Carpet Types

Carpet Fibers

The fiber that the carpet is made from is an important feature to consider. Different fibers have different characteristics.

A Description of Common Carpet Fibers

Nylon

Nylon is the most common of all carpet fibers, and its high durability makes it a popular choice for areas of the home that receive high foot traffic. Resistant to most dirt, mildew and moisture, this fiber is also known its ease of maintenance and non-allergenic properties.

PET Polyester

This is an excellent fiber choice for the budget conscious. Polyester shares many of nylon’s nonallergenic, moisture and wear resistant properties but lacks the same degree of durability.

Polypropylene

This fiber was first used in carpets designed for use outdoors and in spaces with high levels of moisture and humidity. Color-fastness, resilience, and resistance to water damage, mildew and piling are important benefits of this fiber. Polypropylene fiber is also recognized for a luxurious appearance and outstanding softness.

Fiber Performance in Carpet

	Nylon (filament)	Nylon (staple)	Olefin (filament)	PET Polyester (staple)
Fiber Strength	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Appearance Retention	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Fair
Stain Resistant*	Very Good	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good
Soil Resistant**	Very Good	Very Good	Fair	Good
Cleaning	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Good
Available Colors	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Very Good
Pilling & Fuzzing	Excellent	Fair	Very Good	Fair
Resistance to Household Cleaners	Very Good	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good

* assuming nylon is treated with a stain resistant chemical.
** assuming treatment with a soil resistant chemical.

Fiber Types and Characteristics

Fiber Type	Definition	Characteristics
Nylon	Fiber-forming substance of any long-chain, synthetic polyamide having recurring amide groups as an integral part of the polymer chain. First used in 1959 in carpet. Offered as BCF or staple. Used in residential and commercial applications. Produced as a solution-dyed fiber or white yarn to-be-dyed. Accounts for 65% of all face fibers in carpet.	Durable, resilient Abrasion-resistant. Versatile in coloration possibilities Favorably priced. Must be treated to be stain and soil resistant.
PET Polyester	Made from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Offered primarily as a staple product, although some BCF in being produced. Used in residential and commercial applications. 100% of Mohawk's Staple Polyester is PET Polyester, manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.	Color clarity Colorfastness Resistant to water-soluble stains. Noted for luxurious "hand".
Polypropylene (Olefin)	Fiber-forming substance of any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85%, by weight, of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units. Offered primarily as BCF with some staple product available. Primarily sold as solution-dyed or pre-dyed fiber. Can be engineered for outdoor applications.	Resists fading. Inherently stain resistant. Limited color selection. Generates low levels of static electricity. Chemical, moisture, and stain resistant. Favorably priced.

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