When setting out to replace your flooring, you often know early on whether you want to opt for a type of hard floor or carpet, whether that’s due to comfort, aesthetics, functionality, or a combination of the three. Just as there are plenty of hard flooring options to choose from, carpet comes in a variety of fibers to suit different requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll compare triexta vs nylon carpets.
What is triexta carpet?
Triexta is one of the newest carpet materials to become commonly available across America. Its synthetic fibers are made of polytrimethylene terephthalate, and it is often said to be comparable to polyester. However, due to its chemical makeup, it boasts additional properties which can make it more desirable than polyester for many property owners.
Triexta carpets are very strong and durable, as well as being inherently stain-resistant. This isn’t achieved through a coating like other synthetic carpet types, but instead originates from within the fibers, giving it the best level of stain resistance out of all of the main carpet types on the market. Since triexta doesn’t require chemical application to create stain resistance (like most of its competitors do), it is very soft underfoot – softer than polyester and nylon, making it the ideal choice for applications where comfort is a desirable factor.
Triexta fibers also don’t absorb water, meaning spills can be easily cleaned without fear of the liquid seeping deep into the carpet and presenting issues down the line. Another big benefit of triexta carpet is its ability to maintain its original color. It doesn’t fade easily, so you don’t have to worry about extended sun exposure damaging the carpet over time.
As good as its positive properties sound, it’s important to note the downsides of triexta carpet. Due to its fibers being particularly dense, triexta can be difficult to vacuum, which is the main way to maintain the appearance and sanitation of your carpet between periodic professional cleans. This may be a particular consideration for homeowners who have disabilities, or struggle with the weight of a vacuum cleaner. Despite being difficult to vacuum, it’s important to keep triexta carpets clean, as mildew can affect the form of the fibers. Another downside to triexta is its ability to generate static electricity.
A final note is that triexta was only introduced as a carpet fiber by the Federal Trade Commission in 2009, so compared to other carpet types, we don’t have much long-term data for its performance. For example, there is no accurate time scale for triexta carpet’s lifespan, as it simply hasn’t been used as a carpet material long enough to tell.
Triexta carpet retails for around $2 – $6 per square foot.
What is nylon carpet?
Often regarded as the most luxurious synthetic fiber, nylon is a popular carpet choice for those looking to spend a little more for flooring with a high quality look and feel. Composed of polymers which are inherently strong and durable, the main selling point of nylon is its level of durability. Nylon fibers wear down much slower than others, and they can ‘bounce back’ after compaction, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Nylon carpet has an expected lifespan of around 12-15 years.
Due to being an absorbent material, nylon can stain quite easily compared to triexta. Modern nylon carpets are treated to prevent spills from setting in, but its overall stain-resistance remains fairly low. Liquids left to absorb into nylon fibers can enable mold growth, so due to its absorbent properties, nylon carpets may require more frequent professional cleans than other fiber types.
Households with allergy sufferers can benefit from nylon carpets, as it’s the most allergy-friendly synthetic fiber. It’s also very comfortable underfoot, adding to the luxurious feel. Some nylon carpets are even recyclable at end-of-use, but make sure to do your research if this is a priority for you, as not every nylon product has this feature.
Nylon tends to have a limited color range compared to other carpet types, although the options available are diverse enough to suit a variety of interior styles. It’s also worth noting that nylon has high static electricity.
Nylon carpet retails for around $4 – $7 per square foot.
Is triexta carpet better than nylon?
Triexta and nylon have some very comparable features, but there are some aspects where one fiber falls short and the other proves superior. Which carpet you decide is better will depend on your priorities when it comes to choosing a new flooring material.
Triexta carpet is better than nylon due to its:
- Stain-resistance
- Comfort underfoot
- No water absorption
- No color fading
- Varied color range
Nylon carpet is better than triexta due to its:
- Proven lifespan expectancy
- Crush-resistant properties
- Ease of cleaning
Whichever carpet type you choose, always have your flooring installed by a professional to ensure maximum longevity and safety of the floors.