Types of Carpet Fibers

Zoe Eisele

Over the past few months I’ve written about carpet several times. Colors, patterns, styles, twists, we’ve even discussed carpet off-gassing. With all of those subjects covered, what comes next? 

I thought it’d be nice to dive into the types of carpet fibers so you can learn more about what your carpet is and what it can do.
​
There are two categories of carpet fibers: synthetic and natural. Today we’ll be discussing the five most common fibers and what they have to offer.

Synthetic

• Nylon: 
  • This is by far the most popular carpet fiber. 
  • Thanks to its strength and durability, nylons are great at resisting crushing and fading. 
  • These fibers have a waxy base, and chemicals for stain resistance, as they are not naturally resistant to staining. 

• Polyester: 
  • These fibers are hydrophobic and resist stains because nothing can penetrate them. 
  • Polyesters offer vibrant color options and are softer than nylons. 
  • Polyester fibers can fade, and are generally less durable than nylon fibers. 
  • ​​P.E.T. - enhanced technology

 

• Triexta: 
  • This is a newer type of polyester.
  • These fibers are similar in appearance to nylon fibers, but are much softer.
  • They are naturally hydrophobic, so they repel stains and moisture.

 

• Olefin (Polypropylene): 
  • These fibers are similar in appearance to wool, so they are a common choice for berber style carpet.
  • Olefin is water-resistant, making it a suitable option for basements and outdoor areas.
  • Olefin carpet tends to be less expensive as it is not as durable as other synthetic fibers. 

Natural

• Wool: 
  • These fibers have a soft and luxurious feel. 
  • Wool has natural stain and fire resistance, and is very durable.
  • Wool needs to be cleaned and maintained properly to keep its appearance. These fibers absorb liquids, so stains and chemicals in stain removers can damage the fibers if not removed quickly. 
  • Because wool is natural, it is renewable, and has the added bonus of not emitting VOCs.