Different Types of Carpet Fibres

Nylon is durable and static-free, maintaining its fibre height and resisting soiling or staining. With stain protection treatment it can handle stains just as well. Thanks to its flexibility it’s used in various styles and carpet constructions. Its durability makes it a go-to choice for areas with lots of foot traffic.

• It’s incredibly strong and boasts superior resistance to abrasion, crushing and wear. Plus it can fend off insects, mould, mildew, rot and many chemicals.
• Maintenance is a breeze and it’s also easy to dye and maintain its colour well.
• Very durable.
• Offers a wide range of styling options.

Nylon carpeting has gone through a few generational changes, with each one offering more enhancements than the last. It’s a solid option if you want a similar appearance to wool but with much better durability and stain resistance.

Polyester is all about luxury with its soft feel and an eye-catching array of vivid colors and dynamic styles. It’s especially common in ultra-soft carpet ranges, making it perfect for spots with less footfall like bedrooms, offices or lounges.

What’s great about many polyester carpets, particularly those labelled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is that they’re partly made from recycled materials like plastic water bottles. This not only gives them an eco-friendly edge but also enhances their durability. Polyester naturally wards off stains and is a breeze to recycle.

However polyester isn’t as resilient under pressure as other fibres like wool or nylon tending to wear out and lose its texture more quickly in busier areas. While it’s cheaper upfront you might find yourself replacing it more often than other types.

But it tops nylon in stain resistance and matches its ability to resist mould and mildew. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a solid choice for those with allergies.
PTT (Polytrimethylene Terephthalate) is a type of polyester that outperforms PET in resilience. You might know it as Mohawk’s Smartstrand or Shaw’s Corterra.

This fibre stands out for its excellent resilience and superior inherent stain resistance, though it can attract both dry and oily substances. It’s also pretty soft to the touch.

Polypropylene, also known as Olefin has its benefits with solid stain and moisture resistance but when it comes to durability it doesn’t quite match up to nylon or polyester.

It’s not very resilient, which means it can crush and lose its texture more easily than other fibres. It’s most effective in loop pile constructions or in high dense cut piles where crushing isn’t as much of an issue. It’s also oleophilic, which means it has an affinity for oils.

Here’s why polypropylene is interesting:

• It must be solution-dyed. This process embeds the dye directly into the fibre during manufacturing, locking the colour in so it won’t fade—even under harsh conditions like intense sunlight or exposure to chemicals.
• Its resistance to water absorption means it’s a champion against mildew, making it a smart pick for damp places like basements or for outdoor areas.
• It’s also very easy to clean and allows for vibrant colours and designs in carpets and rugs.