So you're thinking about buying a new carpet? In this case you're probably wondering whether you should get a natural carpet or one made from synthetic fibers.
It's a good question to ask since you're going to have this new carpet for a long time to come, so you want to be sure you get the right one.
Here are some things you need to know about the difference between natural and synthetic fibers.
Which ones resist stains more easily? You might be surprised to learn that the natural fibers - such as wool especially - are the best ones at resisting wear and tear and stains.
When you think about it, you've never seen a bald sheep! While wool in particular is more expensive than many other synthetic fibers it is capable of lasting a lot longer too, so in reality the cost is borne out by a much longer life span.
Are all natural fibers long-lasting? There are certainly other natural fibers that are long-lasting and eco-friendly too, such as bamboo and sea grass.
But some are better in some areas of the home as opposed to others.
For example wool has the ability to withstand being squashed down in heavy traffic areas.
But sea grass for example is not the best material to use in areas where stains could easily occur, as it is not as easy to keep clean in this respect.
So does this mean natural fibers are better than synthetic ones? It depends on your outlook.
For example you need to think about whether your budget could stretch to wool carpets.
If you want a good quality carpet that is able to resist stains and yet doesn't cost a lot of money, you could opt for a synthetic one that has a stain resistant coating or treatment added to it.
This means spillages cannot sink down into the pile and cause permanent staining.
Can you still look forward to a long life from a carpet made from synthetic fibers? Yes you can, especially if it is made from something like nylon or polyester.
These fibers have the advantage of being water resistant for starters, and they can be hard wearing.
The trick is to buy the best quality carpet you can.
The cheaper the carpet is the less likely it is to last a long time.
As you can see it is important not to group all synthetic fibers together.
Neither should you do the same with natural fibers.
Some have more appealing properties than others to be put in certain rooms in the home.
Furthermore if you want to be eco-friendly you don't necessarily have to choose natural fibers, as some manmade ones come from eco-friendly sources too.
It's good then to know that both types of fiber have their advantages to think about, just as they also have some disadvantages in certain ways.
The more you can do to consider them all equally, the easier it will be to choose the right fiber for your new carpet.