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Selecting Fiber
ACRYLIC
Acrylic fiber is known as art, art wool, or man-made wool because it is an artificial fiber. These fibers provide the look and feel of wool at a fraction of the cost. It resists static electricity, moisture, mildew, fading, crushing, staining, and sun damage. However, acrylic fiber is not durable enough for high traffic areas (it fails under abrasion when compared to other fibers).
BLENDS
Blends are typically made from nylon and olefin. This blend is resilient but the different fiber types often resist stains differently. Stains will often stand-out prominently with these blends.
NYLON
Nylon is the most popular fiber (about 90% of residential carpets and 65% of all carpets). Nylon is a good choice for all traffic areas because it is durable and static free, maintains fiber height, and resists soiling, staining, and mildew. Nylon fibers, which are dyed after production, maintain color. Some nylon carpet fades with sunlight. Nylon comes in continuous or spun fibers. Spun carpet is made of short lengths of fibers that are spun together. Thus, continuous fibers are less likely to unravel.
OLEFIN (POLYPROPYLENE)
Olefin (polypropylene) is the next-best seller after nylon (about 80% of commercial carpet). These fibers are colorfast because the production process involves mixing polypropylene with dyes. Olefin works best in loop carpets such as berbers. It is strong (resisting both crushing and abrasion), mildew resistant, moisture resistant, and easy to clean (bleach can be used safely in some cases). However, olefin can be easy to crush depending on the pile. This fiber is used in many artificial sport turfs.
POLYESTER
Polyester does not hold its fiber height under traffic and shifting weight as well as other carpet fibers. Polyester is luxurious, durable against abrasions, easy to clean, and resistant to water soluble stains. Polyester carpets costs less than wool and nylon.
RECYCLED MATERIAL
Some carpet is made from recycled material.
WOOL
Wool is luxurious and strong and maintains its fiber height. Wool also has its weaknesses. It can maintain static and moisture, tends to fray, and is expensive.
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Selecting Carpet
Selecting Fiber