Soft Surface Flooring FAQs: Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Carpet

If you’re ready to cozy up your home with new carpet but aren’t sure where to start — don’t worry, we’ve got you. We’ve compiled answers to the most common soft surface flooring FAQs. From decoding fiber types to finding the best carpet for pets and kids, here’s your crash course in all things carpet.

What are the main types of carpet?

Carpet styles come in a few basic categories. Each has its own texture and vibe — from velvety soft to durable and practical.

• Cut pile: you can see the end of each yarn
• Frieze: a twisted pile with extra curly texture
• Loop pile: you see the top of the loops of yarn
• Berber: another term often used for loop pile
• Cut and loop: you see a combo of looped yarns and cut yarns

What does carpet pile mean?

A carpet’s pile refers to how the fibers are cut and arranged. Low pile = more durable and easier to clean. High pile = plush and cozy — think bedroom bliss.

What's the difference between nylon, polyester, triexta, and wood carpet fibers?

Here’s the scoop on the most common carpet fibers:

• Nylon: The classic workhorse — strong, resilient, and great at withstanding heavy foot traffic. Perfect if you want durability and don’t mind additional cleaning.
• Polyester (PET): Known for softness and rich color, it’s a budget-friendly beauty. Some carpets are made from recycled bottles, so they’re eco-friendly too!
• Triexta: The superhero of softness, durability, plus built-in stain protection. Triexta carpet can handle pets, spills, and stampeding toddlers — no problem.
• Wool: Natural, luxurious, and timeless — but needs a bit more TLC than other fibers.

How do you choose the right carpet for your home?

Think about how you live. If you’ve got pets or kids, look for easy-to-clean fibers with built-in stain and odor resistance. If you’re designing a serene retreat, go for a thicker, softer pile in neutral tones. And always, always take home a sample before you commit. Lighting changes everything!

What carpet colors are trending right now?

Neutrals are still the MVPs in warm taupes, soft beiges, and creamy off-whites, but bolder tones are sneaking in. Think rich navys, smoky grays, and even earthy greens. Textured patterns are also trending, perfect for hiding footprints as well as adding style.
 

Is carpet a good option for high-traffic areas?

Absolutely, but choose wisely. Durable, low-pile options stand up beautifully in hallways, stairways, and living rooms, and triexta or nylon are best for wear. Plus, premium triexta carpet has permanent built-in stain protection — no topical treatments required.

How long should carpet last?

With proper care, quality carpet can last 10 to 15 years or even longer! Vacuum regularly — whether it looks dirty or not — address spills quickly, and schedule professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months to extend the life of your carpet.

Which carpet is best for pets or kids that have accidents?

You need something that laughs in the face of muddy paws and juice spills. Some premium polyester and triexta carpet products are specially designed for real-life messes. Bonus: look for triexta carpet with built-in stain resistance that never washes off.

If you have pets, be sure to look for carpet with All Pet® Stain Protection & Warranty, which covers all pets and all accidents all the time.
 

Is carpet good for kids?

Definitely! Carpet softens falls, muffles noise, and makes playtime comfy. Choose a soft, durable option that’s easy to clean and includes lifetime stain resistance for parental peace of mind.

Which carpet is easiest to clean?

Triexta carpet is the main star when it comes to cleaning soft surface floors. Options with built-in stain resistance ensure spills don’t soak in, so cleanup is a breeze.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re comparing nylon vs. polyester carpet or swooning over triexta softness, Mohawk has a durable, stain-resistant style for every home. Explore SmartStrand® triexta and EverStrand® or PETPremier® polyester, then find a retailer near you to get started on your home’s transformation.