Carpet is the first choice of flooring for many of us. It brings out the warmth, coziness, and comfort of a room. Carpets are also versatile and lend themselves well to different functions and styles. However, to achieve the best result, you should go with a type that matches the requirements of the place and your preferences the most. That’s why the matter of nylon vs polyester carpet is frequently the subject of discussion.
While wool carpet is the most durable and luxurious type, the choice between nylon carpet and poly carpet is more difficult to make.
In this article, we will go over each type’s pros and cons to help you understand their unique qualities and give you some tips to help you make the best decision between these two popular options.
Looking for high-quality carpets for your home or commercial space in New Hampshire, US? We will bring a carpet store to your place in Manchester and neighboring towns just by a phone call.
A Simple Guide to Nylon vs Polyester Carpet
When it comes to selecting a type of carpet, first consider your place’s requirements. For example, you should answer the questions below.
- Does it get a lot of foot traffic?
- Is there a possibility of spills and stains?
- Is there direct sunlight exposure?
In addition, you should think about the style and atmosphere you wish to achieve. For example,
- What color or colors match your style of décor?
- What texture do you prefer?
- Do you prefer plain or patterned carpets?
And, you should take into account the qualities of each type of carpet. This includes its durability, stain resistance, moisture resistance, color retention, price, etc.
Now, let’s discuss polyester carpet and nylon carpet flooring separately. Then we can compare nylon vs poly carpet.
Everything You Should Know about Polyester Fiber Carpet
Polyester carpet/synthetic carpet/polypropylene carpet is made of synthetic fibers derived from petroleum-based chemicals.
Based on the type and material of the fibers, there are different kinds of polyester carpets.
- Cut pile polyester carpet: It offers a soft, comfortable, and plush surface because the carpet is made of individual yarns cut at their ends. The length of the piles can vary.
- Textured polyester carpet: Its surface is textured which helps to hide marks from vacuuming, footprints, etc.
- Frieze polyester carpet: It is also textured but the fibers are tightly twisted for higher durability.
- Saxony polyester carpet: It is usually a good choice for more formal styles. It offers a smooth and plush surface that feels great under the feet.
- Berber polyester carpet: The looped fibers create a durable carpet that resists daily wear and tear.
- BCF polyester carpet: BCF stands for Bulk Continuous Filament which refers to a kind of synthetic polyester strands of fiber that are long and continuous. They offer higher durability and uniformity.
- Solution-dyed polyester carpet: Solution-dyed polyester fibers are highly resistant to stains and fading.
- PET carpet (polyethylene terephthalate): It is an environmentally friendly choice as the fibers are made of recycled plastic.
- Polyester blend carpet: This type of carpet is made of a combination of polyester fibers and other materials, such as wool and nylon. These blends offer the qualities of both materials.
Pros of Polyester Carpets
Polyester carpets can be a good choice for those who seek
- Affordability: Synthetic carpets are the most affordable carpets suitable for budget-sensitive projects and carpeting large areas.
- Softness: Polyester fibers are very soft resulting in a plush, cozy, and comfortable surface.
- Stain resistance: Synthetic fibers are hydrophobic and naturally resist stains and spills.
- Color retention: Polyester carpets highly resist fading. Therefore, if the carpet is exposed to direct sunlight and heavy foot traffic, it can still retain its original color for a long time.
- Eco-friendliness: You can choose to help the environment by opting for P.E.T. carpets that are made from recycled materials. Also, polyester carpets can be recycled more easily than other carpet materials.
Cons of Polyester Carpets
On the other hand, polyester carpets come with certain drawbacks.
- They get matted, flattened, and rushed relatively easily. So, they are not as durable and resilient as other types of carpets.
- Heat can damage the synthetic fibers permanently as they tend to melt when exposed to high temperatures.
- Although they are budget-friendly, polyester carpets are not the best choice for commercial spaces. Such places usually get a lot of foot traffic and impact.
Overall, polyester carpets are affordable but may not stay in good shape for more than 5 years in high-traffic areas. But good maintenance increases their longevity. You should prioritize your preferences and expectations and make an informed decision.
Everything You Should Know about Nylon Fiber Carpet
Another aspect of our discussion of nylon vs polyester carpet requires us to know more about the qualities of nylon fiber. Nylon carpeting is made of synthetic nylon fibers derived from petrochemical-based materials. Because of their exceptional resilience and strength, nylon pile carpet is used in both commercial and residential settings.
Each type of nylon fiber is made from different materials, each of which offers unique qualities. For example, nylon 6 (from caprolactam) is famous for its resilience and resistance to abrasion, nylon 6/6 (from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid) is best known for durability and stain resistance quality, and nylon 6/12 (from a combination of monomers) is popular for its resistance to moisture, strength, and flexibility.
In addition to the materials the fibers are made from, like polyester carpets, there are also nylon berber carpet, nylon cut pile carpet, nylon Saxony carpet, and nylon shag carpet (characterized by long and loose fibers that feel soft under feet).
Pros of Nylon Carpets
We can count a lot of advantages for nylon carpeting, but the most important ones include:
- The best nylon carpet offers exceptional resilience and durability. So, even in high-traffic areas, like hallways, stairs, and commercial spaces, nylon carpeting can remain in good shape for over 15 years if maintained properly.
