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Carpet Fibers

 

Everything you need to know about Carpet Fibers.

 

Selecting the right Carpet Fiber is one of the most important aspects in selecting the right carpet for your home, office or rental property. 

NYLON

Nylon is the best wearing fiber available today. You may choose another fiber for various reasons, but nylon is well known for being the best choice if you want your carpet to last a long time. Nylon is a synthetic fiber and outperforms all other synthetic fibers. It wears well, resists abrasion and is easy to clean when anti-stain treatments are applied or designed into the fiber (Scotchgard®, Stainmaster®, Teflon®, etc.). Nylon comes in hundreds of beautiful styles and colors. Nylon is the longest-wearing, most resilient and durable fiber.

  • Exceptionally strong

  • Abrasion resistant

  • Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals

  • Can be pre-colored or dyed in wide range of colors

  • Low in moisture absorbency

 

"Soft" Nylon fibers

Some people love the look and soft feel of wool carpets but can't afford to buy it. Now consumers have a less expensive option with a new type of "softer" nylon carpet. Sold under the registered names of Tactesse®, Lisse'®, Anso Caress® and others, this nylon carpet fiber may be exactly what you are looking for. While less expensive than wool, the prices for this softer nylon carpet will be higher than most standard nylon carpets. And there are some drawbacks to buying this new "softer" nylon carpet. 

Ask to see these softer nylon carpet styles at your carpet dealer, but more importantly, be sure you know if this style of carpet will meet your needs and lifestyle. These softer nylons are not meant for every residential situation. 

 

OLEFIN (Polypropylene)

Olefin is a strong good-looking synthetic fiber that is inexpensive to manufacture. Some carpets that are made of olefin are Berbers or commercial carpets with small loops. Olefin wears well and has good stain resistance when anti-stain treatment is applied. Olefin has good anti-static properties. However, Olefin is hard to clean and tends to attract dirt like a magnet. It has poor resiliency and tends to look dingy when soiled. It is also called polypropylene or polyolefin. Outdoor grass styles are made from Olefin. 

Olefin is not the best selection for rental units in most cases, however some have had great success using a commercial level loop Olefin carpet in apartments. Glued directly to the floor it will last significantly longer than if used with a pad placed under it. Wheelchairs roll easily over glued down commercial level loop Olefin carpets and are a good choice for handicapped units, schools, businesses, institutions and retirement home applications.

  • Abrasion resistant

  • Colorfast

  • Quick drying

  • Low static

  • Resistant to mildew, rot and weather

  • Strong

  • Sunlight resistant

  • Lightweight 

 

POLYESTER (also called P.E.T.) 

(May be manufactured from recycled soda pop containers)

Don't be fooled by the softness of this fiber. This is a very soft synthetic fiber that holds its color well; however it is difficult to keep clean and has very poor resiliency. Traffic areas will usually mat down quickly and soon afterwards may never return to its original appearance. When new, polyester looks great and feels so soft and wonderful, but it won’t be too long before it doesn’t. 

Sales people often recommend this type of carpet to consumers without sufficient fiber knowledge or experience. Because polyester is so inexpensive to manufacture and   higher profits using this fiber, carpet manufacturers continually try to enhance carpets made with polyester hoping that they can create a carpet that wears well. So far they have had limited success. 

Because prices are lower for polyester carpets you may be tempted to buy a carpet made from polyester, just be sure that your expectations are not very high. Generally, I do not recommend buying carpets made from polyester fibers to those who need a carpet that wears well and resists matting and crushing.

  • Strong

  • Resists stretching and shrinking

  • Quick drying

  • Mildew resistant

  • Abrasion resistant

  • Cleans easily

 

Smartstrand by Mohawk

DuPont™ Sorona® Polymer (PTT)

Another relatively new fiber on the market is called Sorona®, or Smartstrand®, and is a polymer made from corn. (Actually it was invented back in the 1940's) Invented by Dupont™, they claim this new fiber has great anti-stain properties and is very durable.

Should you buy carpet made with this new fiber? If you want a carpet that resists stains better than any other carpet on the market today, the perhaps you might want to consider buying this product. If you want your carpet to last as long as possible and still resists stains and cleans easily then I suggest you buy a carpet made from Nylon.

There is more you need to learn about carpet fibers before a wise choice for you can be determined. Your choice must be made based on your needs, goals, expectations and your lifestyle. If you have kids or pets that needs to be considered too. If you choose a carpet that cannot handle the amount of foot traffic you have, the carpet will wear out much sooner than you might expect. 

Where to Buy Carpet?


Alan's PreferredCarpet Dealer Directory

It's hard to find an honest and reputable carpet dealer! That's why I have created a special list of hand-picked carpet retailers who I believe are reputable, locally owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. Don't take chances...  See who I recommend near you!

 


 

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