The question Is SmartStrand carpet better than nylon? is one many homeowners ask when choosing a durable, comfortable, and long-lasting carpet. Both carpet types are known for strong performance, but they differ in how they handle stains, wear, softness, maintenance, and everyday household challenges.
Understanding these differences is crucial especially if you have kids, pets, high-traffic zones, or want flooring that balances comfort with practicality. In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll break down SmartStrand vs. nylon carpet using real-world performance categories, expert insights, and long-term considerations so you can confidently decide which material is the best fit for your home.
SmartStrand, created by Mohawk, is known for its renewable-based fibers and exceptional stain resistance. Nylon, on the other hand, has been considered the “gold standard” for carpet durability for decades. But which one truly gives you better value? Which holds up longer? Which is easier to clean?
And which performs best in real-world situations like muddy pawprints, spilled juice, or heavy foot traffic?
This in-depth article will answer all those questions and more. We’ll dive into comfort, lifespan, maintenance, sustainability, and cost, while naturally incorporating key terms like SmartStrand vs nylon, carpet durability, stain-resistant carpet, fiber strength, and other valuable SEO keywords.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where each carpet excels and whether SmartStrand or nylon is the smarter long-term investment for your home.
SmartStrand vs. Nylon: Which Carpet Truly Performs Better?
What Is SmartStrand Carpet Made Of?
SmartStrand fibers are made from triexta, a subclass of polyester, but with one major advantage: the molecular structure is engineered to be inherently stain-resistant. About 37% of SmartStrand’s fiber content is made from renewable, plant-based materials.
Unlike nylon, which requires topical stain treatments, SmartStrand fibers have stain resistance built into the fiber itself. This means it doesn’t wash off, wear away, or diminish over time.
Why SmartStrand Became Popular
SmartStrand became widely known after the famous “Zoo Challenge,” during which a SmartStrand carpet was installed in a rhino enclosure and later cleaned back to nearly new condition. That marketing stunt highlighted the carpet’s ability to resist stains, odors, and crushing even under extreme conditions.
Since then, SmartStrand has grown in popularity among families, pet owners, and homeowners wanting a low-maintenance flooring option.
What Makes Nylon Different?
Nylon is a synthetic fiber known for strength, durability, and exceptional resilience. For decades, nylon carpets have been the top recommendation for high-traffic areas because they bounce back better than most fibers after compression.
Nylon carpets often come with protective stain treatments like Scotchgard or Stainmaster, but the protection is applied externally not built into the fiber itself.
Why Nylon Remains a Trusted Standard
People love nylon because it simply lasts. Even in busy households, nylon carpets maintain their structure, resist crushing, and hold their texture longer than most materials. It’s also considered an excellent all-rounder that performs well in almost every category except stain resistance without added treatments.
More recently, advanced nylons have become softer and more luxurious, making them a premium choice for many homeowners.
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Is SmartStrand Carpet Better Than Nylon?
1. Durability and Fiber Strength
How SmartStrand Handles Wear
SmartStrand is known for its impressive durability thanks to its crush-resistant fibers. Because the molecule structure is spring-like, the carpet bounces back even after repeated compression. Homeowners with active kids or pets appreciate that SmartStrand doesn’t flatten easily. However, nylon still traditionally has the edge when it comes to raw fiber strength.
How Nylon Handles Wear
Nylon has long been praised as the strongest carpet fiber available. It withstands heavy foot traffic better than most materials and maintains its original structure longer. Nylon fibers naturally recover well from compression, making them the top choice for hallways, stairs, and other high-use areas.
Verdict: Nylon Wins for Maximum Durability
If your top priority is pure fiber strength and long-term wear resistance, nylon has a slight advantage. SmartStrand is extremely durable, but nylon still ranks highest for resilience in the flooring industry.
2. Stain Resistance and Spill Protection
SmartStrand’s Built-In Stain Protection
One major reason people ask Is SmartStrand carpet better than nylon? is because SmartStrand’s stain resistance is legendary.
