Wool is great, but if you're worried about staining, synthetic materials might be a smarter move. This garveehome rug falls under the category you’re looking for. It's machine washable, which makes cleaning up spills or messes super easy (huge plus when you have little ones or pets). Plus, the non-slip design and low pile make it safe for high-traffic areas, and it still adds a lot of style with its vintage distressed pattern. It’s a more budget-friendly alternative to some of the pricier options out there and I think it could complement your space really well. More on reddit.com

I’m a manufacturer rep. There’s a lot of truth to nothing really being free. Installers don’t work for free and Home Depot isn’t paying for the for labor; you are. In fact HD is likely still making money on the labor. Anecdotal, but I always hear about these jobs getting nickel and dimed all the time. Also, the labor is just the subcontractor willing to take the lowest price for the high volume. Regarding carpet: Nylon fiber is the most durable and should be used in high traffic areas. Polyester (any polyester) is not as durable, but is lower cost and great for anywhere else The key to keeping stains out of carpet (besides prompt attention) is preventing it from getting to the cushion. If a spill/stain gets into the cushion, you’ll likely see it return until it gets replaced. At minimum, get a spill barrier cushion; a spill barrier backing is even better. Don’t skimp on the cushion. Memory foam is awesome underfoot. If you vacuum regularly, carpet has been proven to improve indoor air quality. It acts as a filter trapping dust and particulates that are otherwise kept airborne by the HVAC. But you have to vacuum to remove what the carpet catches. (Side note - use cheap air filters and replace them every month. Every tech I’ve talked to says I t’s better for the HVAC system and my wife who also suffers from asthma and allergies says it makes a difference for her. Also look into getting your ducts cleaned) Vacuuming regularly also maintains the life of the carpet by removing dirt and soil that would otherwise abrade the fibers causing them to look worn prematurely. Higher oz weight doesn’t always equal better performance. Higher yarn twist and density will. Hard surface floors: They are easier when it comes to spills, but you still need to maintain them properly. Use a pH neutral cleaner and sweep regularly. Hard surface floors will also make you room(s) louder, so be sure to invest in rugs and extra textiles like help improve sound absorption. They’re also louder in any spaces below the room with hard surface. They’re not indestructible. You will get scuffs and scratches. Depending on the floor covering you could also get chips or cracks. Use proper protectors on your furniture It’s common in the industry to price carpet by the yd² and hard surface by the ft². While evaluating your choices, I’d compare prices using the same UOM. It’s late. That’s all I can think of for now. More on reddit.com

Solution dyed nylon. Check into Dixie home brand. Much more affordable than Mohawk or Shaw and great quality. More on reddit.com

I have the Big Green Machine to handle my ~3,800 sq ft of vintage 1980s carpets, and not only is it easy to use, but it does a great job! I highly recommend the consumer "Professional" model instead of the commercial one. The consumer one has a better warranty and comes with accessories. The dealer where I bought it was pretty blunt that the only real "advantages" of the commercial model were the removable power cable and the fact that the (shorter length) warranty would cover if a non-owner used it. More on reddit.com