Carpet is one of those home items that's generally taken for granted. Most homes built today have carpet in the majority of rooms. Homeowners don't usually pay much attention to their carpet until it's worn and time for replacement. Then the choices of material and pile type can be very confusing.

Carpets are made by pulling loops of yarn through a tough backing. These loops are often cut to create the carpet's pile. The most durable synthetic carpeting material is nylon. It wears well and is quite stain resistant.

The list of synthetic fibers can be confusing because manufacturers often call them by proprietary names. Still, all synthetics fall into four generic categories: nylon, olefin, acrylic, and polyester.

Nylon - The majority of carpet fibers are made of nylon. Nylon fibers are resilient, survive the weight of furniture, and hold up well in heavily trafficked areas. Nylon is available in a vast array of colors, and solution-dyed types are colorfast. Nylon carpets can be found in a wide variety of wear ratings and price ranges. This is generally the best choice of carpet fiber for the home.

Olefin - Also known as polypropylene, olefin is another popular choice for carpet. It is easy to clean, strong, and resists stains and wear. Olefin is used mostly in Berbers and commercial carpets. Color is added before the material is turned into fiber, making it colorfast. Olefin carpet is comparable in price to nylon.

Acrylic - These fibers are blended with other types such as wool because they approximate the look and feel of natural wool but are less expensive. Acrylic fibers are resistant to moisture, mildew, and fading.

Polyester - Polyester fibers are known for their soft, cushiony feel. They have plenty of body, resist wear, and offer strong color retention. But polyester is not as durable as nylon and olefin. If you have animals in your home, go with nylon instead of polyester. Many polyester carpets are made from recycled PET (polyester) from plastic soda bottles and containers. They are cheaper than the other fiber types.

A carpet's pile can be cut, looped, or both cut and looped. Cut-pile carpets have loops trimmed off so that yarn ends poke upward, creating a luxurious look and feel. This type of carpet is very popular.

Loop pile carpet has complete yarn loops that stand upright. Loops tend to wear better than cut-pile carpets because the yarn tips are not exposed. For a smooth surface, often preferred in commercial installations, you can get a low-level loop. For striking patterns or a sculptured look, you can buy a multi-level loop. High-level loops, such as Berbers, create a nubby texture. In fact, most loop piles are now called Berbers.

Most residential carpet is installed over a separate cushion that makes the carpet softer and more resilient underfoot, reduces noise, provides a little thermal insulation, and prolongs carpet life. The cushion may be made from any of several materials, including various types of natural and synthetic fibers and urethane. A carpet cushion that is too thick over-stresses the carpet backing and is too soft underfoot.

When purchasing carpet, be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications regarding cushion density and thickness. Don't make a mistake here. If the cushion is incorrect for the carpet you have selected, the carpet's lifespan and performance can be greatly compromised. This is especially true of Berber.