Difference Between Wool and Synthetic Rugs

For high traffic areas, the most common choices for rugs are wool rugs and synthetic rugs. Both have the qualities that can endure the usual stress that rugs get from the frequent dirt and walks of shoes and feet. However, it is also important to note that wool and synthetic rugs have differences.

WHAT ARE WOOL RUGS?

Wool rugs are usually hand-made and are a popular choice of homeowners for their living room, dining room and other high traffic areas because:

1. Wools are water repellent. It will take quite some time before water penetrates the fabric of the wool rug.
2. Wools are fire-resistant. Wools rugs are naturally fire-resistant and don’t require special treatment to be non-flammable. When it gets close to a light, it doesn’t flare up and cause damage to anyone or anything in your home. This is also the exact reason why firemen wear wool uniforms.
3. Wools are static-resistant. In an area where there are more feet walking, static is more likely to become present. This can also be associated with wools being fire-resistant -- if one is walking across a wool-carpeted area, he or she is less likely to get shocked when his or her skin gets direct contact to a grounded object that may cause fire.
4. Wools are durable. Wools are resistant to the stresses and strains compared to other types of rugs because it is resists friction. This is because wool consists of fibres that are made up of rather stretchable coil springs that are less likely to break.

Aside from being water-repellent, fire-resistant, static-resistant and durable, wools are also considered as a good insulator if you want to avoid noise in an area. Wool rugs absorb sounds and reduce the level of noise. This is the same reason why wools are used in offices, restaurants and other establishments were a number of people are always present.

WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC RUGS?

Synthetic rugs are the convenient version of wools, only they are machine-made and comprises of plastic. If you want to cut down on your budget and yet want to achieve the same results that wool can offer, synthetic rugs are the best option for you. However, it is important to take note that synthetic rugs will require you to tend to your rugs more for cleaning and maintenance. Unlike wools that are made of natural fibres, synthetic rugs are made of plastic that hold odour like no natural fibres can.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY, WOOL RUGS OR SYNTHETIC RUGS?

The answer will depend on your budget. Logically, hand-made rugs such as wool rugs will cost you more than machine-woven rugs like synthetic rugs. Another factor to be considered is the environment that you have at home. If you have pets that are not potty-trained, it is expected that you will have a problem with synthetic rugs because it contains jutes.

For a wide variety of wool rugs and synthetic rugs that you may want to choose from, visit Fantastic Rugs and browse our products.

FantasticRugs.com

Caxton Road Trade City

1-6 Caxton Road

BEDFORD

MK41 0HT

T: 01234 220076

F: 01234 349207

E:admin@fantasticrugs.com

What are the different types of Rugs?

When it comes to decorating and furnishing a house, we have a few things that we just can't do without. A very good example of this is what we all usually have at home - the famous Rugs. Rugs are usually neglected nowadays, but no one can deny that they are a staple when we talk about home decors. 

The quality of a rug depends on who made it and what materials were used to make it. The quality and design of rugs have evolved through the years. 

After many generations, rugs today are no longer the simple decor that we know. Below is a list of the most common types of rugs that we see today.

1. Tufted Rugs - Tufted rugs are the most common type of rugs that we see today. They are also the easiest to produce in volume. They are usually man-made rugs.
2. Needle Felted Rugs - This type of rug is considered the most durable and it is also very costly. Needle felted rugs are also very new in the rug industry as they were only made available over the last 30 years.
3. Knotted Rugs - It could be man-made or machine made. Knotted rugs are commonly sold in a variety of sizes and colours.
4. Woven Rugs - Woven rugs are made using a loom - the oldest technique of creating rugs and other garments. Hand-loomed rugs are usually very expensive and have the most intricate designs.
5. Hooked Rugs - As the name implies, Hooked rugs are made by creating loops of wool in a backing like cotton and linen. This is a durable type of rug and costs less compared to other rugs with intricate patterns.

There are more types of rugs available out there. Your choice will definitely depend on your purpose, your budget and, of course, your taste. No matter which one you choose, your home decor will surely be complete once your rug is in place.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rug_hooking