Shaw Vs. Stainmaster Carpet: Which Is The Better Choice?

If you’re in the market for new carpeting, you’ve probably come across the two biggest brand names: Shaw and Stainmaster. But which one offers the better products and value for your home?

Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Shaw and Stainmaster carpets to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Category	Shaw	Stainmaster
Fiber Options	Offers exclusive nylon and triexta fibers like Anso and SoftBac	No proprietary fibers, but partners with major mills
Constructions	Wide range of cut pile, loop, patterned, and frieze	Good selection of all common constructions
Stain Resistance	R2X and PetProof treatments	Leading stain protection with StainmasterTM and PetProtectTM
Durability	Varies by collection from 10-30 years	Ranges from 10-25 years across offerings
Texture/Feel	Known for exceptionally soft carpets	More focus on stain resistance over softness
Cost	Lower entry-level options starting around $2/sqft	Minimal offerings under $2.50/sqft
Availability	Sold in all major retail outlets	Similarly widely available in stores

Overview of Shaw Carpets

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Georgia, Shaw Industries is one of the largest carpet manufacturers in the world. They offer a wide selection of carpet styles and colors for residential and commercial applications across their various brands including Shaw Floors, Philadelphia Commercial, Patcraft, Southwest Flooring, and more.

Some key things to know about Shaw carpets:

• Large variety of styles – Shaw has a carpet for every room and décor, from plush saxony and textured berber to patterned cut pile and frieze. Their carpets come in different fiber types like nylon, triexta, polyester, and olefin.
• Stain and soil resistance – Most Shaw carpets feature inherent stain protection or can be treated with R2X stain and soil resistance for extra protection. This makes them easy to clean and maintain.
• Durability – Durability varies by fiber and construction, but many Shaw carpets carry 10+ year warranties for longevity. Their Anso nylon is exceptionally durable and fade resistant.
• Affordability – Shaw offers carpets at various price points to suit different budgets. Their Caress brand is affordably priced while still offering style and performance.
• Large retail presence – Shaw carpets are sold through major home improvement stores, as well as many flooring retailers, making them easily accessible.

Overview of Stainmaster Carpets

Originally developed by DuPont in 1986, the Stainmaster brand is now owned and marketed by Invista. Stainmaster doesn’t actually manufacture carpets – they license their trademark and treatment formulas to major carpet mills. Some key facts about Stainmaster carpets:

• Stain-resistant treatments – All Stainmaster carpets are treated with proprietary formulas that improve stain and soil resistance. This is their biggest claim to fame.
• Wide variety of styles – As a licensing brand, Stainmaster carpets come in all types – plush, berber, patterned, frieze, etc. They’re made by mills like Mohawk, Beaulieu, and Shaw.
• Durability varies – There is no uniform durability standard for Stainmaster carpets. It depends on the manufacturing mill and materials used. Most carry 10-25 year warranties.
• Usually pricier – The Stainmaster brand and treatments come at a higher cost than unbranded carpets. But some mills offer more affordably-priced Stainmaster lines.
• Large retail presence – Like Shaw, Stainmaster carpets are widely available through major retail flooring outlets.

Key Differences Between Shaw And Stainmaster Carpet

Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare them across some key factors you should consider when choosing a carpet:

Fiber Options

One of the most important factors that affects carpet durability, feel, and stain resistance is the fiber type used. Here’s how Shaw and Stainmaster stack up:

• Nylon – This is the most popular fiber for carpets due to its strength, resiliency, and stain fighting abilities. Both Shaw and Stainmaster offer nylon carpets, but Shaw has its own exclusive Anso nylon brand said to be exceptionally durable and fade resistant.
• Triexta (PTT Polymer) – Triexta is a relatively new fiber made from PTT polymer that combines the strength of nylon with the softness of polyester. Shaw produces their branded SoftBac and ClearTouch triexta carpets. Stainmaster doesn’t have their own triexta line, but many triexta carpets carry the Stainmaster label.
• Polyester – A more affordable synthetic fiber that lacks the durability of nylon but offers good stain resistance. Shaw and Stainmaster both have polyester carpet options under their various brand lines.
• Olefin (Polypropylene) – An extremely durable and moisture-resistant fiber good for basements and outdoor carpets. Shaw offers olefin carpets under the name Caress; Stainmaster doesn’t have an olefin line but does label some olefin carpets.

Both brands give you plenty of fiber choices, but Shaw offers a few exclusive options you can only get directly through them.

Carpet Construction

In addition to fiber, the carpet construction influences durability, feel, and performance. Let’s look at how Shaw and Stainmaster compare:

• Cut Pile – This is the most common type of construction with yarn loops cut to create a soft plush surface. Shaw and Stainmaster both offer abundant cut pile options from various mills.
• Loop/Berber Pile – Loops left uncut give a durable, textured look. Shaw has a wide selection under brands like Caress and Philadelphia Commercial. Stainmaster has fewer loop pile options but does certify some.
• Frize Pile – A combination of cut and loop yarns give a nubby, casual look. Both Shaw and Stainmaster label frieze carpets from mills like Dixie Home and Phenix Flooring.
• Patterned Carpet – Intricate designs woven into the carpet offer unique styling. Shaw’s Kaleidoscope collection includes numerous patterned styles while Stainmaster offers a more limited selection.

