Polypropylene Carpet: Pros and Cons
Polypropylene is an increasingly popular choice for commercial carpets thanks to its inherent resistance to stains and spillages, and above all, affordability for most budgets. At Birch Carpets we offer many contract carpets made with polypropylene to provide an entry-level, high performing option which is perfect for a wide variety of sectors and use cases.
In this guide we’ll take you through the advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene carpet, how it stacks up against nylon and wool, and answer some common questions so that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on your next contract carpet.
Is polypropylene a good material for carpets?
Polypropylene yarn features a semi-crystalline structure which does not absorb any moisture, making it unique among synthetic fibres. The inherently water-resistant and stain-resistant properties gives polypropylene carpet its biggest advantage, resulting in an easy to maintain carpet that’s ideal for environments where spillages and tracked in dirt are a common occurrence.
Do polypropylene carpets wear well?
Polypropylene carpets will stand up to frequent spillages without staining, and they have a good level of durability for an entry-level carpet. Polypropylene is prone to crushing however, and is therefore less suitable for higher traffic areas when compared with a nylon or wool carpet.
Does polypropylene carpet need an underlay?
Yes, we’d recommend professionally installing a carpet underlay beneath your polypropylene carpet to protect the backing, helping to extend the life of your carpet.
Polypropylene Carpet Pros and Cons
Polypropylene carpets have a few key advantages over other carpet types, with the main differentiators being stain resistance and price point.
Pros
- Inherently stain-resistant, for a long-lasting, easy to maintain carpet
- More affordable than nylon and wool carpets
- Versatile construction, with polypropylene carpet available as loop pile or twist pile
Cons
- Limited colourways and patterns when compared with other carpet types
- Prone to crushing, as the fibres can be flattened by heavy objects
- Less luxurious than most nylon and wool carpets, as this is primarily a budget-friendly option
Polypropylene Carpet vs Wool
Polypropylene carpet can be a cost-effective alternative to wool carpet, while the similarities in appearance will mean that your polypropylene carpet can be indistinguishable from a more expensive wool carpet in terms of aesthetics.
The synthetic, semi-crystalline yarn makes polypropylene a better choice where stain resistance is a priority, but this carpet type is more prone to crushing than wool over the longer-term, and so the right choice will come down to your particular requirements.
Polypropylene Carpet vs Nylon
Polypropylene carpet excels over nylon when it comes to stain resistance, although nylon carpets will fare better against oil-based spillages. Polypropylene is intended as an entry-level option and will be more affordable than a nylon carpet in most cases, but if your budget can stretch further, there are a few key reasons to opt for nylon.
Nylon carpets are more durable than polypropylene carpets, maintaining excellent retention over the long term. Nylon is much more resistant to crushing, and is the better choice for a heavy duty carpet in high traffic areas.
Nylon will also generally be softer underfoot than polypropylene, providing a more luxurious feel perfect for high end interiors. Whether you opt for a polypropylene or nylon carpet will primarily come down to budget, as nylon will perform better in most situations except where stain resistance is the most important factor.
Ready to order a contract carpet?
View our full range of contract carpets in a wide variety of colours and styles, and choose from polypropylene, nylon, or a premium woven Wilton carpet. All of our carpets are available with a completely free sample you can order online.
And if you’d like further details or a competitive quote on any carpet in our range, get in touch today to see how we can help!
Care Tech Carpet
Stain-resistant and anti-bacterial carpet perfect for Healthcare.
View the Care Tech Carpet range
Birch Velour Carpet
Entry-level polypropylene carpet with a curled velour pile.
View the Birch Velour Carpet range
Birch Cord Carpet Tiles
Affordable carpet tiles made from stain-resistant polypropylene.