PROJECT PLANNING Carpet

KEEN TO SWAP YOUR HARD FLOOR FOR SOMETHING SOFT UNDERFOOT? WE EXPLORE THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU WHEN YOU CHOOSE CARPET...

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While carpet was king for decades, in recent years, it has fallen out of favour due to advances in hard-flooring technology, as well as the decorative flexibility of layering hard flooring with rugs. But carpet still has so much to offer a home. Not only is it soft underfoot, it's naturally insulating and soundproofing, too. Plus, it instantly makes a room feel cosier, both visually and physically. If you're on the fence about whether carpet is the right choice for a room in your house, read on to discover the various options available and the pros and cons of each...

1 BEST FOR AFFORDABILITY SYNTHETIC

Polyester, nylon and polypropylene are entry-level, man-made materials, and as such, are the most affordable choice for carpet.

They come as carpet tiles or on a roll and are often used in commercial properties because of their durability and stain-resistant qualities.

PROS

Great value and looks

• Great value and looks: Both polyester and polypropylene carpets can look very similar to wool, but their synthetic fibres won't fall foul of infestation from either carpet moths or carpet beetles. They come in a wide array of colours, patterns and pile heights, and are a far more purse-friendly option than wool.

• Stain-resistant Synthetic carpets don't absorb moisture, making them both stain and water-resistant - a great choice for families and pet owners. Oil stains, however, don't fare well on these fibres.

CONS