For the widest range of construction options, Shaw is the winner with more exclusive varieties produced in their own mills. But Stainmaster still covers all the basics.

Stain & Soil Resistance

Now let’s compare the key area where Stainmaster hangs its hat – stain protection.

Shaw offers two main treatments:

• R2X Stain & Soil Resistance – This is their premium treatment applied to Anso nylon carpets and can also be added onto other fibers. It provides solid protection against common household stains.
• PetProof – As the name suggests, this offers extra resistance against pet stains, odors, and surface piling. It’s meant to be paired with R2X on nylon carpets.

Stainmaster has two major treatment offerings:

• StainmasterTM – Their original and most widely used treatment with proven resistance to substances like food, pet stains, and more. Provides excellent stain protection.
• PetProtectTM – An upgrade specifically for resisting pet stains and soiling on carpets in homes with pets. Comparable to Shaw’s PetProof system.

When it comes to stain-fighting technology, it’s a very close race. Independent tests show Stainmaster may have a slight edge, but Shaw’s R2X treatment also provides excellent protection that satisfies most homeowners. For pet homes specifically, the extra PetProof or PetProtect treatments are advisable either way.

Durability & Warranties

With proper care, both Shaw and Stainmaster carpets can provide long-lasting beauty in your home. Fiber, density, and construction techniques ultimately determine how durable a carpet will be from normal foot traffic. Here’s an overview:

• Shaw – Offers warranties ranging from 5 years to lifetime, depending on collection and materials. Their top-end Anso nylon carpets have 20-30 year warranties.
• Stainmaster – As a brand name, durability varies widely. Entry-level Stainmaster carpets may have 5-10 year warranties while high-end varieties offer 20-25 years.

For heavy-duty durability, consider either Shaw’s premium Anso nylon collections or Stainmaster’s highest end lines like PetProtect Plush. But even budget options from either brand look good for 10+ years with proper care.

Texture & Feel

Underfoot feel and plushness comes down to personal preference, so test different textures in person. In general:

• Shaw is known for exceptionally soft carpets in their Anso nylon and SoftBac triexta lines. Their lighter density saxony styles offer pillowy softness.
• Stainmaster has a wider range from plush to textured berber. Premium Stainmaster carpets tend to focus more on stain resistance over softness. But many still have a pleasant, medium density feel.

Both brands offer a textural style to suit any preferences. If your top priority is a supersoft carpet, Shaw is likely the way to go.

Costs & Affordability

Given the many variables in materials and construction, carpet prices can vary widely both within and between the Shaw and Stainmaster brands. Here are the typical ranges:

• Shaw – Their budget Caress line starts around $2/sq. ft. while top-end Anso carpets run $6/sq. ft. and up. But most Shaw styles fall in the very reasonable $3-5/sq. ft. range.
• Stainmaster – Lower priced options start around $2.50/sq. ft. High-end collections go up to $7+/sq. ft. Expect most Stainmaster carpets to be priced in the $4-6/sq. ft. range.

While Shaw offers more budget-friendly options, Stainmaster’s pricing is competitive for a premium branded carpet.

Both give you lots of value at various price points.

Availability

You can find both Shaw and Stainmaster products through nearly any flooring retailer, big box home improvement store, and carpet specialty shops. Shaw may have a bit wider representation since they manufacture their own carpets. But overall, availability is outstanding for both brands nationwide.

Which Is Better?

Now for the big question – is one brand clearly better than the other? The answer isn’t definitively black and white. Each has their own strengths:

Shaw Pros

• Broader selection of constructions and fibers
• Great softness and feel
• Slightly more affordable overall
• Longer warranties on premium collections

Stainmaster Pros

• Industry leader for stain resistance
• Treatments optimized for pet homes
• Wide variety of major mill partners
• Competitive pricing

For the widest range of fibers, textures, and prices – Shaw is hard to beat. But if your priority is bulletproof stain resistance, Stainmaster remains the go-to choice for peace of mind.

Both are excellent options that offer quality carpets at various budgets. Carefully compare warranties, fibers, and pricing between specific carpets to determine the best choice for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have some questions about choosing between Shaw and Stainmaster? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

The Bottom Line

When it comes to Shaw and Stainmaster carpet, there’s no universally “better” option. Both offer outstanding carpets covering a range of styles, textures, and budgets. For the widest selection under one brand name, Shaw is hard to top.

But Stainmaster remains iconic for stain-fighting technology.

Either can be an excellent choice for plush, durable, and easy-to-clean carpeting in your home. Weigh the pros and cons and compare warranties on the specific carpet collections that catch your eye.