When it comes to carpeting, different types of carpet fibers are available in the market. Each offers different characteristics, depending upon its type. Natural and synthetic fibers are the two main categories of fibers. Synthetic fibers are composed of various chemical compounds instead of natural ones. They can be categorized into 4 major types: polyester, nylon, triexta, and polypropylene (olefin). Natural fibers on the other hand are composed of natural materials such as cotton, wool, jute, sisal, coir, and silk.
Now the question is which carpet fiber is best for your home? Well, to understand this, you have to know how the trait of these fibers can affect the carpet’s performance. So, let’s get started:
Comparison Between Synthetic Fibers And Natural Fibers
Each type offers different characteristics and features. However, there are a few differences as well. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the comparison guide between these two carpet fiber types. Read on:
- Eco-Friendliness
Because natural fibers are made from sustainable resources, these are more environmentally friendly as compared to synthetic ones. Moreover, natural fibers do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but synthetic fibers do.
- Durability
When it comes to durability, it can be quite difficult to choose between the two. In natural fibers, cotton is not durable. On the other hand, wool—another natural fiber—is highly durable and can bear higher foot traffic. Similarly, in synthetics, olefin and nylon differ a lot in durability. Olefin is not durable and cannot bear higher foot traffic whereas nylon is extremely durable. So, we can’t decide on any one of them.
- Stain Resistance
Synthetic fibers offer great resistance to stains and are easier to maintain. You can easily deep clean them with steam cleaning. Natural fibers, on the other hand, need specialty cleaning products and professionals who require a higher cost.
- Cost
Cost is one of the most important features one should consider while buying carpets. Natural fibers are more expensive than synthetic fibers. Also, as mentioned above, it is difficult to maintain the natural fibers and it requires higher maintenance charges. Synthetics, on the other hand, are a cost-effective option and easier to maintain.
- Practicality
Based on the feature we’ve discussed above, the majority of people think that synthetic fibers are more practical as compared to synthetic ones. And this is somewhat true. For those families and homeowners who are busy in their lives and do not have enough time to spend maintaining and cleaning their carpets, synthetic carpets are considered the best choice for them.
So, there you have it! Just a few of the many differences between natural carpet fibers and synthetic carpet fibers. Now that you know each and everything regarding these types, you can have a better understanding to choose which one for your home. But nowadays, most people prefer installing synthetic carpets in their homes because they don’t have enough time to pay attention to their maintenance and cleaning. So, it all depends upon your preferences!