Carpeting is one of the most popular home flooring options. While many people are familiar with this plush material, they are often surprised to learn about its rich history. Carpets have been in use for thousands of years, though the designs, materials, and cleaning methods have changed dramatically. Here’s what you need to know about this floor covering.

Carpeting Fun Facts

1. It Has a Long Lifespan

Many homeowners replace their carpeting every 10 years, but the material can last much longer. The oldest known carpet is the Pazyryk carpet, which is over 2,000 years old. It was discovered in Siberia and is believed to be of either Persian or Armenian origin.

Today’s floor coverings also last for many years. They are typically made from plastic materials like nylon and polyester and backed with latex or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can take hundreds, if not thousands of years to break down in a landfill.

2. The First Carpeting Wasn’t Fabric

While rugs have been around for thousands of years, full-room carpeting didn’t appear until the Middle Ages. Rather than installing permanent fiber surfaces, people lined their stone and dirt floors with a combination of clay and rushes or cuttings from a variety of flowering plants. They would use this temporary carpeting until it became too dirty for their liking, at which time they’d call a flooring service to lay down a new layer. This eventually led to woven rush rugs that were more comfortable to walk on and easier to remove.

3. Modern Carpets Can Lower Bills & Combat Allergens

Many people believe that when carpeting traps allergens, it makes their home dirty. However, these fibers catch all types of airborne allergens and hold them until you vacuum the room, keeping them out of the air. At the same time, carpeting acts as an insulating layer throughout the house. Since the surface traps heat, it keeps rooms warmer and reduces HVAC system use during the colder months.

When you install new carpeting in your home, you are continuing the material’s rich history. Parker Floor Covering in Hamilton, OH, carries a wide range of stylish options for every décor and budget. Visit the carpet store to browse their selection or call (513) 863-6767 to learn more about their installation services. Visit the team online for more information on their full range of products.