Nylon Vs Polyester Carpet? Prices, Installation Cost, Best Brands, Pros and Cons

When choosing carpet materials for your home, nylon and polyester represent two of the most popular options on the market today. Each material offers distinct characteristics that impact durability, comfort, price point, and overall performance. The choice between nylon and polyester carpet can significantly affect your long-term satisfaction and budget. This comprehensive comparison examines the key differences in pricing, installation costs, leading manufacturers, and the advantages and disadvantages of each carpet type to help you make an informed decision for your flooring needs.

Nylon carpet is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum products through a chemical process. Known for its exceptional durability and resilience, nylon has been the dominant carpet fiber in residential applications for decades. It naturally returns to its original shape after compression, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Polyester carpet (sometimes called PET – polyethylene terephthalate) is also synthetic but often incorporates recycled materials such as plastic bottles. Polyester offers superior color clarity and stain resistance compared to nylon. Modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved polyester’s performance characteristics, making it a more viable competitor to nylon than in previous years.

Price Comparison: Nylon vs Polyester Carpets

The cost difference between these two materials is one of the primary factors driving consumer decisions. Polyester carpets typically cost 20-30% less than comparable nylon options, making them particularly attractive for budget-conscious homeowners or rental property owners.

Quality Level	Nylon Price (per sq. ft.)	Polyester Price (per sq. ft.)
Economy	$2-$4	$1-$3
Mid-range	$4-$6	$3-$5
Premium	$6-$10+	$5-$7

Factors affecting price variations include fiber density, twist level, pile height, and whether the nylon is type 6 or type 6,6 (with type 6,6 typically commanding a higher price due to superior performance characteristics). For polyester, the use of recycled vs. virgin materials can also influence pricing.

Installation Costs for Both Materials

Installation costs remain relatively consistent regardless of whether you choose nylon or polyester. The national average for professional carpet installation ranges from $3.50 to $6 per square foot, covering labor, padding, and additional materials like tack strips and transitions.

Cost factors specific to installation include:

• Room complexity and size
• Furniture removal and replacement
• Old carpet removal and disposal ($0.25-$0.50 per sq. ft. additional)
• Subfloor preparation if needed
• Quality of carpet padding selected ($0.30-$1.50 per sq. ft.)

Most professional installers recommend higher quality padding regardless of carpet material choice, as proper padding extends carpet life and enhances comfort. Total project costs for an average 12×12 room typically range from $950-$1,700 for polyester and $1,150-$2,000+ for nylon, including materials and installation.

Pros and Cons of Nylon Carpets

Advantages of Nylon

• Superior durability – Can last 12-15 years with proper maintenance
• Excellent resilience – Fibers bounce back after compression from foot traffic or furniture
• Good abrasion resistance – Withstands high traffic areas without showing wear paths
• Can be treated to improve stain resistance (though not naturally stain-resistant)
• Superior tensile strength – Resistant to stretching and breaking
• Available in solution-dyed options for enhanced colorfastness

Disadvantages of Nylon

• Higher price point compared to polyester
• Not naturally stain-resistant without additional treatments
• Can generate static electricity (though anti-static treatments are common)
• Less environmentally friendly in production and disposal
• Can fade in areas exposed to direct sunlight over time

Pros and Cons of Polyester Carpets

Advantages of Polyester

• Excellent stain resistance – Naturally repels water-based spills
• More affordable than comparable nylon options
• Vibrant, fade-resistant colors due to solution dyeing methods
• Often uses recycled materials, making it more environmentally friendly
• Naturally resistant to mold and mildew
• Soft, plush feel underfoot, especially in higher pile options

Disadvantages of Polyester

• Less resilient than nylon – May show traffic patterns more quickly
• Shorter lifespan (typically 5-10 years in high-traffic areas)
• Tends to flatten and mat down over time
• Vulnerable to oil-based stains which can be difficult to remove
• Not recommended for stairs or extremely high-traffic areas

Best Brands for Nylon Carpets

Several manufacturers have established reputations for high-quality nylon carpets. Shaw Floors and Mohawk lead the market with their proprietary nylon technologies that enhance durability and stain resistance.

• Shaw Floors – Their patented Anso® nylon features R2X stain and soil resistance. Their LifeGuard® backing system provides exceptional moisture protection.
• Mohawk – Offers SmartStrand® with nylon blends and their exclusive Forever Fresh™ technology.
• Stainmaster® (now owned by Lowe’s) – Pioneered stain-resistant carpets and remains a premium nylon option with excellent warranties.
• Karastan – Known for high-end nylon carpets with sophisticated designs and excellent durability.
• Dream Weaver – Their PureColor® nylon fiber system offers superior fade resistance and ease of cleaning.

Most premium nylon carpets come with warranties ranging from 15-25 years, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s longevity. Higher-end nylon carpets typically feature type 6,6 nylon, which offers superior resilience and heat resistance compared to type 6.

Best Brands for Polyester Carpets

Polyester carpet technology has improved significantly, with several brands developing premium options that address traditional polyester weaknesses. Key manufacturers have focused on increasing density and using advanced fiber treatments to enhance durability.

• Mohawk – Their EverStrand® line uses up to 100% recycled plastic bottles and features advanced soil protection.
• Shaw Floors – ClearTouch® polyester offers improved resilience and stain resistance with eco-friendly manufacturing.
• Anderson Tuftex – Premium polyester carpets with sophisticated styling and enhanced performance.
• Phenix – Their SureSoftSD™ polyester offers exceptional softness while maintaining good durability.
• LifeProof (Home Depot exclusive) – Features PetProof technology and comprehensive stain protection.

Warranties for quality polyester carpets typically range from 10-15 years, though primarily covering stain resistance rather than wear. Look for brands that specify high fiber density (above 40 oz) for better long-term performance in polyester options.

Which Carpet Material Is Right for You?

The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and household conditions. Consider choosing nylon if you have heavy foot traffic, children, or need maximum longevity from your carpet investment. Nylon’s superior resilience makes it ideal for stairs, hallways, family rooms, and other high-use areas.

Polyester may be the better option for bedrooms, guest rooms, or if you’re working with a limited budget. It’s also preferable in homes where spills and stains are frequent concerns, or for environmentally-conscious consumers who value using recycled materials.

For homes with pets, consider specialized versions of either material that offer enhanced protection against pet accidents. Both Shaw and Mohawk offer pet-specific carpet technologies in both nylon and polyester formulations.

When comparing specific products, pay close attention to face weight (ounces per square yard), density rating, and twist level rather than focusing solely on the fiber type. A high-quality polyester carpet with superior specifications may outperform a low-quality nylon in many household applications.