What is the Difference Between Nylon and Polyester Carpet

The key difference between nylon and polyester carpet is that nylon carpets are durable and expensive, while polyester carpets are stain-resistant and eco-friendly.

Nylon and polyester are the most popular and common options for carpets. Nylon is the most commonly used synthetic carpet fibre in the market, while polyester carpet is a popular carpet made of recycled plastics such as water bottles. Both have their own advantages and it’s important to know the difference between nylon and polyester carpet before you choose a carpet for your home.

Key Terms Covered

1. What is Nylon Carpet
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Polyester Carpet
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Nylon and Polyester Carpet
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Nylon Carpet, Polyester Carpet

What is a Nylon Carpet

Nylon is the most popular synthetic carpet fibre in the market. It is used in both residents and commercial buildings alike. The main reason for its popularity is its strength and durability. In comparison to other synthetic carpet fibres, it’s long-lasting. It’s ideal for heavy use applications like active family rooms, halls and stairs. It’s also wear-resistant, i.e., resistant to the movements and weight of the future.

Nylon carpets are available in a wide variety of colours. However, this material is not very stain-resistant when compared to polyester. There are few methods to enhance the stain resistance ability of nylon. Moreover, it’s more expensive in comparison to other synthetic carpet fibres. In addition to these, the water and moisture retention of nylon is very high.

What is a Polyester Carpet

Polyester is the second popular synthetic carpet fibre option after nylon. Polyester has several advantages, as well. It is inherently stain-resistant and outperforms nylon in this aspect. Moreover, it is significantly less expensive than nylon. Polyester is also soft and provides a comfortable feel. Since polyester is easy to dye, it has many colour options. In addition, polyester carpet fibre is highly resistant to water, and its moisture absorption rate is less than that of other fibres. 

More interestingly, polyester carpets are made with bottle caps and other recycled materials. Therefore, it is marketed as a “recycled carpet.” However, these carpets are difficult to recycle once you remove them from use.  

Difference Between Nylon and Polyester Carpet

Definition

Nylon is the most commonly used synthetic carpet fibre in the market, while polyester carpet is a popular carpet made of recycled plastics such as water bottles.

Comfort

Nylon carpets are comfortable, but not as comfortable as polyester carpets, which feel soft and cushy beneath the feet.

Durability

Nylon carpets are more durable than polyester carpets, which start to show wear after a few years use in high traffic areas. In fact, nylon carpets are the most durable synthetic carpets in the market.

Price

Moreover, nylon carpets are more expensive than polyester carpets.

Stain Resistance

Nylon carpets have less stain resistance than polyester carpets. This is because polyester highly resistant to water, and its moisture absorption rate is less than that of other fibres, while nylon is very absorbent, and soaks up liquids and spills.  However, treated nylon carpets in the market today have good stain resistance. 

Eco-Friendliness

We consider polyester carpets more eco-friendly than nylon since their production involves materials like plastic bottles.

Conclusion

Nylon and polyester are the most popular and common options for carpets. The key difference between nylon and polyester carpet is that nylon carpets are durable and expensive, while polyester carpets are stain-resistant and eco-friendly.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Swatches of carpet 1” By Quadell – Self-published work by Quadell (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Black Fabric Sectional Sofa Near Glass Window” (CC0) via Pexels