Dogs, Cats, Kids & Heavy Traffic – HELP! What Kind of Carpet is the Best?

If you have a family that includes multiple four-legged and two-legged beings traveling through your home like its an indoor race track, you need a carpet that’s not only easy to clean but can withstand heavy – really heavy – usage. But what kind of carpet can take that kind of punishment and still be attractive after six months? The choices you have when buying carpet can be overwhelming, but if you’re looking for carpet that has the staying power you need for an active family, there are two things you need to take into consideration – fiber content and pile.

In terms of fiber content, for sheer strength and sturdiness, go with Nylon. Yes, it’s the most common carpet material, and that’s because it’s also got the strongest fiber, which is great for traffic areas that take a pounding. Another great feature of nylon is that it’s non-allergenic, soil, and mildew resistant, so if any member of your family is sensitive to substances like this, it’s a no-brainer. In terms of what kind of pile to look for – plush or shag may be beautiful, but your family will destroy it in weeks. What you want is a pile called “Frieze.” Frieze pile is a short, durable, twisted fiber that curls in different directions, so it doesn’t show footprints or other marks. Aside from all of these advantages, Nylon Frieze carpeting is also one of the easiest to clean carpets on the market.