Polyester vs Triexta Carpet: Compared
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet: Budget-friendly, soft, huge color selection. Naturally stain-resistant (low moisture absorption). The catch: polyester mats and crushes in high-traffic areas within 3–5 years. Great for bedrooms, poor for living rooms.
Triexta Pet-Friendly Carpet: Mohawk SmartStrand is the category leader. Made partially from corn glucose. Stain resistance is built into the fiber (not a coating that wears off). Lifetime All-Pet warranty covers accidents. Our top pick for pet households.
Head to head
| Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet | Triexta Pet-Friendly Carpet | |
|---|---|---|
| Spec | Polyester fiber · Cut pile · 25–35 oz face weight | Triexta (SmartStrand) · 40–55 oz face weight |
| Material/sf | $0.89–$2.99 | $2.99–$6.99 |
| 1,000 sf installed | $2,869–$5,599 | $5,404–$10,274 |
| Typical 1,000 sf total | $3,959 | $7,289 |
The bottom line
Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet saves about $3,330 on a 1,000 sq ft job at typical pricing. Whether the upgrade is worth it comes down to traffic: Mohawk SmartStrand is the category leader. Made partially from corn glucose. Stain resistance is built into the fiber (not a coating that wears off). Lifetime All-Pet warranty covers accidents. Our top pick for pet households.
See the exact price gap for your square footage
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet or Triexta Pet-Friendly Carpet?
Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet — by about $3,330 on a typical 1,000 sq ft installed project ($3,959 vs $7,289).
Is the upgrade worth it?
If the space sees heavy traffic, pets, or moisture, the pricier tier usually earns its premium in lifespan; in a low-traffic bedroom, the cheaper tier performs nearly identically.