Since its protection is built into the fiber, it never wears off. Red wine, ink, mud, and pet accidents clean extremely easily from SmartStrand carpets. For busy homes with kids or pets, this is one of its strongest benefits.
Nylon’s External Stain Treatments
Nylon carpets need an applied layer of stain protection. Over time, especially after repeated cleanings, this protection may fade. While nylon cleans fairly well, SmartStrand consistently outperforms it in stain tests—often with dramatic results.
Verdict: SmartStrand Wins for Stain Resistance
If stains, spills, and pet accidents are major concerns, SmartStrand is the superior choice. Its built-in stain protection simply performs better long-term.
3. Softness and Underfoot Comfort
The Feel of SmartStrand
SmartStrand is designed to be incredibly soft. Its fibers have a silky feel that many homeowners describe as plush and luxurious. Families who walk barefoot in the house often prefer SmartStrand for its comfort. Kids who play on the floor or homeowners with sensitive feet appreciate its cushioned feel.
The Feel of Nylon
Nylon carpets vary widely in softness depending on their construction. Older nylon carpets are often less soft, but today’s premium nylon options especially branded nylons are extremely comfortable. Still, many homeowners notice SmartStrand has a more naturally soft and smooth surface.
Verdict: SmartStrand Wins for Softness
If comfort, plushness, and softness matter, SmartStrand usually feels better underfoot.
4. Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
SmartStrand’s Eco Benefits
Because SmartStrand contains renewable, plant-based components, it is seen as a more sustainable carpet option. Mohawk also markets SmartStrand as environmentally conscious due to its lower energy requirements during production.
For homeowners seeking greener materials, SmartStrand is the clear winner.
Nylon’s Environmental Impact
Nylon requires more energy to produce and is fully synthetic. While manufacturers have improved sustainability practices, nylon does not match SmartStrand in renewable content or environmental footprint.
Verdict: SmartStrand Wins for Sustainability
If being eco-friendly is important to you, SmartStrand is the more responsible choice.
5. Pet-Friendliness and Odor Protection
SmartStrand’s Pet Benefits
SmartStrand carpets, especially SmartStrand ForeverClean, are designed to resist pet stains and odors. Built-in protection makes it easier to clean up accidents and prevents lingering smells. This is a big selling point for pet owners.
Nylon’s Pet Performance
While nylon handles wear from claws and activity very well, it does not resist stains and odors as effortlessly as SmartStrand. You can still maintain nylon with good cleaning habits, but it requires more maintenance.
Verdict: SmartStrand Wins for Pet Owners
For pets, SmartStrand is typically the better option due to superior stain and odor protection.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
SmartStrand’s Low-Maintenance Advantage
SmartStrand fibers don’t absorb liquids or stains, making regular cleaning simple. Most spills come out with water alone. Since its stain protection is built in, you don’t need retreatments or chemical cleaners. Annual professional cleaning is recommended, but overall, it’s less demanding.
Nylon’s Maintenance Needs
Nylon carpets require routine cleaning and occasional stain-solution applications to maintain appearance. If the protective coating wears off, the carpet becomes more vulnerable to staining.
Verdict: SmartStrand Wins for Ease of Cleaning
If you want a carpet that stays clean with minimal effort, SmartStrand offers easier, more forgiving maintenance.
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7. Longevity and Lifespan
How Long SmartStrand Lasts
SmartStrand has very strong long-term performance, especially in stain resistance and softness retention. Many homeowners report their SmartStrand carpets still look new after several years. However, some flooring experts argue that nylon is still unmatched in long-term structural durability.
How Long Nylon Lasts
Nylon’s fiber structure is extremely resilient, making it one of the longest-lasting carpets available. If you expect your carpet to endure heavy traffic for 10–20 years, nylon is often the safest bet.
Verdict: Nylon Wins for Long-Term Lifespan
For maximum lifespan, nylon still generally comes out on top.
8. Appearance Retention Over Time
SmartStrand Appearance Over Time
SmartStrand maintains its softness and color well. It resists fading, scratching, and matting thanks to its engineered fibers. Homes with moderate to high traffic will typically see SmartStrand hold up well.
