When we think about a good home carpet but can not afford carpets made of natural fibers, then we must know the answer to the question “What is the best choice between nylon and polyester carpet?”. Because they are the most preferable synthetic carpets.
The answer to this question varies depending on your demand and desires. If you want a carpet that lasts longer, then nylon carpet is the best. But if you want a much affordable carpet that does have a greater stain resistance, then polyester carpet is a better choice.
Let’s discuss this in detail.
Table of Contents
What’s The Difference Between Nylon And Polyester?
Even though nylon and polyester both are very similar fabrics, there are a lot of differences between nylon and polyester but some of the significant ones are- durability, strength, moisture regain etc.
Between the two, nylon is much stronger than polyester. Also it is much more stretchable than polyester. The quantity of water that has been absorbed by nylon is very less. On the other hand polyester does hardly absorb any.
Between nylon and polyester, nylon has a lower denier thickness than polyester. On the other hand, polyester has specific characteristics which create a finer thread than nylon.
Are Polyester And Nylon The Same?
It is a misconception that nylon and polyester are the same as they are very similar fabrics. There is a lot to compare between both of them. Durability in nylon is much higher than polyester and that is why it is more weather-resistant in comparison with polyester.
The unit denier is used to measure the density of all the fabric worldwide. So are nylon and polyester. According to beanbagsrus.com, the density of bean bags made of nylon is around 420 deniers. On the other hand, the density of bean bags made of polyester is 1680 deniers.
So analyzing all these factors, we have reached the conclusion that nylon and polyester are not the same.
Durability
Durability is one of the characteristics that differentiate between nylon and polymer carpets.
| Durability | Nylon carpet | Polyester carpet |
| 1. Reaction to water | Nylon carpets can absorb up to 3.5% water and does not face any difficulties in getting wet and absorbing water. | As polyester is a hydrophobic fabric, the carpet of polyester is much less water-absorbent than nylon. |
| 2. Reaction to heat | It is hard to process nylon carpet under high heat which is quite opposite to polyester carpet. | Polyester carpet is more resistant to heat than nylon. In addition, it needs high heat to absorb dyes. |
| 3. Resistance to stretching | Nylon carpet does not have much resistance to stretching and shrinking as much as polyester. | It has much more stretching and shrinking than nylon carpet. |
The durability of both nylon and polyester have been discussed above.
Stain Resistance
It is very important for us to choose a carpet which is made of a material that has an appreciable stain resistance. Here, we are going to discuss the stain resistance of nylon and polyester carpet.
Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fiber. So they were basically formed by us so that we can manage its properties. Stain resistance is a very important characteristic for a carpet. Both nylon and polyester are stain resistant. Now let’s discuss them individually.
Is Polyester Stain Resistant?
Polyester is much more stain resistant than nylon. The reason behind it is that polyester is a hydrophobic fabric.
It repels liquid. It resists stains more than nylon fiber. So it can be said that polyester’s stain resistance is higher than nylon.
Is Nylon Stain Resistant?
And on the other hand, nylon is an absorbent in fiber. It will absorb liquid and stain much more than polyester.
The stain resistance in nylon is less than polyester. Even though it is much greater than other synthetic fibers.
Which Carpet Is More Eco-Friendly?
Even though the texture and properties are very similar between nylon and polyester fiber. They are a preferable choice as they are stain resistant, durable and strong for a carpet.
But nylon is not an eco-friendly fiber. It is a byproduct found from oil refineries. If you prefer an eco-friendly fiber, then nylon should not be on your list. This synthetic fiber does not go through the process which helps our nature eventually.
On the other hand, polyester is derived from non-renewable sources. And that is why it is not sustainable at all which makes it not an eco-friendly fiber. It is non-biodegradable and recycling is not an option here. It plays a role in increasing microfibers and plastic waste. It also generates a great amount of carbon dioxide emission.
If you want to save money and also have a carpet which is created from an eco-friendly fiber, then nylon and polyester should not be your preferable choices.
Which Carpet Is Softer?
