Fiber Type, Explained Carpet fiber families • Common labels • What fiber type does (and doesn’t) tell you
“Fiber type” is a core specification in carpet. It identifies what the yarn is made from (nylon, polyester, triexta, wool, etc.). This page explains common fiber families and how to interpret the spec in context. Reference-only: no product recommendations.
Fiber type tells you what material the carpet yarn is made from. It can hint at typical performance tendencies (like stain behavior or resilience), but it’s not a full predictor—construction details like density, twist, pile style, and backing can matter just as much.
Common Carpet Fiber Types (reference)
| Fiber family | Common spec labels | Typical traits (high-level) | Notes (reference-only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6 | Often associated with resilience and broad use across styles | Performance varies by twist, density, and finish/treatments. |
| Polyester | PET, Recycled PET | Common in many soft-feel styles; often marketed for color clarity | Construction and yarn quality drive real-world results. |
| Triexta | Triexta, PTT | Often marketed for stain resistance and softness | Check the full build; “triexta” alone doesn’t define density. |
| Olefin (Polypropylene) | Olefin, Polypropylene | Often used in loops and some commercial styles; common in certain rugs | Listed traits depend heavily on application and construction. |
| Wool | Wool | Natural fiber; often associated with premium categories | Spec sheets may list blends; behavior differs from synthetics. |
Common Spec Labels You’ll See Near “fiber type”
Fiber Family vs Yarn Form (BCF, staple)
Spec sheets may list both the fiber family (nylon, PET, etc.) and the yarn form. BCF (bulk continuous filament) and staple describe how the yarn is made/formed, not the polymer family itself.
Solution-Dyed (a dye method, not a fiber)
Solution-dyed typically means pigment is added during fiber production. It may be listed as a color/dye attribute alongside fiber type.
Blends
Some products list a blend (for example, wool + synthetic). In those cases, fiber type may be presented as a percentage breakdown. Blend labels alone still don’t describe twist, density, or backing—so read them as composition info.
Quick Explainers
Why Fiber Type is Only Part of the Story
Fiber type is important, but it doesn’t fully describe performance. Construction variables like pile style (cut/loop), twist level, density, face weight, and backing system can change how a carpet behaves even within the same fiber family.
Fiber Type vs Stain and Soil Behavior
Some fiber families are commonly associated with certain stain/soil tendencies, but real-world outcomes can be strongly influenced by yarn treatments, dye method, and how the carpet is constructed. Treat “fiber type” as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Fiber Type vs Warranty Language
Warranty terms often reference stain, texture retention, or wear categories. Those terms typically depend on the entire product design, not just fiber family. Fiber type can be listed in the warranty section, but it’s rarely the only determining detail.
FAQ
Is nylon always better than polyester? ⌄
Not universally. Fiber type is one factor, but construction (density, twist, style) and treatments can be equally important. Compare full specs and like-for-like construction when possible.
What does PET mean on carpet specs? ⌄
PET is a common label for polyester. Some listings also mention recycled PET as part of the fiber description.
What does BCF mean? ⌄
BCF stands for bulk continuous filament. It describes the yarn form/manufacturing style, not the fiber family itself.
Is solution-dyed a fiber type? ⌄
No. Solution-dyed describes how color is introduced into the fiber during production. It’s often listed alongside fiber type because it relates to color/dye behavior.