When selecting carpet, you probably already know how many options there are to choose from. However, they all boil down to two basic styles: Cut pile and loop pile.
Loop pile consists of continuous loops that go through the backing, with no loose ends sticking up on either side. Cut pile, on the other hand, has been cut so that all the ends stick up through the backing, towards your ceiling.
The only natural fiber available in carpet is wool, and most people would prefer it over other materials. Unfortunately, wool is so expensive, that it simply is not a common fiber in most locations. While it has many advantages, its disadvantages can also spell disaster. If you do not have the time to properly maintain wool carpet, it can wear out, mildew shrink and need replacing, all very quickly.
Polypropylene, also known is olefin, is a more popular choice. Its resistance to moisture makes it popular, especially since it can be used in damper areas such as the basement. You can even place olefin in some outdoor locations with little worry about its lifespan. It is naturally resistant to stains, which makes it easy to clean, even though it’s one of the cheapest materials in carpeting.