Last update: March 2022
SmartStrand carpet is the new carpet material, but is it improved? It depends on who you ask. Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet, which is made of Triexta (more on this below) is one of the more controversial topics I write about.
I get emails and comments from customers, salespeople, and store owners who are both strongly for and against this carpet. On both sides of the aisle, some people get mad at me for sharing my opinion–that tells me I’m probably doing something right 🙂
Either way, the goal of this article is to break down whether it’s the best carpet material for your home. We’ll review Mohawk’s Smartstrand carpet in categories that I think will be most important to you.
See Costs in Your Area!
Start Here - Enter your zip
After the review, you’re welcome to ask questions, give your opinion, or browse other readers’ opinions in the comments below.
*Explanation of report card categories
Let’s clear up the naming confusion (or try to)! There are 4 different names for the carpet described on this page: Smartstrand, PTT polyester, Sorona, triexta, or any combination of the above. Pretty confusing, but here’s what you need to know when you’re out shopping: The carpet material is actually PTT polyester. However, PTT polyester sounds too close to PET polyester. To make it less confusing, manufacturers renamed PTT polyester to triexta. A more environmentally friendly version (because it’s partially made with corn sugar instead of petroleum) of triexta is named Sorona. Currently, Mohawk is the only manufacturer that produces PTT polyester/triexta/Sorona carpet, and they call the carpet Smartstrand. To clean up this messy confusion, here’s a quick summary, PTT polyester = triexta. Environmentally-friendly triexta = Sorona. Smartstrand = the brand name for triexta or Sorona carpet.
What is Triexta carpet?
It helps to make this clear (because it’s confusing). So let’s review, what exactly is triexta carpet?
Triexta is a new type of polyester carpet material. It is commonly sold under the brand name Smartstrand, and it was designed to overcome the poor durability of traditional polyester carpet. Whether or not it lives up to the marketing hype is up for debate.
In other words, triexta and Smartstrand are more or less the same thing, so you’ll learn all about triexta in the paragraphs below…
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGPADUSA Cushioning Rug Pad | Peel & Stick Carpet Tiles (12 sf) | Mohawk Home Rug Pad | PAGISOFE Fluffy Area Rug | Faux Thick Realistic Grass Mats & Rugs |
| 4.5 18500+ ratings |
4.7 1100+ ratings |
4.5 12500+ ratings |
4.3 2000+ ratings |
4.5 1800+ ratings |
| $25 - $100 | $10 - $25 | $50 - $125 | $25 - $75 | $50 - $150 |
Excellent stain resistance
Smartstrand carpet’s stain resistance is developed within the fiber, not a coating. Mohawk proudly proclaims on their website, “engineered-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection, allowingtough stains such asmustard,red wine, and cherry Kool-Aid® to be removed simply with warm water and a mild detergent.”
They continue to state that it can resist discoloration from bleach. While we haven’t heard of anyone testing these claims, the general consensus is that this carpet does an extremely good job at stain resistance. Homes with children, frequent spills, and carpeted kitchens all could benefit from Smartstrand’s stain protection.
When properly treated, all of the other fibers provide pretty good stain resistance but Smartstrand seems to be the winner in this department (but I still wouldn’t pour bleach on it).
Environmentally friendly (Sorona only)
Sorona is made of 37% renewable materials. What are “renewable materials”? It typically refers to a plant because they can be re-grown. In this case of Sorona, corn sugar is the renewable component.
Mohawk’s website boasts that manufacturing this carpet requires 30% less energy and environmental emissions compared to nylon. The only reason Sorona is graded less than an A is that PET polyester and wool carpet have a slight edge in being environmentally friendly.
The other drawback of being environmentally friendly is Smartstrand does not have a take-back or recycling program. This means when the carpet is eventually worn out, it will go to the landfill.
Is SmartStrand carpet durable?
The short answer is yes.
Smartstrand appears to be a very durable and resilient carpet. However, we are hesitant to list this as one of Smartstrand’s advantages. Nylon carpet is the current king of durability. Smartstrand is the first fiber to give nylon a run for its money in this department, but nylon gets the edge because it is proven over many decades, and there are some conflicting opinions on Smartstrand.
As long as you make sure to get a well-constructed Smartstrand, its durability shouldn’t be an issue. If you skimp on the construction, it may wear faster than a comparable nylon.
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGPADUSA Cushioning Rug Pad | Peel & Stick Carpet Tiles (12 sf) | Mohawk Home Rug Pad | PAGISOFE Fluffy Area Rug | Faux Thick Realistic Grass Mats & Rugs |
| 4.5 18500+ ratings |
4.7 1100+ ratings |
4.5 12500+ ratings |
4.3 2000+ ratings |
4.5 1800+ ratings |
| $25 - $100 | $10 - $25 | $50 - $125 | $25 - $75 | $50 - $150 |
Is Smartstrand carpet resistant to mildew?
Like nylon and polyester, Smartstrand is a synthetic material that doesn’t absorb water. This means it should be resistant to mold and mildew. A win for high humidity areas or the basement with occasional moisture problems (but remember you still have the carpet padding to worry about!).
Is Smartstrand carpet toxic?
Toxicity is a hot topic with flooring. And rightfully so as more and more people are taking a proactive approach to their health.
The Smartstrand carpet gets good grades from me in the toxicity category. The reason is Smartstrand is naturally stain resistant, so it doesn’t need potentially harmful stain protectants. It also gets the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus certification, which is a well-respected certification for floors that have low VOCs (indoor air pollution).