Nylon Appearance Over Time
Nylon maintains texture and pile height exceptionally well. It does not lose its shape easily, and advanced nylon carpets resist fading and crushing for long periods.
Verdict: Nylon Wins for Texture Retention
If keeping your carpet looking structured and new is a top priority, nylon may be the better pick.
9. Cost Comparison: SmartStrand vs. Nylon
Cost of SmartStrand Carpet
SmartStrand generally sits in the mid-to-high price range, depending on style and thickness. While more affordable than some types of nylon, premium SmartStrand products can be pricey due to their advanced features.
Cost of Nylon Carpet
Nylon carpets typically cost more than polyester and SmartStrand, especially branded nylons. High-quality nylon is considered a premium product, so pricing reflects its longevity.
Verdict: Tie — Depends on the Grade
Budget nylon can be cheaper, but high-end nylon costs more than most SmartStrand carpets. Both have options at multiple price points.
10. Best Uses for Each Carpet Type
Where SmartStrand Performs Best
- SmartStrand is ideal for:
- Homes with pets
- Homes with kids
- Living rooms and bedrooms
- Medium to high traffic zones
- Homeowners seeking soft, eco-friendly carpet
- People wanting low maintenance flooring
Where Nylon Performs Best
Nylon is ideal for:
- Stairs and hallways
- High-traffic commercial spaces
- Homes needing maximum durability
- Households prioritizing long-term investment
- Environments with heavy furniture or foot traffic
Verdict: Choose Based on Lifestyle
If comfort and stain resistance matter most, choose SmartStrand.
If long-term durability is your priority, choose nylon.
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Final Expert Verdict
In many categories stain resistance, softness, sustainability, and ease of cleaning SmartStrand comes out clearly ahead. If you have a busy family, pets, or want a carpet that stays clean with minimal effort, SmartStrand is a fantastic choice.
However, nylon still wins in traditional durability, lifespan, and appearance retention. For high-traffic areas or homes where long-term wear is the top priority, nylon remains the gold standard.
Ultimately, the answer to Is SmartStrand carpet better than nylon? depends on your lifestyle. SmartStrand is better for everyday families who want comfort and low maintenance, while nylon is better for heavy-use environments where maximum longevity matters.
Your home’s needs will determine which carpet type gives you the best performance and value.
Conclusion
Choosing between SmartStrand and nylon doesn’t need to be confusing. Both carpets offer strong benefits, but each shines in different areas. SmartStrand gives you unbeatable stain resistance, softness, and eco-friendly materials, while nylon delivers unmatched strength and long-term durability.
By considering your household’s needs whether it’s kids, pets, traffic levels, or cleaning habits you can confidently choose the carpet that fits your lifestyle best. No matter which you select, both SmartStrand and nylon remain top-tier options for modern homes.
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FAQs
Does SmartStrand last as long as nylon?
SmartStrand has excellent durability, but nylon still typically lasts longer in high-traffic environments. Nylon’s fiber structure resists wear, crushing, and matting better over long periods. SmartStrand will still hold up well in most homes, but nylon is preferred for maximum lifespan.
Is SmartStrand good for pets?
Yes. SmartStrand is one of the best carpet types for homes with pets. Its built-in stain resistance makes cleaning up accidents much easier, and it resists absorbing odors. Many pet owners choose SmartStrand because it stays cleaner with less effort.
Is nylon carpet more expensive than SmartStrand?
Nylon carpets are often more expensive, especially higher-end branded nylons. SmartStrand is usually mid-priced but can still be found at premium price points depending on the style. Budget options exist for both materials.
Which carpet is easier to clean: SmartStrand or nylon?
SmartStrand is easier to clean because spills usually sit on the surface instead of penetrating the fibers. Since SmartStrand is inherently stain-resistant, most messes require minimal effort to remove. Nylon cleans well overall but needs protective treatments to maintain stain resistance.
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