Carpet - polyester or nylon?

lizzief · ‎09-27-2011

We purchased nylon carpet last year @ about $27/sq. yd., so not inexpensive. After only a few months it started to wear badly, and we started the process to get it replaced. Before that could happen, we had 15" of rain, and water soaked parts of the carpet in each bedroom. Needless to say, we now have quite a mess on our hands, and will have to replace everything. We are getting a credit for the poor wearing carpet, and are being directed to choose a polyester type this time. Most people don't choose carpet that often, I have no idea if it makes any difference or if we just had a defective lot the last time. Nylon or polyester? And any hints on choosing would also be appreciated! Thank you!

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

There is an article about this in the paper today.

Polyester is strong and relatively inexpensive, $13 sq yd. It's prone to matting and tangling and is a poor choice for high traffic areas. Nylon is soft and durable, resists stains, matting, abrasion and is easy to clean, $10-$40 sq yd. When choosing carpet, aim for the best quality you can afford.

Sounds to me that you had a defective lot. I would stay with the nylon, but maybe pick a different brand. This is just my opinion. I have carpet that the builder put in. I don't know what it is. In 8 years, it hasn't worn well with 2 cats. I'm always interested to read articles on the topic because I would like to replace it sometime down the road.

lizzief · ‎09-27-2011

On 5/31/2014 graycatsrule said:
There is an article about this in the paper today.

Polyester is strong and relatively inexpensive, $13 sq yd. It's prone to matting and tangling and is a poor choice for high traffic areas. Nylon is soft and durable, resists stains, matting, abrasion and is easy to clean, $10-$40 sq yd. When choosing carpet, aim for the best quality you can afford.

Sounds to me that you had a defective lot. I would stay with the nylon, but maybe pick a different brand. This is just my opinion. I have carpet that the builder put in. I don't know what it is. In 8 years, it hasn't worn well with 2 cats. I'm always interested to read articles on the topic because I would like to replace it sometime down the road.

Very interesting, thank you! Apparently HD has had several complaints about the carpet we purchased and is paying to replace all of them. They are discontinuing the line. Matting is the problem we had, so I'm surprised they are recommending polyester, if what you say is accurate. The new carpet I chose is nylon and $44/sq yd, so we'll have to pay the difference, but it feels wonderful. I just don't want to make the same mistake twice! From what you say, I should stick with nylon. We have two Dalmatians, and even the builder's carpet lasted 17 years!

FastDogWalker2 · ‎03-10-2010

When we replaced carpet 2 years ago we went with Mohawk Smart Strand. It is made from corn silk. It is in our entire upstairs: bedrooms, hall and tv room. We have an active family and 5 pets and it is doing great. HTH

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

I saw that same article in Saturday's paper and nylon would be my choice because it isn't as prone to matting.

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

We have polyester carpet. It is by Mohawk. It's the best, most durable carpet we have ever owned. No matting, no fuzzy ends and after 7 years, when we have it steam cleaned our cleaner still cannot believe how old it is. Oh, and when you place a piece of furniture on it for a long time, the carpet doesn't "wear away" for lack of a better word. It bounces right back up.

It's plush and beautiful. I'll never go back to nylon carpeting.

I totally disagree with the article mentioned by another poster. Our carpet is in a very high traffic area as my grown children are always coming in to see us, and, we have a 150 lb dog who does not leave my husbands side. Of course, we did get a premium padding and the carpet wasn't the cheapest.