Carpets are an important element in interior design, and the choice of carpet material can impact the look and functionality of a room, as well as save time and hassle down the road. In this blog, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic carpet materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene so you can determine the best choice for your application.
Common Materials for Synthetic Carpets
The majority of synthetic carpets are made from nylon, polyester, or polypropylene: three materials known for their durability, cleanliness, and versatility. These same materials make up the majority of commercial carpets on the market today.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber or thread used in residential and commercial carpets. The material is a synthetic thermoplastic consisting of polymer chains with repeating amino groups, so it is called "polyamide". Nylon is strong, abrasion-resistant, and tough, and therefore the majority of commercial carpet surface fibers (top pile) are nylon.
Pro | Kontra |
Contract Grade: Nylon carpet is widely available with a contract grade for commercial settings | The cost is more expensive than polyseter and polyproplene carpets of comparable quality |
Cleanable: unlike natural fibers, nylon carpets can be cleaned and are stain resistant | Static electricity can build up unless treated with an antistatic agent |
Durable & Tough: strong nylon fibers bounce back after compression | Not as soft as polyester, although advances in technology have improved the feel of all synthetic carpet fibers |
Abrasion Resistant: high-quality nylon is strong and handles heavy foot traffic and regular cleaning | Not stain resistant unless treated; Nylon is highly absorbent but can be manufactured with stain-resistant treatments |
Color fastness: thanks to the solution-dyed thread, the color remains original | |
Hypoallergenic: nylon is moisture and mildew resistant | |
A wide variety of styles and qualities are available | |
Polypropylene (PP)
Synthetic fibers used in the manufacture of residential and commercial carpets. It is a long-chain polymer consisting of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units, and accounts for about one-third of the carpet surface fibers in commercial carpets.
Pro | Kontra |
Contract Grade: not all polypropylene carpets have a contract grade— this depends on the backing material and fiber quality. If a polypropylene carpet does not have a backing, then it is not contract grade. | Not all polypropylene carpets are suitable for commercial use |
UV resistant: the thread does not fade and is fade resistant, even in the sun | Not as durable as nylon and polyester. However, construction plays a major role in longevity—tight-weave, flat-weave polypropylene carpets like Brisbane are very durable compared to loose-textured polypropylene carpets. |
Outdoor friendly: polypropylene is great for both outdoor and indoor use. Check the specifications to ensure that the backing and/or embroidery (on the rug) is suitable for outdoor use. | Oleophilic: does not tolerate soil and attracts oil-based dirt |
Anti-static: generates low levels of static electricity | Not as abrasion resistant as nylon |
Affordable prices | |
Hydrophobic: polypropylene is resistant to moisture, so it is resistant to mold, mildew, moisture and stains Solution-dyed thread means polypropylene is highly stain-resistant and fade-resistant | |
By understanding the differences and benefits of each of these materials, you can make informed decisions to create the look and feel you desire in your space.
Both Nylon and PP Carpet Tile can be used in commercial projects. All of our products have also gone through fire and environmental tests to ensure our quality meets international standards and is durable to use. When you go to the carpet tile page, make sure you can filter which material you want.
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