The vast majority of carpets these days use synthetic fibres, and with lower costs and great features like high durability, stain and spill resistance, and a huge range of colours and styles, it’s not hard to see why.
1. Nylon: The Classic Synthetic Carpet
Nylon carpets are the original and most popular synthetic carpet fibre around. They are tough, stain and fade resistant, and versatile enough for a wide range of styles and uses. Nylon carpets also look great, almost as good as wool, but cost a fraction of the amount.
Pros of Nylon Carpets
- Excellent resiliency over time and quite UV-resistant, especially solution dyed nylon carpet.
- High resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for homes with children or pets and for office spaces
- Stain and soiling resistant, making it easy to clean – solution dyed varieties will also hold their colour with some harsher cleaning chemicals
- Flame resistant and self-extinguishing
Cons of Nylon Carpets
- Easily builds up static electricity in low humidity
- Mildew can modify the fibre’s structure
- Some cheaper varieties can be cold and coarse to the touch
2. Polypropylene: Cheap Carpet That Lasts
For those carpeting on a lower budget in Sydney, polypropylene carpets are a great option. This synthetic fibre is inexpensive, water resistant, and durable – great for rental properties, garages, and playrooms. As the technology develops, polypropylene is also becoming softer and more luxurious.
Pros of Polypropylene Carpets
- Highly resilient carpet
- Very resistant to abrasion and wear and tear from kids playing, pets, or foot traffic
- Excellent resistance to damage or alteration from mildew
- Fairly easy to clean if done promptly
Cons of Polypropylene Carpets
- Stains if spills are not treated very quickly
- Loses strength and generally deteriorates when exposed to sunlight
- Melts at quite low temperatures and emits heavy, sooty smoke
- Builds up static electricity, but at much lower levels than nylon or wool
3. Triexta: New Kid on the Block
Triexta carpets, also known as corn fibre carpets, use a combination of oil and corn-based compounds to create a stain and fade resistant synthetic carpet fibre. Triexta is soft to the touch and retains its appearance well. Corn fibre carpets are also one of the most eco-friendly carpet options available.
Pros of Triexta Carpets
- Highly stain resistant and easy to clean – most spills only require water to clean
- Very UV-resistant and will hold its colour even in prolonged direct sunlight
- Very soft to the touch, more so than nylon
- The use of cheap, renewable corn glucose means Triexta is not only affordable but more environmentally friendly
Cons of Triexta Carpets
- Easily builds up static electricity in low humidity
- Mildew can modify the fibre’s structure
- Corn fibre carpets are very new so there is some uncertainty about their long term performance
4. Polyester: Wins on Price
Polyester is a soft, naturally stain resistant fibre and in solution dyed form is very fade resistant. When used at higher densities, polyester can provide good performance and a luxury feeling at an affordable price
Pros of Polyester Carpets
- Fairly good resilience
- Decent abrasion resistance
- Quite stain resistant, so long as oily spills are cleaned up quickly
- Burns quite slowly and can be self-extinguishing
Cons of Polyester Carpets
- Must be more densely woven than other fibres to achieve durability
- Can weaken with prolonged UV exposure
- Builds up static in low humidity
Whatever you’re budget or your requirements, there’s a carpet for you. Contact 0420 Carpet or visit our showroom to find the perfect synthetic variety.
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