Comparing Carpet Fiber Types and Characteristics

Carpets are made out of basically four different carpet fiber types, although some carpets are made with blends.  Each fiber has characteristics and qualities unique to that fiber type, and you should choose the right carpet fiber type for your purpose.  It is important to consider the environment in which you install your carpet, the foot traffic it will receive, the conditions it will be exposed to, and how long you want it to last.  

The four basic carpet fiber types are: Nylon, Polyester, PTT and Polypropylene.  Let’s take a look at the characteristics of each of those and compare their qualities.  

Nylon Carpet Fiber Types

Nylon is known as the most versatile of all carpet fiber types, with excellent performance in all categories of stain and soil resistance, texture retention, and options for style and colors.  Nylon is the most widely used carpet fiber, and is used in both loop and cut pile styles.

Nylon has great flexibility with color, and many nylon yarns are very soft.  Nylon carpet can be stain and soil resistant, and nylon carpet from Shaw is treated with stain resistant carpet treatment for added protection.  

Polyester (PET) Carpet Fiber Types

Carpet made of polyester fibers are exceptionally soft, and naturally stain and fade resistance, although polyester is not as strong as nylon.  Therefore, carpet made from polyester carpet fibers will not be quite as durable as nylon carpet fiber types.   This is why polyester carpet is desirable in low to medium traffic areas.  

Shaw makes polyester fiber carpet that will deliver high performance, with several styles to choose from.  

Polypropylene Carpet Fiber Types (Olefin)

Polypropylene, also known as Olefin, is a carpet fiber type that is solution dyed.  This means that the color is literally built into the fiber when manufactured, making the color permanent that cannot be removed.  Solution dyed polypropylene carpet fiber provides great resistance to fading, even when exposed to direct sunlight and harsh elements.

Polypropylene is also very water resistant, as it will not absorb water, making it one of the most ideal carpet fiber types for water proof carpeting.  Olefin is not quite as strong and durable as other fibers and is used in more loop pile textures which require less resiliency.  

PTT (Triexta Polyester) Carpet Fiber Types

Polyester fiber, also known as PTT or Triexta, first became popular in the 1990’s when low-cost production became possible.  Shaw introduced the first PTT carpet fiber types for residential use in 2001, featuring excellent stain resistance and resiliency.  PTT is adequate for stain resistance, although can attract dirt and soil which can lead to premature wearing in high traffic areas.  

For more information on all available carpet fiber types contact Great Western Flooring, your flooring and carpet expert.

Great Western Flooring is a professional flooring and carpet installation company, serving the Chicagoland area for over 35 years.   We have experience in determining the best carpet fiber types for your specific application.  Stop by one of conveniently located design centers in Naperville, Oswego or St. Charles.  Call today to schedule a design consultation, and to speak with one of our flooring design experts.