Which makes for a better carpet - wool or polypropylene? It's a question we will all come to ask when choosing the right carpet for our home and something that's not as cut and dry as it first seems. Wool has long been a staple fibre of carpet construction that feels synonymous with the warmth we want from this soft floor type. Polypropylene has skyrocketed in popularity, with over 70% off all carpets sold in the UK now being made of this modern material.
Rather than try to figure out which is better, the question should be about finding which of the two materials is going to be best for you. Thinking about what room you're shopping for, who is in your home and how busy it is, as well as what you need out of the space are all key in determining this. We shall walk you through the advantages both wool and polypropylene offer so you can find your perfect match.
Why are carpets made of wool and polypropylene?
Wool and polypropylene are among the most popular choices of fibres used in carpet construction. Wool is a natural material that is heralded for its resilience to wear and tear, making it a great choice if you're seeking a carpet that will have longevity and lends itself to easier maintenance.
Polypropylene on the other hand is a synthetic fibre that is highly stain-resistant and resilient to environmental factors such as moisture and sunlight. It is a great choice for indoor areas where frequent spills occur or where the natural light is more prominent as it is less prone to fading.
Carpets can also be made of a blend of the two which tend to be 80% wool and 10% polypropylene, while the remaining 10% varies depending on the manufacturer.
What are the advantages of a wool carpet?
Wool is a naturally occurring fibre making it an environmentally friendly choice for your carpet. It offers superb resilience to both wear and general dirt. Modern wool carpets can also be moth-resistant, which was historically a problem for them and why many people still overlook this fantastic material and seek out an alternative.
100% wool carpets are constructed exclusively in loop pile and tend to come in low and medium thicknesses. This denser, more compact construction lends itself to wool carpet's naturally hard-wearing nature even further, making them an ideal choice for stairs and hallways in busy homes provided there are no pets in the house as their claws will get caught in the loops.
Is polypropylene a good carpet material?
Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre that has become the UK's favourite choice for carpets. This man-made material is not only more cost-effective for carpet construction, and therefore more affordable, but versatile in its application.
As well as loop construction, polypropylene can also come in twist and saxony. The latter lends itself to the deep thickness and luxury you may desire for a bedroom, while the more durable nature of the former is good for your living room as it still affords plenty of comfort. Both are excellent choices if you are looking to pick the perfect pet-friendly floor.
As well as being moth resistant, polypropylene is naturally stain resistant, making it ideal for areas like children's bedrooms and playrooms where spills and messes occur more often. There are many carpet cleaning hacks you can perform with this material to deal with a variety of messes you might struggle to scrub away otherwise.
Is wool or polypropylene carpet better?
Whether wool or polypropylene is the better choice for you depends on where in your home you plan on having it. For busier areas like the hallway or the stairs we recommend a wool carpet with its hard wearing and long lasting nature.
For an area like your living room, a polypropylene carpet is best with its highly stain resistant and easy to clean nature. A twist construction adds durability that will be welcomed in busy homes. Polypropylene is also a good choice in the bedroom if you want to sink your toes into the softness and luxury that comes with sumptuous saxony cuts.
The best of both worlds exists as well thanks to wool mix carpets, made of 80% wool and 10% polypropylene and a variable material for the remaining 10%. This blend accentuates wool carpet's already hard-wearing nature and can be constructed in twist pile as well as loop. The durable nature of wool lends itself to your carpet retaining its pile shape and height, as well as recovering quickly from furniture compression. This is an ideal choice for dining rooms and living rooms, or if you want a softer carpets for your hallway, stairs, or landing.
Other things to consider
Do your four-legged friends have the run of the house? Loop pile carets are unsuitable for pets as their claws can get caught up in the lopped fibres, so you will not want to lay a wool carpet anywhere your paw-some family members may tread.
Have children turned your living room into their playground? Stain resistant polypropylene is preferable for anywhere in family homes that are more prone to spills and sticky messes.
Do you frequently entertain or simply want a forever floor? More durable, longer lasting wool carpet is best if you want longevity from your floor, no matter what is goes through.
If you need help finding your perfect carpet, we have plenty of tools at your disposal, including our Shop by Room option, our inspiration centre that's full of ideas for your next floor, and our friendly flooring experts are always just a phone call away.
