limited, with more understated tones that might not be to everyone’s taste.

Pros and Cons of a Seagrass Carpet

Pros Cons
Naturally textured Colour limited
Stain-resistant and durable Can become very slippery, especially when wet
Eco-friendly

SYNTHETIC

Synthetic carpets, as the name implies, are created using artificially produced materials and represent the vast majority of carpets on sale in the UK today. Significantly less expensive than wool, these resilient materials offer homeowners a great looking, durable, low maintenance alternative, perfect for a growing family or the accident prone among us.

There are four main types of synthetic materials used to create carpets: nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and triexta.

Nylon

Nylon is now the most common and popular carpet in the UK. There are a multitude of factors that have made Nylon the choice material for carpets. Of key importance is its durability and soft feel. Nylon fibres are the strongest amongst all synthetics, and as such, stand up well to constance use in high-traffic areas within the home. Other key characteristics such as stain resistance, being easy to clean and its ability to retain shape and appearance have made Nylon carpets the success they are today. Available in a wide range of colours and price points, these are perfect for young families and first time buyers.

Pros and Cons of a Nylon Carpet

Pros Cons
One of the softest synthetics Needs to be cleaned often to ensure longevity
Very strong and durable Not the most environmentally friendly
Highly stain resistant and easy to clean

Polypropylene

Also known as Olefin, Polypropylene has many distinct properties when compared to other synthetic carpet materials. Offering great stain resistance, this cost effective material is similar to natural wool and is often blended to create synthetic wool substitutes. However, it is prone to soiling and lacks the durability of the other three synthetic materials. Perfect for new homeowners and young families.

Pros and Cons of a Polypropylene Carpet

Pros Cons
Stain resistant and bleach-cleanable Flammable
Very soft underfoot Likely to flatten over time
Great value for money

Polyester

Often created using recycled materials, polyester is one of the few eco-friendly synthetic materials. Offering great stain and water resistance, this style carpet offers great value for money, and is ideal for parents of little ones and pet owners alike. However, durability of these carpets can be an issue. Although it can last up to 15 years, this material can suffer with flattening and wear very quickly in high-traffic areas.

Pros and Cons of a Polyester Carpet

Pros Cons
Stain and water resistant Likely to flatten over time with a chance of matting.
Very soft underfoot Oil based stains hard to remove
Great value for money
Wide variety of colours

Triexta

Triexta, which has only been around since 2009, has many of the same characteristics seen in nylon. Like nylon, triexta comes in a variety of qualities, thus may not always be better than the other materials we have discussed. Generally speaking though, this material is often less expensive than nylon due to its lower manufacturing costs. It’s highly stain resistant, due to the fibres being naturally hydrophobic, and cleans very easily. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, this might be a perfect alternative to nylon.

Pros and Cons of a Triexta Carpet

Pros Cons
Great value for money Varying grades
Strong and durable Durability not fully understood due to it being so new
Highly stain and soil resistant
Wide variety of colours

As you can see, there are a multitude of natural and synthetic materials now used to make carpets, each with their own unique character. Aside from price and colour, when installing your new carpet it is important to not only consider the material, but also where you will be installing it. Our expert team, here at CMS Downs, will be happy to help you choose the best carpet based on individuals tastes and needs. Contact us today for more information.

Where We Offer Carpet Fitting

Our team is available in many counties including Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and the outskirts of South West London (we do cover London and the whole of the South East of England depending on the scale of the project). Some of these areas include towns such as Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom, Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Newbury, Reigate, Runnymeade, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley, Winchester and Woking. We have been established for over 50 years providing Carpet Fitting.

Main Coverage Area

Downs Carpets & Beds have a fantastic team of carpet fitters working alongside our in-store teams. Get in touch for a quote or visit one of our stores below for more information.

Customer Stories

Once an order is complete we always encourage customer feedback. Here’s a selection of different projects and customer comments.

Customer Stories
Flooring for complete house

We have used Downs in the past and once again the salesperson was very helpful, answering all my queries. The fitter was equally helpful and able to give knowledgeable advice for a future product. I highly recommend Downs as a local business.

Marian G
Marian G
Customer Stories
Carpet order

From the first enquiry to the fitting of the new carpet, we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff, which helped to make our choice and decisions easy. Carpet came much sooner that originally told but that was great as it meant we could get on with the other changes in the particular room. Many thanks for an excellent service.

Richard M
Richard M
Customer Stories
Kitchen/diner

Customer service is top notch. We have used CMS for all of our flooring requirements to date and will continue to do so throughout the renovation of our house.

Vicky B
Vicky B
Customer Stories
Bedroom carpets

The sales team were really efficient and helpful, taking into consideration our requirements. The fitters worked well, efficiently and cleared up afterwards a real blessing. The choice of flooring was great and the prices very competitive. Recommend CMS carpets and would use them again. Thank you.

Karen P
Karen P

The Downs Difference

At Downs Carpets & Beds, we stay true to our original core values. Take a look at why our customers choose us for their beds and carpets time and time again.

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50 % OFF
Selected Styles
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Our bespoke service

  • Design consultation: Working collaboratively with you, your designer helps you select the right products.

  • Technical consultation: We will conduct a technical survey, checking all measurements and any unusual angles.

  • Supplying the product: Your chosen product will be ordered and delivered to you in the time frames discussed.

  • Professional Installation: Our expert installers precision fits your product for an exceptional finish.

What Our Customers Say

Andrew Thomson
Andrew Thomson
2023-11-25
Downs were brilliant, we will be back next time we need a carpet. We got three new carpets all supplied and fitted by Downs. When the sitting room carpet turned out to be supplied too short (a manufacturer's fault) they sorted out the problem in 2 days. Simon was also very patient when we kept having to delay the fitting date due to various headaches with the bedroom renovation. Thank you to Simon for all his help and patience during the delayed building work.
A J
A J
2023-11-16
I can highly recommend Downs Carpets and Beds and will using again for our upcoming renovations. Special thanks to Adrian in store, also Gavin and Steve who did a great job fitting.
Nicky Lewendon
Nicky Lewendon
2023-11-12
Great service, Excellent carpet fitter, I would highly recommend.
Mike
Mike
2023-11-08
Cannot fault Downs or their fitters. Special thanks to Simon who has been our contact. We've had all bar one our whole bungalow brought and fitted through Downs. Price is reasonable, lots of range and no sales pitch. Very knowledgeable too. Thank you.
Sarah Fox
Sarah Fox
2023-11-07
Excellent service from start to finish. Knowledgeable staff gave brilliant advice on my choice of carpet, were very competitive against independent carpet suppliers and the fitters did a great job.
Sinead Dowling
Sinead Dowling
2023-11-06
Brilliant customer service and delivery service plus excellent comfortable bed and good value too
Jason Owen
Jason Owen
2023-11-06
We had the carpet stairs replaced. Great quality carpet. The fitter were very professional and fitted the carpet quickly.
Valerie Walker
Valerie Walker
2023-11-06
Really helpful and welcoming the minute we walked in. And the fitters made an excellent job of the bathroom and kitchen,and now the conservatory will be done. Thank you Downs of Newbury, highly recommended to anybody who is thinking of carpeting or flooring.
David Glare
David Glare
2023-11-06
Always efficient service from Downs carpets, thanks .
Amanda Dobbs
Amanda Dobbs
2023-11-04
We had an excellent experience here today. The salesman was knowledgeable and very kind. There's a huge selection to choose from as well.