At a Glance:
Nylon Carpeting: The Durable Carpeting Choice
Polyester Carpeting: The Affordable Carpet Option
Caring for Polyester & Nylon Carpeting
One of the biggest concerns that homeowners have when evaluating flooring is long-term wear. High-traffic areas are vulnerable to dirt and debris tracked in several times each day, so the longer flooring can stack up against wear and tear, the better the value and the nicer the home will look.
When the debate is durability, two great options we recommend homeowners exploring are between nylon vs. polyester carpets. Keep reading to learn which type is the best carpet for high traffic areas in your home as we compare the two in this guide.
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Give your home's busiest areas a touch of cozy comfort with carpeting from Liddiard Home Furnishings.
Shop CarpetingCarpet or Hardwood?
Homeowners often seek out hardwood for high-traffic areas because it is known for being durable and long-lasting. That usually means homeowners don’t have to replace their floors every few years.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to overlook carpet in these spaces. Modern advances in carpet materials have made some products more durable than eve—without sacrificing softness. These materials resist stains and are easy to maintain, and they cost a fraction of hardwood. Investing in carpet might be the better option if you have small children who are still crawling or are uncertain on their feet. Carpet is also cozier to walk on during the colder months of the year.
Nylon Carpeting: The Durable Carpeting Choice
First let’s explore nylon carpet. This flooring material is made of synthetic, petroleum-based polymer. Even though it is designed to be durable, the production process makes it soft. This is why nylon is comfortable to walk on.
Homeowners often ask us, “How long does nylon carpet last?” A good amount of time, actually! Nylon carpet can last up to 15 years if it is well cared for. It’s known for bouncing back after facing pressure (like footfalls) and responding well to steam cleaning. In most cases, regular vacuuming and annual steam treatments are all that are needed to keep nylon carpeting in tip-top shape.
Nylon Carpet Price
Nylon carpet has an average price of $5 to $8 per square foot. When you add installation costs, you can expect to pay between $6 to $10 per square foot.
Every flooring purchase comes with benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few nylon carpet pros and cons.
✅ Nylon is of the most durable carpeting options on the market, making it of the top picks for the best carpet for high traffic family room.
✅ Nylon carpeting is soft to the touch.
✅ Nylon is especially affordable.
✅ Maintaining nylon carpeting is simple.
❌ It is more likely to stain because nylon is absorbent.
❌ Nylon emits more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other flooring products, which can be an issue for individuals with sensitive respiratory systems.
Featured Nylon Carpet Looks
Here are three nylon carpet options that highlight the quality and durability of this material.
Shaw® Floors Anso Colorwall Platinum Twist Victoria Falls Carpet
Shop This Shaw Nylon Carpeting
Dark carpet can further your design aesthetics while also hiding dirt and wear, which is why this pick from Shaw Floors is a great pairing in high-traffic settings. This option is stain-resistant, giving it an edge in the nylon vs. polyester carpet debate. Designed for soft and cozy appeal, this nylon carpeting will be a joy to walk on.
Shaw® Floors Awaken Spirit II 12' Cream Carpet
Shop This Shaw Floor Nylon Carpeting
Shop This Shaw Floor Nylon Carpeting
You can also find nylon carpet in a variety of beautiful whites and creams. This option, which comes in 36 color choices, can add a warm feel to your living space while also holding up over the years. Another reason to choose carpet over hardwood is because it provides insulation. Designed with a series of tufts and loops, this flooring options is sure to feel warm and enjoyable in busy areas of the home.
Shaw® Floors Caress by Shaw Angora Classic I Cormo Carpet
Shop This Shaw Floor Nylon Carpeting
The multi-color design of this flooring is especially great at hiding hide dirt and other unsightly messes that come with everyday living. You can still keep this carpet clean with regular vacuuming, but any wear won’t be immediately visible. Consider this color for areas where your kids and pets love to play.
