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Nylon
The most frequently used carpet fiber, highly desirable due to its exceptional durability, versatility, and reasonable pricing. It can be dyed in an endless variety of colors and made into numerous styles and textures. Nylon is commonly used in residential and commercial applications.
Polyester
Used in residential and a few commercial applications, polyester has good color clarity, colorfastness, and resistance to water-soluble stains.
Polypropylene
Also known as Olefin, this fiber resists fading, generates low levels of static electricity, is favorably priced, and can be engineered in outdoor applications. Due to its manufacturing process, polypropylene inherently resists stains. When used in specific carpet constructions, this yarn will perform as well as most resilient fibers.
Wool
The most expensive of the fibers listed here, it is a natural fiber with moderate soil and stain resistance. Durable, luxurious "hand", reduced visible soil due to fine, light-scattering characteristics.
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Nylon (filament) |
Nylon (staple) |
Olefin (filament) |
Polyester (staple) |
Wool (staple) |
| Fiber Strength |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
| Appearance Retention |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Fair |
Fair |
Excellent |
| Stain Resistant* |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Very Good |
Very Good |
| Soil Resistant** |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
Good |
Very Good |
| Cleaning |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Good |
Very Good |
| Available Colors |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Fair |
Very Good |
Fair |
| Pilling & Fuzzing |
Excellent |
Fair |
Very Good |
Fair |
Fair |
| Resistance to Household Cleaners |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Very Good |
Good |
* assuming nylon is treated with a stain resistant chemical.
** assuming treatment with a soil resistant chemical.
| 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. |
| 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. |
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. |
| Wool |
Natural fiber. Offered as staple yarn. |
Luxurious "hand" Durable Inherent resilient property Scaly character of fiber scatters light and reduces visible soil. Largely self-extinguishing when burned. Will char rather than melt and drip |
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