When choosing a new carpet, nylon and polyester are two of the most popular materials.
This article will help you decide which is better for your home – nylon or polyester carpet.
I’ll break down the pros and cons of each material by durability, stain resistance, and cost.
The information provided should be able to help you make a more informed decision when you go carpet shopping.
We will go into detail about each material down below.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon carpet is a synthetic fiber made from polyamide. It is a type of carpet fiber that is durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean.
Nylon carpets are available in a variety of colors and styles.
They are often used in high-traffic areas, such as schools and hospitals, because they are durable and easy to clean.
Nylon carpets are also less expensive than other types of carpets, such as wool and silk.
It Is Good for:
1. Resistant to Stain and Spill
Nylon carpets are known for their water-absorbency – they can absorb up to 8% of their own weight.
However, you need to make sure you get a stain treatment to protect the carpet from deep spills and stains.
The most stain-resistant Nylon, “Solution-Dyed Nylon”, locks the color in as it’s produced and doesn’t let spills attach to its fibers. This prevents stains from forming.
Furthermore, its continuous fibers minimize shedding and pilling.
2. Elasticity and Strength
Nylon carpet is a great choice for areas with high foot traffic because of its elasticity, strength and durability.
It can be bent, crushed and stretched without losing its shape or quality.
3. Easy to Clean
You can steam clean your Nylon carpet every 12 to 18 months to keep it in great condition.
Steaming produces heat that sets the carpet well, retaining its crimp, dye, and twist.
4. Resistant to Environmental Damage
Nylon fibers are not a food source for mildew and will not help it grow.
However, it is important to keep them clean to prevent mildew growth.
There are special dyes that can be used to protect nylon carpets from sun damage.
What You Should Avoid:
Nylon carpets are often seen as a good option because they are affordable and durable.
However, there are several disadvantages to choosing this type of carpet.
1. Acid Dyed
Nylon is problematic because it is acid dyed rather than solution-dyed.
This can lead to issues with fading, bleaching, and reactions with urine after a very long time use.
2. Soft, But Not the Softest
Nylon is a popular carpeting material because it has a number of benefits over other types.
However, it isn’t the softest fiber out there, so if softness is a top priority for you, there may be better options, like wool, than nylon.
3. Produce Static
Another disadvantage is that nylon carpets can be quite noisy.
They can make a lot of noise when people walk on them, and they can also create a lot of static electricity.
4. Not Able to Be Put Under Direct Sunglight
Nylon carpets can fade quickly in direct sunlight. This can be a problem if your home gets a lot of sunlight.
5. Not Suitable for Wet Area
Nylon fibers can’t regulate indoor air or breathe like wool does. This is why you find Nylon cool to touch in winter weather and hot in summer weather.
If there is humidity, you can find it damp as well.
Polyester Carpet
Polyester carpet is a synthetic carpet fiber made from polyester. It is most often used in commercial and institutional settings, such as offices, hotels, and schools.
Polyester carpet is durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
It is also available in a wide range of colors and styles, making it a versatile option for any space.
It Is Good in:
1. Excellent Color Intensity
Polyester carpets offer superb color intensity. This is thanks to the fade-resistant staple yarn which helps the color stay strong and allows for better flexibility in tones and shades.
If you want to make a statement with your rug or capture the attention of your friends, polyester is the way to go.
Polyester carpet is often chosen for its high luster appearance, which can add color and beauty to any home.
2. Soft and produces Less Static Electricity
Polyester carpets are popular because they feel soft and luxurious underfoot, they don’t generate static electricity, and they last a long time.
3. Stain and Water Resistant
Polyester carpet is a great choice for pet owners and parents because it is resistant to staining and liquids spills.
It dries faster than other materials, making it a good option for areas with high humidity or frequent spills, like the bathroom or kitchen.
What You Should Note:
Polyester carpeting is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is affordable and durable.
However, there are some potential disadvantages to polyester carpeting that should be considered before making a purchase.
1. Not Really Suitable for High Traffic Area
Polyester has many benefits, but it’s not very durable.
It usually lasts between 5 and 15 years in medium-traffic areas, but it won’t last as long in high-traffic areas.
The life cycle of polyester depends on how much traffic it receives and how well you take care of it.
2. Not Suitable for Kitchen
It has a good stain resistance but oil-based stains would be difficult to remove and you may need professional assistance in cleaning such stains.
3. Less Bounce Capacity
One of the disadvantages of polyester carpet is that it does not hold up well to heavy traffic.
Polyester fibers can easily become crushed underfoot, and the carpet will quickly show signs of wear and tear.
Under the furniture, polyester can be matted to stay pressed and not bounce back like Nylon does.
4. Not Suitable for Allergen Sufferers
Polyester carpets can also trap dust and allergens, which can be harmful to asthma and allergy sufferers.
Some polyester carpets can also be treated with stain-resistant chemicals, which can also be harmful to people with allergies.
5. Harmful to the Environment
Additionally, polyester carpets are not biodegradable and will not break down in the environment, which means they can be harmful to the environment if they are not properly disposed of.
Difference Between Nylon and Polyester carpets
1. Cost
Polyester carpets are typically the more affordable option at a local carpet store.
Polyesters usually range from $1 to $3 per square foot, unless you prefer a “greener” PET polyester, or polyethylene terephthalate polyester, which will significantly increase the total cost because it comes from recycled materials.
