Carpet is one of the cheapest flooring options available, but picking the right carpet can be challenging. Keeping carpet to a minimum is best for maintenance and health reasons. If you do choose to use carpet at all choose durable, high quality carpets that are naturally resistant to wear and stains. The first thing you should do is check the weave count in the carpet. The weave count is typically found on the tag behind the carpet. The higher the weave count the softer, smoother, more crush resistant and durable the carpet will be. To test the carpet durability, perform the crush test. The crush test is when you spread the fingers on your hand and press them into the carpet and running them through the pile. Then remove your fingers from the carpet and rub your hands back and forth over the spot where your handprint was. The easier and quicker the carpet returns to normal the better the weave count is and the more durable the carpet will be. The more durable the carpet the longer it will last and the better it will be in high traffic areas. Another durability test you can do is to bend the carpet. The more backing material from underneath you can see the less durable the carpet will be. The most durable and wear resistant carpet types you can have are berber or sisal. Berber or sisal is also the best choice for high traffic areas. If you want a softer, smoother carpet you will want to go with a velvet or plush. Another good choice in a green home is a carpet made from natural fibers or recycled material.