You can read more about new carpet smell and toxicity here.
What’s the deal with Smartstrand Silk?
Whenever you buy a brand name nylon carpet, you’ll find many different “lines” of carpet within the brand. These “lines” can stand for certain exclusive colors or patterns, a certain environmentally-friendly way the carpet is certified or made, or a softer version of the carpet. Smartstrand is no different. You’ll find many different lines of Smartstrand carpets.
One of Smartstrand’s more luxurious lines is Smartstrand Silk. This a softer version of Smartstrand.The technical difference is more but thinner strands of Smartsrand are used to create the soft feel. I have an article dedicated to soft carpets–sometimes they can require special care or considerations when buying. But overall, if you’re thinking you want Smartstrand and plan on laying down on your carpet, consider taking a look at the Silk line.
Captain’s tips on what to do next:
Turns out that the Smartstrand carpet, also known as triexta, nearly lives up to its extreme hype.
I think its stain protection is the best of any carpet material–making it great for people who entertain, dining rooms, or kids’ playrooms.
I’m not as convinced of its overall durability, especially compared to nylon. This is up for debate, and I get polar opposite opinions from readers (some love it, some hate it–see the comments below). Even though it’s been out 10 years, that’s new as far as carpet goes. There aren’t many old Smartstrand carpets out, so we’ll probably learn more in the next decade.
Here’s what steps I recommend you take next:
- If you’re not sold on Smartstrand, check out my review and comparison of all carpet materials.
- If this is the start of your carpet research, check out my unbiased guide on how to buy carpet from step-by-step tips on how to shop for carpet like an expert
- If you need help find a good installer, get free quotes from 3 pre-qualified installers in your zip by clicking here. An installer can make or break an otherwise good carpet purchase.
Did you know that Mohawk has a subsidiary brand named Karastan and they sell smartstrand too? Check out the Karastan brand review here.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any opinions or questions on Smartstrand carpets.
Shameless advertisement (that I think will help you): A good vs bad carpet installer will not only make or break your carpet purchase, but they also can help you choose the best carpet pad for your home setup. Click here to enter your zip code and get free quotes from 3 top installers in your area.
We purchase Mohawk’s Smartstrand carped in January 2021 with high expectations. We have pets, and the 25 year wear pattern and stain guarantee was hard to pass up, despite the huge cost. The carpet failed within 6 months despite two professional cleanings, and while Mohawk has agreed with our assessment, we have been fighting with our installer for months trying to get it fully replaced. For someone single or a couple who never has guests and is never home, it’s great. For the real life of a family with pets, not so much.
Thank you so much for this website. I have learned a lot! I am trying to decide between nylon and smart strand, weighing both durability and cost. I found a good price on a Mohawk Smart Strand Ultra “Exceptional Choice” and I was hoping I could get your opinion on if it is a good enough carpet for bedrooms/stairs in a house with two adults and two cats (and maybe a kid in the next couple of years) – Face weight 35oz, density 2940, pile height .42. I haven’t found information about its twist level yet. Thanks!
I am going to buy carpet, I am trying to educate myself. Thank you for all the good information, I have learned a lot. One of the things you mentioned is asking the place I am buying carpet from to air it out for a week. This would cut down on fumes. I am wondering if Carpet places would accommodate this request. Do you know of anyone who has asked for this and did the Carpet place say “yes”? I am asking this because I live in a cold climate but don’t want to wait until the end of May… Read more »
Hi, your best bet is to call your carpet place several weeks in advance and ask if they can air out your carpet in a warehouse or well ventilated area. We aren’t immediately aware of carpet places that have done this, but it can’t hurt to check. Thank you!
Best site. 1. When I do the math, the density number for a lower pile/ lower face weight carpet is higher that for a higher pile same face weight – of course. So which is more important for durability and also for comport, pile height or face weight? And how important is face weight with a half-closed-loop weave? Thanks. 2. Another thing: I have had cheap poly carpet for 11 years in a highly trafficked room…..just now showing matting. Had to replace on stairs after five years because hydrogen peroxide spill took out solution dye completely. So when you say… Read more »
1. It depends on the difference of the face weight and pile height. I think face weight is more important overall, but density is the best indicator (so in some cases a slightly lower face weight is okay because of a lower pile height). 2. There are people who keep carpet 20+ years, but also sometimes people with a lot of kids of animals just need a more durable carpet. But you’re right, one way to go would be less durable and replace more often. 3. I wouldn’t say that I say triexta is “great”. I prefer nylon, but triexta… Read more »
Hello, I’m interested in purchasing a Mohawk Berber SmartStrand carpet in Pure Admiration for my home. I’m looking to cover 3 bedrooms a hallway and 4 flights of stairs. I live in a townhouse with a 30 year old contractor grade carpet so for me “ANYTHING” is better than what we have. I’m used to feeling the floor through the carpet and it being very short. I have 2 Cocker Spaniels, a very active 11 year old and a 25 year old who’s in an out my house like grand central station. Needless to say we have a very active… Read more »
Very frustrated with Mohawk! Put in Smartstrand also, loved it for about 3 years when it started matting, looked awful! There comment it was dirty, which is a joke, had a professional clean it and he even wrote a letter stating it was not dirty! The 2 of us in the house and we are gone 2 months of the year, hardly never wear outside shoes in the house. Would not recommend their product, they do not stand behind their product.
Curious. Did you buy the 100% Triexta Ultra or the Smartstrand Blend or Smartstrand Silk or …??? I’ve been trying to compare them and deciding if they are as good as advertised.