Carpets come in all colors, shades and densities, from commercial type looped carpeting to more plush and luxurious cut pile. Carpet is softer than vinyl, wood, terrazzo or other hard floor finishes. This can be beneficial in areas with a lot of foot traffic, or where people have to stand for long periods of time. Hence, the popularity of carpet in airports, hospitals, schools and colleges. Carpet creates a feeling of warmth that is not provided by concrete-type hard floors.
Carpet can hold down sound levels in hallways, airport terminals, cafeterias and classrooms.
Safety and ergonomics. Since carpeting presents a layered cushion between the sole of the shoe and the sub-floor, it can minimize slips and falls often caused by hard floors, especially when floors are wet. Carpet also can act as a shock absorber, taking some of the stress and impact out of standing and walking. During the past 10 years, there have been many improvements in the manufacturing of carpet. One off-shoot of the explosion of synthetic fibers in carpet has been greater durability.