- Naylon fibers naturally resist spills and stains. Therefore, compared to other materials, nylon carpeting is less likely to absorb liquids and stains.
- Nylon carpets resist matting, crushing, and wear very well.
- As nylon fibers can retain vibrant colors for a long time, dyed nylon offers a wide array of colors to go with any style and create different moods.
- They are easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning in case of spills do not take much of your time. Also, to extend its longevity, professional cleaning is recommended to restore its original appearance.
- Due to its insulating properties, nylon carpet does not allow the heat to leach.
- Nowadays, many manufacturers are producing eco-friendly nylon carpets from recycled materials.
Cons of Nylon Carpets
There are a few disadvantages you should be aware of before making up your mind.
The first and main problem for customers is usually nylon carpet prices. They are more expensive than polyester carpets, but they last longer instead.
Also, although synthetic nylon fibers are resistant to water, still if not taken care of properly they can absorb the moisture over time. This can lead to mold, mildew, and/or bad odor.
Additionally, although nylon fibers are not heat-resistant, they do not melt as easily as polyester carpets.
All in all, nylon carpeting is a great choice for high-traffic areas and although they are more expensive, they will prove to be a long-term investment.
To put it in a nutshell, the choice between nylon vs polyester carpet depends on the specific requirements of the place and your preferences. If the place is low-traffic, like bedrooms, polyester carpets can offer a lot of budget-friendly options. However, for higher-traffic areas, nylon carpets sound like the best choice.
Do you need an expert to consult with? Give us a call to schedulea home visit in Manchester, NH. Our experts will come to you with lots of carpet samples to help you make the right choice.
Let’s Make a Conclusion; Nylon vs Polyester Carpet
Now that we know the advantages and disadvantages of nylon vs polyester carpet, we can summarize all the points in the table below.
| Polyester Carpet | Nylon Carpet | |
| Durability | - Is prone to crushing and matting. - Not suitable for high-traffic areas. | - Exceptional durability and resilience. - Great choice for commercial, high-traffic areas, and homes with kids and pets. |
| Color retention | - Can retain color pretty well but over - time or under heavy foot traffic and direct sunlight exposure the color will fade. | - Retains color exceptionally well even in high-traffic areas or under direct sunlight. |
| Softness | - Softer and more comfortable under feet. | - Is not as soft as polyester if not treated for additional softness or higher pile density. |
| Resistance | - Resists stains well but not oil-based stains. - Offers great moisture resistance. | - Has excellent stain-resistance quality. - Resists moisture well but not as good as polyester carpets if not treated for additional moisture-resistance properties. |
| Possible damage | - Can melt easily by hot objects. - Might get permanent stains from oil-based substances. - Color fades over time. - Gets matted and crushed. | - Can absorb moisture faster than polyester fibers. - Is susceptible to mold, mildew, and bad odor if not cleaned properly or dried quickly. - Might generate static electricity if not treated. |
| Maintenance | - Needs regular vacuuming and prompt cleaning of spills. | - Requires more frequent vacuuming, plus prompt cleaning of spills. |
| Eco-friendliness | - Made of recycled materials, like plastic bottles. - Can be recycled. | - The material sourcing is not as eco-friendly as polyester carpets. - Can be recycled. |
| Cost and longevity | - Affordable and budget-friendly. - Lasts much less than nylon carpeting. | - More expensive but considered a long-term investment. - Lasts for many years even in high-traffic areas. |
FAQs about Polyester Carpets and Nylon Carpets
Let’s answer some of your most frequent questions about these two types of carpets.
What Kind of Treatments the Carpets Can Get for Better Qualities?
There are a few treatments to add more resistance. For example, stain-resistant and moisture-resistant coatings can make a polyester or nylon carpet more resistant to stains and moisture.
There is also anti-static treatment, particularly for nylon fiber carpets, to prevent the generation of static electricity in dry conditions.
What Type of Carpet Lasts Longer?
Wool carpets last for decades, up to 50 years if maintained properly. However, they can be costly. On the other hand, polyester carpets do not last long, usually less than 10 years, but they are the most affordable type of carpeting. And, nylon carpets can last over 15 years. They are also not as expensive as wool carpets. Learn more about ‘The Pros and Cons of Wool Carpets’.
Is Nylon Carpet Heat-Resistant?
No. Nylon fibers can melt in higher temperatures (roughly over 200 °C). However, their melting point is higher than polyester carpets, especially nylon 6/12.
What Type of Carpet Is More Suitable for Hallways and Stairways?
Generally, for high-traffic areas, such as stairs, hallways, entrances, and commercial spaces, nylon carpeting is recommended.
What Carpet Is Better If the Floor Is Exposed to Sunlight?
Nylon carpets can resist fading much better than polyester carpets.
Where Can I Get High-Quality Carpets and Professional Carpeting Installation in Manchester, NH?
After this thorough review of nylon vs polyester carpet, you can call (603) 782-1942 (or fill out the form) to talk with one of our experts at Minuteman Floors in Manchester, New Hampshire. We will discuss your projects and give you our honest opinion about the best options for your place.
The best part is that you don’t have to leave your home/office. We will come to you at your convenience time and bring lots of carpet samples to see the colors and patterns and feel the textures and fibers.
So, whether you need wool, nylon, or polyester carpet for your stairs, bedrooms, office, etc., we are here to help.