There are many different types of carpet fibers available. However, when it comes to purchasing new wall to wall carpeting, most homeowners stick with one of three choices. These three carpet fibers are olefin, polyester and nylon. If you’re in the market for new carpeting and aren’t sure where to begin, this article will help you get a better understanding of those three fibers by offering a carpet fibers comparison and help you make a decision on which type is best for your home.
Olefin, also known as Polypropylene, is one of the most inexpensive carpet fibers available. Not known for softness, this carpet fiber is better suited for looped carpet styles. Despite the looped style, the fiber does not hold up to heavy foot traffic as well as others and should be avoided in hallways and on stairways. Carpets with Olefin fiber are most commonly found in converted garages, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and home offices. Olefin carpets are better suited to handle moisture than the other fibers and resist staining.
Polyester fiber is moderately priced. Some styles are more expensive than others, depending on what you are interested in. Polyester carpets are known for being soft to the touch, as well as fade and stain resistant. Some fibers are difficult to stain and have lifetime stain resistance warranties. In the past, polyester was known for not being a long wearing carpet fiber and was typically used only in formal living rooms and bedrooms. Today, however, there are many different types of polyester fibers and some are comparable to nylon in terms of wear. Specifically those that are the more eco-friendly fibers like PET the recycled pop bottle carpet, and PTT which is the carpet that is partly made from corn. The PTT polyester is an all around good value as it has superior stain resistance and is a great choice for families with young kids and pets.
Nylon fiber can be moderately priced, but tends to lean towards the expensive side compared to the other two options. Nylon fibers aren’t known for softness but are known for holding up in high-traffic situations, like family rooms, hallways and stairways. Just as polyester is switching to become more wear resistant, some nylon fiber types are becoming softer and more stain resistant. These fibers are Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6. These types of fibers are more commonly found in the higher priced and well-known brands, but are well worth the price in terms of lasting value. Another nylon fiber that both boasts long wearing as well as superior stain resistance is solution dyed nylon. This type of nylon is only found in a hand full of brands and will be on the higher-end price wise.
Now that you know what the three basic carpet fibers are, as well as, the strengths of each you have a better idea of what to look for in a carpet. There are other carpet fibers available, but these three are better suited for most home owners. Specifically, because they provide long-term value and are budget friendly. Use this article as a starting point for carpet fibers comparison and you’ll be sure to find a carpet that can stand up to what your family can dish out!
