When determining the quality and durability of carpet, start by finding out its pile height and face weight.
Pile height is the height of the carpet fibers, excluding the backing. Carpet will typically be classified as low pile carpet, medium pile carpet or high pile carpet.

Low pile carpet has short fibers that look and feel flat and dense. This type of carpet is easy to clean and durable; it doesn’t catch much dirt or debris, and it can stand up to a lot of foot traffic without losing its initial appearance. Low pile carpet is the best carpet for high traffic areas and rooms where dirt, pet hair or other messes are a concern.

Medium pile carpet offers a balance of ease and comfort. With fibers taller than those of low pile carpet, medium pile carpet is softer to the touch but still manages to hold up to moderate foot traffic and dirt, making it a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms where you may want more comfort underfoot. Although more prone to catching pet hair and debris, this type of carpet can still be easily cleaned with a vacuum with a brush roller. 

High pile carpet has long fibers that create a plush and fluffy look and feel. High pile carpets add extra cushion underfoot but also more readily collect dust and debris, making it require more frequent maintenance. Additionally, high pile carpets are more prone to being crushed and holding impressions from furniture and foot traffic. This pile height is a good choice for areas where you want to add a touch of warmth and luxury or where you want to dampen noise.  

Face weight is a measure of how much yarn makes up the carpet pile. A higher face weight means more yarn and thus a denser, longer-lasting carpet. Face weight also tends to correlate with price, so carpet with a high face weight is usually more expensive than carpet with a low face weight. You can think of carpet face weight in the same terms as thread count for bedding—the higher, the better.

Most carpet fibers are made of synthetic materials or blends of synthetic and natural materials, since synthetic materials are designed to resist stains, static electricity, fading and moisture. Of course, each type of carpet fiber has various pros and cons, even among synthetic options. There are five primary types of carpet fibers: 

Nylon is the most popular carpet fiber, thanks to its strength and durability. It resists fading, mildew, staining and crushing.  

Triexta has a similar appearance to nylon fibers but is significantly softer. It is naturally hydrophobic, so it repels stains and moisture damage well.

Polyester fibers, like triexta fibers, are hydrophobic and resist stains. Polyester also offers vibrant color options. However, polyester fibers can fade in the sun and are generally known to be less durable than nylon fibers. 

Wool, a traditional and natural fiber, has a soft and luxurious feel. Wool is a strong material that can hold up to heavy foot-traffic and compaction from furniture, but it needs to be cleaned and maintained properly. Many stains as well as the chemicals in stain removers can damage wool carpet. 

Olefin is another durable and colorfast fiber option that is suitable for high traffic areas. Olefin carpet tends to be less expensive than the previous four fibers. 

Tip: Nylon carpet tends to be the most popular for homes with pets thanks to its durability, stain resistance and affordability.

Carpet and rug cleaning is a good way to increase the lifespan and maintain a healthy indoor environment. Their fibers hold termites and other allergens. Regular vacuuming can take care of loose dirt, pet hair, and other debris, but deep cleaning is essential to prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria, and mold.