While you don't need to be an expert to shop for
carpet, there are some terms and constructions you should know about. They affect performance, but also style and texture. Even before you walk into a carpet store in Decatur, GA, the first thing is to set your expectations and determine your goals and basic needs, such as family size, pets, or extra durability and stain resistance requirements.
This is the yarn, the very thing that makes up the carpet, and it's the biggest determiner of function in any carpet installation. Although there are blends and acrylics, five stand out as the most commonly used. Wool is natural, soft, white, and somewhat pricey. Don't worry about the color because this has oils with tiny scales that repel dirt.
The other four are synthetic, human-made, and include nylon, known for ultra strength, resilience, and stain resistance. Polyester is a little less resilient but non-absorbent, with superior inherent resistance to stains. The next one is olefin is budget-friendly, also stain-resistant, and most often associated with the Berber style. Triexta is relatively new but already has earned a reputation for superior strength and permanent stain resistance built into the fiber. By the way, both natural and synthetic fibers are just as good; the choice comes down to your personal preference. There is plush, with tightly packed yarns and a smooth, soft surface that fits well into formal atmospheres and textured with a soft, multi-colored, and casual look.