In comparison, nylon is typically double the price, but you might find it a worthwhile investment if you prefer a durable carpet that will last for years.
Overall, nylon is more expensive to produce than polyester. This is due to the fact that nylon is a more luxurious fiber and costs more to make.
However, there are lower-priced nylons and higher-priced polyesters, so the price difference between these two fibers can vary.
2. VOCs
One of the biggest differences between nylon and polyester carpets is the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) they produce.
VOCs are chemicals that vaporize and can cause health problems, so it’s important to choose a carpet that doesn’t produce a lot of them.
Nylon generally produces more VOCs than polyester does.
This is because nylon carpets are made with petroleum-based chemicals, while polyester carpets are made with plant-based chemicals.
Therefore, polyester carpets are often considered to be healthier choices for homes and offices.
3. Carpet Fiber
Nylon and polyester carpets are both made from synthetic fibers, but they are made from different materials.
Nylon is made from polyamide, which is a polymer of diamines and diacids.
Polyester is made from polyethylene terephthalate, which is a polymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
The two fibers are also different in terms of durability.
Nylon is stronger and more resilient than polyester, so it can withstand more wear and tear.
It also has higher abrasion resistance, meaning it is less likely to be stained or worn down over time.
Polyester is less durable than nylon and has lower abrasion resistance.
4. Solution Dyed
Solution dyed carpets are dyed during the manufacturing process as opposed to after the carpet is made.
This results in a more consistent color and eliminates the possibility of dye migration. Solution dyed carpets are available in both nylon and polyester.
Nylon is the more popular option for solution dyed carpets because it is a synthetic fiber that is resistant to staining and fading.
Polyester is less expensive than nylon, but it is not as durable and does not resist staining and fading as well.
5. Durability
When it comes to carpet performance, durability is key. Most homeowners want a carpet that will last.
When you’re looking for a new carpet, you’ll have to look at a number of specifications to determine the carpet’s durability.
But of all the factors to consider, the material is the most important.
So which material is the most durable?
Nylon, by a long shot.
Polyester leaves something to be desired in the durability department – it tends to crush and show wear after a few years in high-traffic areas.
Texture is also an important consideration when it comes to durability.
A plush carpet or deep pile carpet will crush more easily than a low-pile carpet.
So if you’re looking for a long-lasting carpet, go for a low-pile option.
6. Stain Resistance
Polyester is more stain-resistant than nylon. Polyester is hydrophobic, which means that it repels liquids, while nylon is absorbent and soaks in spills.
Carpets made of either fiber are treated to help prevent spills from setting in and staining the fibers.
Nylon carpet that has been treated can be very stain-resistant.
7. Softness
Softness is often the main factor people consider when choosing a carpet.
Thankfully, modern carpets are much softer than older carpets, due to advancements in fiber production.
You can find nylon and polyester carpets in many soft styles, without any noticeable difference between the two fiber types.
8. Cleaning
Each of these materials has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to cleaning.
Nylon carpets are generally considered to be the easier type of carpet to clean.
They are less prone to dirt and dust buildup, and they can be shampooed or steam cleaned relatively easily.
Polyester carpets, on the other hand, are more difficult to clean and often require special detergents and cleaning solutions in order to be properly cleaned.
Overall, nylon carpets are the better option when it comes to ease of cleaning.
Polyester carpets may be more resistant to dirt and dust buildup, but they are more difficult to clean and can be prone to stains.
Nylon or polyester Carpet Which Is the Best?
1. For Stairs
Nylon carpeting is a popular choice for stairs because it is durable and resists fading and staining.
Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from polymers, so it is inherently stain-resistant.
It also typically has a higher pile height than polyester, making it softer and more comfortable to walk on.
Polyester carpets are also a good choice for stairs, as they are relatively durable and easy to clean.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from oil, so it typically does not fade or stain as easily as nylon.
However, polyester carpets usually have a lower pile height than nylon, making them less comfortable to walk on.
2. For Allergies
Nylon carpet is a good choice for people with allergies because it is made from synthetic materials.
However, it does not have as much dust mite protection as polyester.
Polyester carpet, on the other hand, is made from petrochemicals, so it can release harmful chemicals into the air.
In addition, polyester carpet often contains flame retardants, which can also be harmful to people with allergies.
It has a higher level of dust mite protection than nylon, but it is not as durable.
With this info, it would be easier to choose between the two depending on your allergies.
3. For Pets
Nylon carpets are generally more durable than polyester carpets. They are also better at hiding dirt and pet hair, and are less likely to stain.
However, nylon carpets can be a bit more expensive than polyester carpets, and they can be difficult to clean.
Polyester carpets are less durable than nylon carpets, but they are significantly cheaper and easier to clean.
4. For Basement
Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fibers that resist moisture. The bigger problem you’ll have with basement moisture is the padding, backing, and moisture trapping beneath the pad and subfloor.
Nylon is generally more moisture-resistant than polyester, but it can also become damaged more easily if it’s not cared for properly.
Polyester carpets, on the other hand, can be fairly resistant to moisture as long as they are properly treated, but they can also become stained more easily.
Conclusion
Choosing the right carpet for your home can be pretty tricky but luckily you guys have us.
With the above information putting nylon face to face with polyester to compete for the better quality carpet, you should be able to make a more informed decision when you go carpet shopping.
