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About Nylon Carpeting

Since its introduction as the first synthetic carpet fiber in the 1950s, nylon has transformed the flooring industry. It has an impressive strength and the ability to rebound, so no worrying about footprint marks after entertaining a houseful of kids. This largely explains why nylon carpeting remains one of the more popular carpet fibers.  

Appearance

The look of nylon carpeting depends on the type, style, and color you choose. Cut pile options like textured, shag, and frieze are most popular and feature upright fibers with their ends exposed. Loop pile carpet, such as nylon berber carpet, consists of tightly-packed small fiber loops. 

When it comes to color, let your imagination run wild. Though you’ve most likely seen a lot of neutral earth tones when shopping for carpet, you aren’t limited to greiges and brown, thanks to solution-dyed nylon. This process adds color pigments to the liquid components used to create carpet fibers. This means that when the fiber is produced, it's already the desired color! Because the color is part of the fiber, solution-dyed nylon carpet resists fading and bleeding.

Durability and Maintenance

Not looking to replace your floors for a good long while? Nylon is an inherently resilient fiber, resulting in a supremely durable carpet for practically any room of your home. This material stands up well to the daily wear of your active household and doesn't show the compression marks from your children's footprints like other materials do. Nylon carpeting is especially stain and soil resistant when treated. 

To maintain your nylon carpeting, vacuum regularly. Treat spills right away and refer to your manufacturer’s warranty and maintenance guidelines to ensure that you're following proper care.

When it’s time to revive your nylon carpet after months of your dog running circles in the living room before dinner time, steam cleaning is a likely option. The heat from the steam cleaner reacts with the chemical makeup of the synthetic material, cleaning the fibers and helping them bounce back to their like-new look. As always, follow the manufacturer's care instructions provided for your specific nylon carpeting.

Lifespan

At its best, nylon carpet can enjoy a long life in your home based on crucial factors, like:  

• Proper installation and high-quality materials
• How well it’s maintained 
• The amount of wear and tear the carpet will receive

When you're shopping for carpet, make sure to ask about the warranty. At Carpet One Floor & Home, we offer warranty protection to make sure you get years of life from your new carpeting investment. 

Installation

Carpet installation is a labor-intensive process, no matter what type you select. With a professional installer, you can save yourself the headache and streamline the process. Plus, you'll rest easy knowing that the installation meets warranty standards.

Most installations involve prepping the floor so it's clean and dry before laying down carpet padding. Carpet is measured and cut to fit, then stretched and adhered to the floor via nails, staples, or glue. 

Nylon Carpet Pros and Cons

Synthetic nylon has its advantages:

• The man-made material withstands heavy foot traffic and is less likely to flatten with wear, making it a smart choice for the busiest areas of the home. 
• Available in an array of hues, solution-dyed nylon fibers can resist fading.

Nylon carpeting comes with a few considerations, as well:

• Occasionally, nylon carpeting can surprise you with a static shock, especially if you live in a dry climate. 
• Nylon carpeting usually costs more than other synthetic carpets of the same quality.

Nylon vs. Polyester Carpet 

The two most popular synthetic carpet choices are nylon and polyester, but what are the key differences between nylon and polyester carpeting? In a nutshell: durability, stain resistance, and cost. Nylon carpets are stronger and more durable but at a slightly higher cost. Polyester carpets are more budget-friendly and naturally repel stains and liquid, so don’t worry about messy hobbies, new puppies, or school projects.

Wool vs. Nylon Carpet

All-natural wool carpet is the gold standard for comfort, natural resistance, and durability. Wool is an environmentally-friendly material that is innately flame retardant, non-allergenic, and resistant to water and dirt. But it comes at a cost, which can be twice as much as nylon carpet. 

Solution-dyed nylon carpets give you protection from fading, unlike natural wool fibers. Plus, nylon carpeting can be stain and soil resistant with chemical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nylon carpets any good?

Yes! Nylon carpeting excels, especially if you’re looking for a durable solution. The busiest homes are no match for this synthetic material, which easily bounces back from footprints and other pressure. In fact, a good steam cleaning makes some nylon carpets look as good as new–just be sure to check with the manufacturer for guidance. 

What are the cons of nylon carpet? 

Nylon carpet pros and cons are worth considering before making a decision. As a pro, nylon results in a strong, resilient carpet that can withstand wear and tear from your kid-filled home. But, this synthetic material can produce static electricity in dry climates. Although nylon is an affordable option overall, its manufacturing process costs more, leading to a more expensive price tag than other synthetic materials of the same quality. 

Is nylon carpet expensive?

Nylon Carpet is a more expensive synthetic material to produce, so the cost of nylon carpets is generally more than those made from other fibers. Of course, keep in mind that the price of carpet will vary depending on the quality of the product. If you're torn between a cheaper carpet and a pricier nylon option, consider which will hold up better to your lifestyle needs.

Is nylon carpet toxic? 

Some chemicals used in carpet padding, adhesives, and carpet itself can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emit pollutants and odors. Synthetic options like nylon carpet are included, though nylon's intrinsic strength and stain resistance does mean there's less need to treat it for further durability. You can also look for a green-certified solution, and ask your installation team to use low-VOC adhesives. 

Is nylon the best material for carpet? 

Nylon is not only a popular synthetic material used in carpets, but it's also considered among the most durable. Its carpet fibers bounce back from your family's constant footprints and other indentations. Plus, nylon is more stain resistant than other materials.