Polyester Carpeting: The Affordable Carpet Option
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Another option if you are looking for high traffic carpet is polyester. This carpet is also made of synthetic materials, including petroleum-based chemicals. Polyester carpet is considered less durable than its nylon counterparts. However, one of the main benefits of polyester carpet is that it does not absorb spills as nylon does. This makes it easier to clean if you constantly fight against liquid stains like pet accidents or muddy shoes.
Like nylon, buyers wonder “How long does polyester carpet last?” This material is designed to last at least five years but can last just as long as nylon carpet if it’s properly cared for.
One of the main reasons why polyester carpet is replaceable is because it is affordable. Polyester is the clear winner when considering nylon vs polyester carpet price, with prices as low as $1 to $3 per square foot on average. Once you add installation costs, you can expect to pay $2 to $5 per square foot. This is a good option for high-traffic areas because you can buy the carpet knowing it will get worn out.
Here are a few pros and cons of polyester carpet as you decide whether this option is right for you.
✅ Polyester is one of the cheapest flooring options available.
✅ Polyester surfaces are less absorbent so spills and messes can be easily cleaned up.
✅ Polyester flooring comes in a variety of textures, colors, and styles.
✅Polyester carpeting is soft.
❌Carpeting made of polyester tends to wear out quickly.
❌Polyester might look dirty sooner than nylon, making your house feel worn or unclean.
Featured Polyester Carpeting Looks
With that said, is nylon carpet better than polyester? If you want an affordable flooring option that can stand the test of life in high-traffic areas, it’s worth exploring! Here are a few options to consider as you decide between nylon vs polyester carpet.
Shaw® Floors All Star Weekend III 15' Dove Carpet
Shop This Shaw Floors Polyester Carpeting
This dove-toned polyester carpeting creates a unique presentation that can make a room feel peaceful. It’s the perfect offset for busy areas like the living room or even a playroom. This polyester flooring was also designed to support homeowners with pets with 100% pet polyester that’s protected with a 10 year warranty.
Shaw® Floors Briceville Classic 15 Landslide Carpet
Shop This Shaw Floors Polyester Carpeting
If you are concerned about nylon vs polyester carpet durability, consider buying darker polyester carpet. It will hide stains better and won’t look as worn as white carpet. This product is a beautiful dark brown that will add rich hues to your living space. Pair it with lighter furniture to create a sense of balance in your home.
Shaw® Floors Cabana Bay (B) Beach House Carpet
Shop This Shaw Floors Polyester Carpeting
Rounding out the list of flooring options in the debate between nylon vs. polyester carpet is this speckled marvel. This is another light carpet that uses multiple colors to hide wear and dirt. It is ideal for hallways, entryways, and other high-traffic areas because of its dirt-hiding design. Crafted with a short shag pile, it’s just what a living room needs for that irresistible touch of softness.
Caring for Polyester & Nylon Carpeting
While it is important to know the difference between nylon and polyester carpet, the durability depends on how well you care for it. Well-maintained carpet will last no matter how rough your family is on it. Here are a few maintenance tips for both nylon and polyester carpet.
✔ Invest in a good vacuum: Find an effective vacuum that you enjoy using. Set a reminder to vacuum weekly so dirt and grime don’t build up.
✔ Don’t let stains set. The longer a stain is left, the more likely it will become permanent. Handle spills as soon as they occur.
✔ Move your furniture around. This will prevent discoloration where the sun hits the carpet in some areas but not others.
✔ Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture. Pet dander, fur, hair, and dust can accumulate under carpet just like hardwood.
✔ Schedule annual cleanings. Consider investing in steam cleaning at least once a year to get any stubborn dirt out of your carpet.
Picking the right flooring for your living room, rec room, or even bedroom is the finishing touch that makes a room feel like home. Polyester and nylon carpeting are two great options for full houses, and Liddiard Home Furnishings has the looks to make a room complete. Whether it’s nylon or polyester carpet, you can explore even more options by visiting our Tooele flooring showroom today!
Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?
For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.
Shop Nylon Carpeting at Liddiard Home Furnishings
For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop flooring online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you decide— whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!
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