Why it's essential to understand carpet fiber
The fiber makes up the rug, and it affects everything from appearance to performance to longevity. Each yarn type has its characteristics and benefits, and understanding them will help you attain your goal to choose the best for you. Deciding on fiber will most likely be the most critical decision you’ll make when selecting carpet flooring for your home.
Synthetic or natural fibers?
One of the questions we hear at our carpet store in Ankeny, IA, is whether natural or synthetic fibers are better. It comes down to your personal preference and how much you value specific characteristics; natural fibers are harvested from nature and made into fibers, such as wool. These are eco-friendly, often durable, and usually pricey. Some people find synthetics more practical; they tend to be more stain-resistant; can be soft, depending on style; and can be easier to keep clean, a benefit especially for large families.
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Choosing fibers
Wool is the most common natural fiber and the only organic used in broadloom. It is soft, plush, and somewhat pricey, although some manufacturers add acrylics to the composition to keep the price down. Next are synthetics or man-made fibers.
The two most popular are nylon and polyester and be aware they each have different subcategories and quality levels. For example, nylon is known for ultra-strength and resilience, softness, and good texture. However, there are different versions, such as Solution Dyed Nylon, where the color is "baked in" during the manufacturing process, resulting in enhanced fade-resistance. There is also nylon 6.0 and 6.6; some say nylon 6.6 has improved stains and static resistance.
Polyester has inherent stain-resistant qualities since it is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t absorb. A more eco-friendly polyester version is called PET, where the fibers are processed from recycled plastic bottles. Polyester isn’t as resilient as nylon, making it better suited for moderately foot trafficked rooms.
The other two standard fibers are olefin (polypropylene), which has superior stain resistance and is budget-friendly. Olefin is often associated with the Berber (looped) style. Triexta is relatively new to the market and already has gained a reputation for superior strength; it also has permanent stain resistance built into the fibers.
At Floors 4 Iowa, we have hundreds of the latest carpet styles, patterns and colors, with virtually everything to suit your style or budget. Whether you want carpet or any other flooring, we’re your trusted destination. Our showroom is in Ankeny, IA and come in to schedule your free in-home carpet flooring consultation, especially if you live in: Ankeny, IA, Des Moines, IA, Ames, IA, Waukee, IA, Bondurant, IA, West Des Moines, IA, Clive, IA, Johnston, IA, Altoona, IA, or Grimes, IA.
The two most popular are nylon and polyester and be aware they each have different subcategories and quality levels. For example, nylon is known for ultra-strength and resilience, softness, and good texture. However, there are different versions, such as Solution Dyed Nylon, where the color is "baked in" during the manufacturing process, resulting in enhanced fade-resistance. There is also nylon 6.0 and 6.6; some say nylon 6.6 has improved stains and static resistance.
Polyester has inherent stain-resistant qualities since it is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t absorb. A more eco-friendly polyester version is called PET, where the fibers are processed from recycled plastic bottles. Polyester isn’t as resilient as nylon, making it better suited for moderately foot trafficked rooms.
The other two standard fibers are olefin (polypropylene), which has superior stain resistance and is budget-friendly. Olefin is often associated with the Berber (looped) style. Triexta is relatively new to the market and already has gained a reputation for superior strength; it also has permanent stain resistance built into the fibers.
At Floors 4 Iowa, we have hundreds of the latest carpet styles, patterns and colors, with virtually everything to suit your style or budget. Whether you want carpet or any other flooring, we’re your trusted destination. Our showroom is in Ankeny, IA and come in to schedule your free in-home carpet flooring consultation, especially if you live in: Ankeny, IA, Des Moines, IA, Ames, IA, Waukee, IA, Bondurant, IA, West Des Moines, IA, Clive, IA, Johnston, IA, Altoona, IA, or Grimes, IA.
