Everything you need to know about carpeting:

What are the different types of fiber for carpeting?  

Carpet is made with four different types of face yarn: Wool, Nylon, Olefin, and Polyester.  Many of the carpets we carry have nylon pile, however we do carry all of the different types of face yarns, along with blends of more than one type of yarn.  Here is some basic information on the different types of yarn commonly used in carpet.

Nylon: 

Nylon carpet fiber is a synthetic (man-made) fiber engineered specifically for strength and durability.

Here’s what makes nylon unique:

  How Nylon Fiber Is Made

Nylon is created from petroleum-based polymers that are melted and extruded through tiny openings to form long, continuous filaments. These filaments are then twisted and heat-set into yarn, giving the carpet its shape, texture, and resilience.

  How the Fiber Performs

• Very strong and resilient – Nylon fibers “bounce back” after being compressed, which helps prevent crushing and matting.

• Excellent wear resistance – Ideal for high-traffic areas in homes and offices.

• Holds color well – Can be dyed deeply for rich, lasting color.

• Easy to clean – Modern nylon carpets often include stain-resistant treatments.

  Why It’s Popular

Because of its durability and ability to maintain appearance over time, nylon is one of the most widely used carpet fibers in the United States. While it may cost more than polyester or olefin, it is often chosen for its long-term performance and reliability.

Olefin:  

Olefin carpet fiber (also called polypropylene) is a synthetic fiber widely used in carpets, especially for budget-friendly and outdoor applications. Here’s what you need to know about it:

  How Olefin Fiber Is Made

Olefin is made from polymerized propylene (a type of plastic). The molten polymer is extruded into fibers, which are then twisted or heat-set to form carpet yarn.

  How the Fiber Performs

• Affordable – Olefin is generally less expensive than nylon or polyester.

• Stain and moisture resistant – It naturally repels water and many stains, making it a good choice for basements, outdoor areas, or rooms prone to spills.

• Colorfast – Olefin holds color well and won’t fade easily in sunlight.

• Lightweight and soft – It has a smooth, soft feel underfoot.

  Limitations

• Less durable than nylon – Olefin has lower resilience, so it can crush or flatten in high-traffic areas over time.

• Harder to repair – It’s not as strong for heavy-use areas and can be difficult to stretch or patch.

In short, olefin is an economical, stain-resistant fiber that’s great for low- to medium-traffic areas, but it won’t wear as long as nylon in busy areas.

Polyester: 

PET polyester carpet fiber (commonly just called polyester) is a synthetic fiber made from recycled or virgin polyester materials, often derived from PET plastics like water bottles. It’s widely used in residential carpeting because of its softness, color vibrancy, and affordability. Here’s a breakdown:

  How Polyester Fiber Is Made

Polyester fibers are created by melting PET (polyethylene terephthalate) pellets and extruding them into long filaments. These filaments are then spun, twisted, and heat-set into yarns suitable for carpeting.

  How the Fiber Performs

• Soft and luxurious feel – Polyester has a silky, plush texture underfoot, making it a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

• Excellent color retention – Polyester holds dye well, so carpets maintain rich, vibrant colors over time.

• Stain resistance – Many polyester carpets come with built-in stain protection, although it’s more susceptible to oil-based stains than nylon.

• Environmentally friendly options – PET polyester can be made from recycled plastic bottles, making it a “greener” choice.

  Limitations

• Less resilient than nylon – Polyester can crush or mat in high-traffic areas more quickly.

• Moderate durability – Better suited for low- to medium-traffic areas rather than heavy-use hallways or offices.

  Best Uses

• Bedrooms and family rooms

• Low-traffic areas in the home

• Spaces where color and softness are a priority

PTT Polyester:  

PTT polyester carpet fiber (also called Triexta). It’s increasingly popular in residential carpeting because it’s soft, stain-resistant, and long-lasting.

  How PTT Fiber Is Made

PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate) is a type of polyester that is chemically different from standard PET polyester. It’s extruded into fibers and then twisted and heat-set into yarns, creating a soft yet resilient carpet.

  How the Fiber Performs

• Soft and plush – PTT fibers feel luxurious underfoot, similar to PET polyester.

• Excellent stain resistance – It naturally resists many stains, and additional treatments can make it even more spill-proof.

• High resilience – Unlike standard PET polyester, PTT bounces back well after foot traffic, resisting crushing and matting.

• Colorfast – Holds vibrant colors even in sunlight or heavy use.

• Eco-friendly options – Many PTT fibers are partially made from recycled materials.

  Limitations

• Cost – Slightly more expensive than standard PET polyester, though usually less than nylon.

• Still softer than nylon – While resilient, it may not last as long in extremely high-traffic areas like commercial offices or busy hallways.

  Best Uses

• Living rooms, bedrooms, and family spaces

• Areas where comfort, color, and stain resistance are priorities

What are the different types of construction for carpeting?  

All tufted carpet start out as a loop pile construction.  After the carpet has been looped the style of the carpet is defined by what happens to the loops, are the loops cut, left looped, or some cut and some looped.

Although we sell carpet at discounted and wholesale prices, the quality of our material is the same as you would find at any full service store, at a fraction of the price. The major manufacturers (Shaw Industries and Mohawk) partner with us to liquidate carpet. So if you need a remnant or an entire house of carpeting, Nylon carpet, polyester carpet, or olefin, we carry all different types of carpet. We have one of the largest selections of outdoor and marine carpets you will ever see. Carpet Manufacturers Warehouse ®  is your best choice for carpet. We have just the carpet you are looking for. Give us a try! Even if you need cheap carpet we are your best choice for carpet stores.

6111 East Randolph Street
City of Commerce, CA 90040