Carpet Fiber
There are four basic types of fiber and each of them has their own strength or benefit. Decide what’s important to you and your decision will be easy!
Nylon
Nylon carpet fiber is soft yet strong, shows color brilliantly, and is easy to clean. It is very resilient, fade resistant, and retains its texture well. Newer Nylons called “Nylon 6” or “Nylon 6/6” are more expensive but are engineered to be more durable and resistant to wear. These carpets are great choice for anywhere in the home, especially places where stains may occur.
Polypropylene (Olefin)
The use of polypropylene in carpet has grown dramatically over the past ten years. It is extremely resistant to moisture, stains, fading, and chemical cleaning agents. Polypropylene, a value-oriented fiber, is notably colorfast because it is solution dyed, which means the color is added during the fiber production and not dyed later. Because it’s so resistant to moisture and mildew, it’s generally a good choice for both outdoor and indoor areas including playrooms, kitchens and dens.
Polyester (P.E.T.)
Made from recycled P.E.T. products, like plastic soda bottles, it is stronger than polypropylene and can perform as well as nylon at a lower cost. It offers exceptional softness, making it ideal for thick, cut pile styles. Polyester is also naturally and permanently stain and fade resistant. It has excellent color clarity, color retention, strength, and abrasion resistance. Carpets made from polyester are easily cleaned and they resist water soluble stains. As a recycled product, it is an inexpensive environmentally friendly option.
Wool
Wool is the crème dela crème of carpet fiber. It was the original fiber for carpet and is the only natural one of the four main fibers. It is tough and durable yet soft and luxurious. Dust, dirt, and oil-based stains come out easily because wool naturally releases the soil rather than absorbing it. In a high traffic room, it stays resilient and bounces back. It’s also environmentally friendly because it comes from a renewable resource. Wool is the most expensive carpet fiber and is generally used only in luxury carpets and area rugs.
When you purchase a carpet made with any of these fibers, you’ll get a comprehensive warranty from the manufacturer. Ask your Abbey expert for more information about the performance and warranties on these products.
Advanced Generation Nylons (Branded Fiber)
Advanced Generation Nylons are also called “branded fibers” because they have a specific brand name. Buying branded versus unbranded carpet makes a huge difference. Branded fibers are manufactured to a strict set of standards and offer better performance, stain, static, and crush resistance. The fibers have been specially treated with stain and soil resistant resins that were applied during the dyeing process. We feature the following branded fibers:
• Premier Stainmaster®
• Softique®
• Infinity Nylon Carpet Fiber®
You’ll find carpet made with these branded fibers on our Alexander Smith and American Showcase displays in your Abbey showroom. These branded fibers receive our Exclusive Lifetime Warranties.