TL;DR: The best carpet brands combine comfort, durability, and advanced fiber technology. Top options include Shaw, Mohawk, Stainmaster, Karastan, and Phenix—each backed by major manufacturers known for quality control, warranty support, and U.S. production.
Buying new carpet isn’t just about color and texture—it’s about longevity, warranty coverage, and the company standing behind the product. Here’s a breakdown of five of today’s top carpet brands, what sets them apart, and who owns them.
1. Shaw Floors
Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway
Founded: 1946
Best For: Variety, sustainability, and family homes
Shaw is one of the largest carpet manufacturers in the world, known for eco-friendly initiatives like Cradle-to-Cradle® certified products. Their carpets often feature LifeGuard® spill protection and R2X® stain-resistant technology. Shaw also makes LifeGuard and Shaw Floors branded lines, which rank consistently high for durability.
2. Mohawk Flooring
Parent Company: Mohawk Industries
Founded: 1878
Best For: Overall value and stain-resistant fibers
Mohawk leads U.S. carpet production and owns sub-brands like Airo and SmartStrand. Its proprietary Triexta fiber is known for softness and resilience, requiring fewer chemicals for stain resistance. Mohawk’s consumer reviews highlight excellent warranty coverage and recycled material content.
3. Stainmaster
Parent Company: Lowe’s (formerly Invista/DuPont)
Founded: 1986
Best For: Stain protection and budget-friendly options
Now exclusively available through Lowe’s, Stainmaster Carpet remains one of the most recognized names in residential flooring. It uses proprietary nylon fiber technology and built-in stain guards, ideal for families and pet owners who need performance without premium pricing.
4. Karastan
Parent Company: Mohawk Industries
Founded: 1928
Best For: Luxury style and handcrafted quality
Karastan is Mohawk’s high-end brand, offering wool, SmartStrand Silk™, and Kashmere nylon lines. Known for timeless designs and thick pile construction, it’s ideal for homeowners seeking both visual appeal and durability. Many Karastan carpets include lifetime warranties for texture retention and fade resistance.
5. Phenix Flooring
Parent Company: Mannington Mills
Founded: 2006
Best For: Modern styles and built-in Microban® protection
Phenix Carpet focuses on innovation and sustainability, offering carpets infused with Microban® antimicrobial technology. Its ColorSense™ technology creates multi-tone fibers that resist fading, ideal for active households and busy areas.
Carpet Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Parent Company | Founded | Best For | Signature Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaw Floors | Berkshire Hathaway | 1946 | Eco-friendly options | R2X® stain guard, LifeGuard® waterproofing |
| Mohawk | Mohawk Industries | 1878 | Soft, durable carpets | SmartStrand Triexta fiber |
| Stainmaster | Lowe’s | 1986 | Stain resistance | Proprietary nylon blend |
| Karastan | Mohawk Industries | 1928 | Luxury style | Kashmere nylon, SmartStrand Silk™ |
| Phenix | Mannington Mills | 2006 | Modern design | Microban® antimicrobial fiber |
FAQs
Which carpet brand lasts the longest?
Karastan and Shaw typically offer the longest life spans—10 to 20 years with proper care, thanks to dense fiber construction and advanced protection coatings.
Are expensive carpets worth it?
Higher-end carpets often include stronger backing, softer fibers, and better warranties. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, premium options like Karastan or Mohawk SmartStrand usually pay off.
Which carpet brand is best for pets?
Stainmaster and Phenix lead for pet-friendly flooring because of built-in odor and stain protection technology.
Is Stainmaster still a good brand now that Lowe’s owns it?
Yes. Lowe’s retained Stainmaster’s nylon fiber technology and warranties, keeping it a solid mid-range choice for stain resistance and price value.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re replacing one room or carpeting an entire home, choosing a reputable brand ensures your investment lasts. Each of these companies has built a strong reputation for reliability, comfort, and performance—giving you options across every budget level.
Explore more brand insights at Best Carpet Brands, or dive deeper into our individual reviews like Stainmaster PetProtect and LifeProof Carpet.