15 Jan Ultimate Guide To Triexta Carpet
What is Triexta Carpet?
Triexta carpet, also known as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), is a type of synthetic carpet fibre made from corn starch and polyester. It is considered a newer and more advanced alternative to traditional synthetic carpet fibres such as nylon and polyester. The transesterification method was first successfully made in 2004, and the trademarked in 2009 making triexta a very new and innvoative material in the carpet industry.
Although the chemistry behind triexta is very similar to that of polyester, the properties of the carpet are superior in almost every way. Triexta carpet is known for its durability, incredible stain resistance, and cloud-like softness beneath your feet. As the fibres are made of 37% corn sugar, many consider triexta the renewable and earth friendly option as opposed to petroleum derived alternatives.
When considering triexta carpet, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Thats why we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to triexta carpets so you can buy with confidence knowing whether or not it suits your individual needs!
Advantages of Triexta Carpet
1) Triexta is Durable
One of the biggest advantages of triexta carpet is its durability. It is considered to be one of the most durable carpet fibres on the market, making it a great option for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and hallways.
2) Triexta is Stain Resistant
Additionally, triexta carpet is known for its stain resistance and is easy to clean. Most “Solution Dyed” carpets offer up to 48 hours of stain resistance to most spills, whereas Triexta carpets can reach one whole week of protection!
3) Triexta Is Soft Underfoot
One of the most important factors when choosing a carpet is softness. Luckily, triexta also has a very lush, soft, and luxurious feel, making it a comfortable option for any room in your home.
4) Triexta is Renewable
If sustainability is on the forefront of your considerations, triexta is a great option as they are derived from natural corn sugar as opposed to petroleum-based alternatives like nylon carpets. This means triexta is renewable and better for the planet.
Disadvantages of Triexta Carpet
However, there are also some cons to consider when choosing triexta carpet.
1) Triexta Is Expensive
Triexta carpet is more expensive than other synthetic options like nylon, polyester or polypropylene. In fact, the only carpet that trumps the price of triexta would be natural wool carpets.
2) Less Resilience & Shape Retention
Although triexta carpet is durable when it comes to wear and tear, they face a different issue – resilience. Triexta carpets lack the shape retention abilities of tougher carpets. This means it is easier for the soft carpet fibres to flatten in higher-traffic areas.
3) UV Resistance & Fading
Another drawback of triexta is fading which can occur when exposed to direct sunlight. Whilst most carpet fibres also experience this problem, triexta is not safe either. We recommend closing blinds in areas with sun-facing windows during the summer seasons to minimise the risks.
How Much Does Triexta Carpet Cost?
In Sydney, the cost of installing triexta carpet can vary depending on factors such as the size of the room, the type of carpet, and the cost of labor. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $70 to $100 per square meter for triexta carpet, including underlay and professional installation. This is based on Sydney & NSW statistics as of 2023, and may vary based on geographic location.
Carpet Pile & Thickness
Pile height refers to the length of the fibers on the carpet. A higher pile height may be more comfortable underfoot, but it can also be more prone to crushing and matting if it is not as dense. Thicker triexta fibres require more material to manufacture, hence increasing the cost per square metre.
Carpet Density & Gauge
Triexta carpets come in different densities, which can affect their durability and performance. Look for a carpet with a higher density for a longer-lasting product. Similar to thickness, a higher gauge means more carpet fibre and a higher price.
How To Clean & Maintain Triexta Carpet
Triexta is fortunately very stain resistant and much easier to maintain than other synthetic carpets. Not everyone loves cleaning, although it is a necessary evil for beauty to stay.
Here is our recommended guideline to follow when maintaining triexta carpet to keep them beautiful for longer:
- Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming will help remove dirt and debris from the carpet fibers, which can cause them to wear down over time.
- Spot clean spills immediately: If a spill occurs, use a clean, white cloth to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Although triexta is great with stains, always avoid leaving stains for extended periods of time.
- Use Recommended Methods Only: Triexta carpets may require more specialized cleaning solutions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the fibers or cause discoloration.
- Avoid over-wetting: When cleaning triexta carpets, avoid over-wetting the fibers. This can cause the carpet to shrink, stretch, or become discolored.
- Rotate furniture: Rotate furniture regularly to even out wear and tear on the carpet. This applies for heavier tables and cabinets only.
- Protect from sunlight: Place window coverings or UV-protective film on windows to protect the carpet from fading in direct sunlight. Unfortunately, triexta doesn’t love sunlight.
- Professional cleaning: Consider having your triexta carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always check and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your triexta carpet.
How Does Triexta Compare With Other Carpet Materials?
When comparing triexta carpet to other carpet fibres, it is important to note that it is a different type of fibre altogether.
Triexta vs Wool Carpet
Triexta carpet is more durable and stain-resistant than wool carpet, making it a great option for high-traffic areas. Furthermore, triexta tends to be slightly more affordable than wool as it is easier to source the materials and manufacture. This makes triexta more attractive for busy families and those who may have pets.
On the otherhand, wool carpet is a natural fibre and offers greater resilience (shape retention) and longevity. Wool also offers natural benefits including regulating the air quality and humidity. Furthermore, wool is naturally more fire retardant and safer when it comes to flammability.
Triexta vs Solution Dyed Nylon Carpet
Compared to nylon carpet, triexta carpet is considered more stain-resistant and soft underfoot. Nylon carpet is known for its strength and resilience, but triexta carpet is considered to be more advanced and some tests have shown that triexta can be just as hardwearing as nylon.
Nylon carpets tend to be better with shape retention and last longer as they don’t flatten as easily as soft triexta. Nylon is also slightly more affordable although both are made of synthetic fibres. Overall, both triexta and nylon are very similar in quality, although triexta is considered the more premium option between the two.
Triexta vs Polyester Carpet
When compared to polyester carpet, triexta carpet is considered to be significantly more durable and stain-resistant. Polyester carpet is known for its affordability, but triexta carpet is considered to be much more durable, much softer and much better with stain resistance.
The only win that polyester has over triexta would be the low price tag it has. However, they also won’t last nearly as long as triexta. Polyester would be more suitable for rental properties and is a budget option.
Conclusion – Should You Buy Triexta Carpet?
Ultimately, triexta carpet is a great option for those looking for a durable and stain-resistant carpet. The easy-to-clean fibres make it very attractive for families that may also have pets. Its softness and luxury feel make it a comfortable option for any room in your home. However, it is a lower resilience carpet, which means flattening may be noticeable in high-traffic areas in the long term. Additionally, the cost of triexta carpet can be more expensive than traditional carpet fibres.
In the end, it depends on your circumstance – who will be living there, and what is your budget? It is important to weigh the pros and cons and decide if triexta carpet is the right choice when buying carpet.
If you are looking to buy triexta carpet we have a large range of triexta carpets alongside professional installers with decades of experience. Feel free to reach out for a quick quote or expert advice!
