Review Types of Carpet Fibers for the Perfect Selection

Reviewing the available types of carpet fibers for your carpet installation will pay big benefits in your satisfaction with your new carpet install.  Choosing the correct type of carpet for your environment is important to enjoy all of the advantages that specific types of carpet fibers have to offer.   Before you invest in your new carpet installation, let’s review the different types of carpet fibers and the characteristics of each.  

Different Types of Carpet Fibers:

Nylon

Nylon is used as a very versatile type of carpet fiber, giving high performance in all categories including texture retention, soil and stain resistance and a wide array of options for colors and styles.  Nylon is used in both cut pile and loop pile styles, and is the most widely used type of carpet fibers.  

Polyester (PET)

Polyester is a soft type of carpet fiber, but is typically not quite as strong and durable as nylon.  Polyester carpet fiber is naturally resistant to stains and to fading, but should not be used in high traffic areas.    

Polypropylene (Olefin)

Polypropylene is also known as Olefin, and is a type of carpet fiber that is solution dyed.  When a carpet is solution dyed it means that the color is permanently manufactured into the carpet fibers.  Solution dyed carpet such as Olefin gives excellent resistance to fading, even when exposed to direct sunlight.  This is an excellent type of carpet fiber to be used next to large sliding glass windows emitting intense sunlight into the room and onto your carpeting.

Olefin carpet is also water resistant, as polypropylene repels the water, making it one of the most ideal type of carpet fibers for kids and pets.  Waterproof carpet keeps the spill on top of the carpet, giving you time to tend to the spill without soaking into your carpet and pad.  

Polypropylene is not quite as durable as other fibers such as nylon, and is typically used in more loop pile textures that require less resiliency.  

PTT (Triexta Polyester)

Polyester became popular in the 1990’s as low-cost production of polyester carpeting was first introduced.  Polyester is also known as PTT, or Triexta, and performs well in stain resistance although this type of carpet fiber will attract soil and dirt that can make it difficult to remove.  

When you need assistance determining the best types of carpet fibers for your next carpet project, call on the experts at Great Western Flooring.   We provide professional flooring and carpet installations to residential and commercial customers in the Chicagoland area.  

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 types of carpet fibers 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.