Best Carpet for Canadian Winters

However, it is possible to buy eye-catching carpet for your home decor that will survive a countless number of Canadian winters. The trick is to have a basic understanding of the types of fibers that are used to make up today's most popular carpeting. Instead of basing your decision on appearance alone, you can zero in on carpets that are specifically designed to withstand moisture, mildew, stains and more. Look below to learn more about the types of fibers that you should look for when shopping for carpeting for your home.

Carpeting that's used in commercial settings needs to be much stronger and more durable than carpeting that's used in homes. The most common type of fiber that you'll find in commercial carpets is olefin, which is otherwise known as polypropylene. Just because it's most commonly used in commercial settings doesn't mean that it shouldn't be used in homes. There are actually many stylish types of carpet that are made out of olefin fibers. Olefin is so resistant to moisture, stains and mildew that many varieties can be used indoors and outdoors. It's very affordable, and its colors stay true for the long haul.

More than 90 percent of all carpeting that's used in homes is made out of nylon fibers. There's no question that synthetic fibers are better able to withstand harsh winter conditions than natural fibers, and nylon is the most popular option of them all. In addition to resisting mildew, moisture, stains and soil, nylon works well in high-traffic areas. If you'd really like to ward off wintertime woes, stick with spun nylon carpeting. It is especially strong and especially durable.

Some people will tell you that polyester carpeting works well in areas that have harsh, wet, snowy winters, but that simply isn't true. While polyester carpets look great, they aren't strong at all. They resist stains with ease, but they aren't ideal for areas of the home that get decent amounts of foot traffic. Furthermore, polyester fibers tend to fade over time. Even if you select an especially vibrant color, you can expect it to fade and become less attractive as time goes on. Who wants to buy flooring that starts to look shabby within a few short years?

Another type of fiber that stands up well to mildew, stains, moisture and dirt is acrylic. As a result, people who live in parts of Canada that get especially harsh winter weather often end up buying it. There's one very big drawback to acrylic carpeting, though: It doesn't hold up well in high-traffic areas. It looks great and resists many of the pitfalls of winter, but it shouldn't be used in hallways, entryways and other areas that get a lot of traffic. Therefore, it's really not an ideal option for situations in which you're trying to ward off the effects of ice, snow, salt and other wintertime problems.

As long as you stick with carpet that has synthetic fibers, you should be okay. Canadian winters can be quite punishing, and that fact is just as true inside the house as outside it. As gorgeous as natural fibers like wool may be, they are known for their ability to retain moisture, which can be quite problematic when snow, ice and rain are occurring on a regular basis. Beware of blended fibers too because they tend to wear unevenly. For best results, stick with olefin or nylon carpeting in your home. You'll find that such varieties are better able to withstand harsh Canadian winters, and you'll get more value for your money.