<h3>What to Know Before Buying Carpet</h3>

Continued from "What to Know Before Buying Carpet" on marthastewart.com

A carpet's appearance, texture, and longevity also are determined by its fibers. The pile can be natural, synthetic, or a blend of several fibers.

Wool is strong, static-resistant, and pleasing to the touch.

What to know: It is the fiber that most synthetic fibers are meant to imitate, and it is more costly than those materials. Wool is resilient and also naturally stain-resistant and flame-retardant. Note that a wool carpet will shed a bit initially.

Silk carpet is largely produced in India, China, and Turkey.

What to know: Carpets made from silk are soft and luxurious. Silk dyes better and is more durable than any other fiber. Because of silk's high cost, the fiber is often blended with wool.

Cotton carpeting was popular in the United States before World War II. Today, it's made almost exclusively in Belgium.

What to know: Cotton carpet, like cotton clothing, wears well and has a natural feel. A magnet for dust and dirt, it should not be used in high-traffic areas.

Linen yarn is made from flax. Most linen carpeting is produced in France and Belgium (the latter is generally considered the better quality).

What to know: Linen carpet is lustrous and can help absorb humidity. However, it can be quite costly, and with age, linen carpet will reveal traffic patterns.

Sisal comes from the agave plant; the highest-quality fibers are from East Africa.

What to know: Sisal is strong (second only to wool). It is one of the more pricey plant fibers. Sisal is particularly prone to fading in direct sunlight and can be stained even by water.

Jute flooring is made from the jute plant, which also is used to make burlap and twine.

What to know: Jute is softer than sisal but also less durable. Like sisal, it can be damaged easily by sunlight and liquids.

Coir is the fiber taken from the hairy husk of coconuts.

What to know: Coir is durable, wiry, and mildew-resistant. In other words, coir makes the perfect doormat.

Sea grass carpet is made from a variety of reedy plants and has a greenish tint.

What to know: Although durable, sea grass carpets are not very absorbent; they should not be used in moist or humid rooms. Sea grass costs less than sisal and jute.

Paper carpet is made from paper cords coated in a protective wax.

What to know: Paper carpet is, in fact, quite strong. It is more water-resistant than carpets made from other plant fibers, but liquid spills should still be blotted immediately.

Polyester has a wool-like appearance and is often used for cut-pile carpets. It dyes well, so it's available in a range of vibrant colors.

What to know: Polyester carpet is soft, stain-resistant, and affordable. It's not as resilient as other carpet fibers, and may mat down in a short period.

Olefin is a glossy synthetic fiber usually sold in muted colors.

What to know:Olefin is one of the less expensive synthetics. Water-and stain-resistant, it's often used outdoors. However, the fiber crushes easily.

Nylon is the most popular carpet fiber in the United States.

What to know: Nylon is durable, resilient, and stain-resistant. It is one of the more expensive synthetic fibers. The fiber comes in many hues; look for solution-dyed nylon, which is colorfast

From Martha Stewart Living, September 2005