Between nylon and polyester, polyester is softer than nylon. It is softer to touch in comparison with nylon. Also if you have kids and pets, then you should prefer polyester carpet as it is softer than nylon. Also, it is very comfortable to walk barefoot on a polyester carpet.
Advantage Of Both The Carpets
Both of the carpets made of nylon and polyester fiber have their own advantages and plus points. Some of them are discussed below.
Advantages Of Nylon Carpet
- Easy to clean characteristic:
It is easier to clean and maintain nylon carpet.
- Durability:
It is more durable and less likely to wear and tear. It is highly recommended if you want a durable carpet fabric.
- Weather resistance:
It is much more weather resistant than polyester fiber.
Advantages Of Polyester Carpet
- Stain resistance:
As polyester is a hydrophobic fiber, its stain resistance is quite high. And it is less likely to absorb any spills or stains.
- Vibrant color holding capability:
If you are looking for a girlfriend with a vibrant and bold color, then polyester is a very good choice as it holds color very well.
- Affordability:
Polyester is more affordable if you are on a low budget while purchasing a carpet.
- Softness:
Polyester is softer in comparison with nylon. It is very comfortable to work on it barefoot.
- Stain resistance:
As it is a hydrophobic fiber, it is less likely to absorb liquid, spills are stains in itself. So, its stain resistance is quite high.
This were some of the advantages of nylon and polyester carpet
Disadvantage
Even though there are a lot of advantages of nylon and polyester carpet, there are some disadvantages as well. Some of them are discussed below.
Disadvantages Of Nylon Carpet
- Softness:
Nylon carpet is not as soft as polyester carpet. It is not that much of a comfortable choice if you want a comfortable home carpet.
- Cost:
It is one of the most expensive carpets available in the market. It is not that much of a budget friendly choice of a carpet.
Disadvantages Of Polyester Carpet
- Durability:
It is less durable than nylon carpet. It is most likely to wear and tear more quickly than nylon carpet.
- Shorter lifespan:
You need to replace a polyester carpet in 5 to 7 years. Its lifespan is much shorter than nylon carpet.
These are some disadvantages of nylon and polyester carpet that you should know about before purchasing them.
Nylon Vs Polyester Carpet, Which One Lasts Long?
The durability of nylon is higher than polyester.
Polyester carpet has to be replaced in 5 or 7 years. Its lifespan is shorter than nylon by a large margin.
But the cost of nylon carpet is higher than polyester carpet. Polyester carpet is budget friendly, but it does not last as long as nylon carpet. If you want a carpet that lasts long, then you should prefer nylon. But you also have to understand that it will cost more than a polyester carpet.
Nylon Vs Polyester Carpet For Pets, Which To Choose?
As we know, polyester carpet is softer than nylon and its durability is also less than nylon, so it is most likely to tear, wear out if you have a pet. A pet is constantly scratching and biting a carpet as it does not take any hassle to reach it.
So you should not consider polyester carpet to purchase as your home carpet in case you have a pet.
Is Nylon Or Polyester Carpet Less Toxic
Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fibers and they are not that much eco-friendly fabrics. But whether they are toxic or not and if they are then which one is more toxic is an important discussion.
According to flooringstores.com, nylon might be a synthetic fiber and not much of an eco-friendly fiber, but it does not contain toxicity. It does not need to be treated with harsh chemicals to make it toxic.
On the other hand, polyester is somewhat toxic and made of materials and chemicals. So it should not be that much of a preferable choice if you want to avoid toxic fibers.
See here why you should care about carpet toxicity.
Conclusion
Between nylon and polyester carpet, which one you should choose depends on your requirements and desires. Both the carpets have their pros and cons.
If you want a carpet that lasts longer than nylon is a very good choice but it is an expensive carpet. Also its durability is quite higher than polyester carpet.
On the other hand, if you want a carpet that is budget friendly, then polyester must be a great choice. But you must also have to remember that it does not have as much durability as nylon. You might have to replace it before a nylon carpet.
In both the cases, carpet with rubber marine backing will give it more stability and it is less likely to slip away while stepping and walking in it.
So tell me, are you still confused which carpet fabric is best?
