Carpet Fiber Comparison: Pros, Cons & Recommended Brands

Choosing the Right Carpet Fiber — A Guide to Pros and Cons

Carpet fiber influences everything from appearance and softness to stain resistance, durability, and price. Whether you’re remodeling a high‑traffic living room or seeking a plush rug for the bedroom, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each fiber can help you make a better choice. Below is an overview of the most common carpet fibers — both synthetic and natural — with their key strengths and weaknesses.

Synthetic Fibers

Nylon

• Pros: Durable, elastic, resists crushing and wear, cleans easily.
• Cons: Can fade in sunlight or bleach; slightly more expensive than other synthetics.

Polyester (PET)

• Pros: Bright colors, highly stain-resistant, affordable, water-resistant.
• Cons: Poor resilience in heavy traffic; may attract oily stains.

Triexta (SmartStrand)

• Pros: Soft, eco-friendlier (partly plant-based), excellent stain resistance.
• Cons: Newer fiber. Will show vacuum lines and foot prints.

Olefin (Polypropylene)

• Pros: Moisture-proof, bleach-resistant, inexpensive.
• Cons: Flattens easily under traffic; heat-sensitive; not ideal for main living areas.

Natural Fibers

Wool

• Pros: Premium texture, naturally flame-retardant, hides dirt, renewable.
• Cons: Expensive, sensitive to stains and bleach, may attract moths.

Silk

• Pros: Elegant, soft, naturally strong, luxurious appearance.
• Cons: Delicate, costly, easily stained, best for low-traffic areas or accents.

Cotton

• Pros: Soft, breathable, washable, eco-friendly.
• Cons: Low durability, wrinkles easily, can absorb moisture and stains.

How to Choose

• High-Traffic Areas: Nylon, wool and Triexta are best for durability and bounce-back performance.
• Stain Sensitivity: Choose Triexta or Polyester for superior stain resistance and color retention.
• Comfort: Triexta and wool will give that luxurious feel — ideal for bedrooms or quiet zones.
• Maintenance Needs: Triexta, polyester and solution dyed nylon are easier to clean; wool and silk need professional care.
• Budget: Olefin and polyester are cost-effective; wool and silk are investment-grade fibers.

Premium Carpet Brands We Carry

At Touchdown Flooring NW, we proudly offer premium carpet options from the most trusted brands in the industry:

• Fabrica – Known for luxurious textures, bold designs, and superior craftsmanship.
• Masland – High-style and performance carpets made in the USA.
• Dixie Home – Affordable, fashion-forward styles backed by solid durability.
• Mohawk SmartStrand – Eco-friendly, ultra-stain-resistant Triexta carpet built for families and pets.
• Anderson Tuftex – Designer-inspired styles with sustainable materials and artisan detail.
• Shaw Floors – One of the most trusted names in flooring, offering innovation and comfort.
• Godfrey Hirst – Premium wool and synthetic carpets with refined design and excellent performance.

Each fiber and brand has its ideal use. Whether you're after performance, luxury, or sustainability, choosing the right carpet material will elevate your flooring experience. Need help deciding? Our flooring experts are here to guide you every step of the way.