Residential flooring decisions aren’t easy to make. Even if you finally decide whether to install hard or soft floors, you must then consider the various types of flooring within these broad categories. Carpeting, for instance, can be composed of nylon, olefin, acrylic, polyester, wool, and more. Each kind of carpet comes with particular pros and cons, so it’s important to make an informed choice. With that in mind, is wool carpet right for your home? Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of wool carpeting.
What to Know About Wool Carpets
What Is Wool Carpeting?
Wool, which naturally derives from sheep, has long been used for soft flooring and other purposes throughout human history. The fact that wool is still commonly used today is a testament to its usefulness. Wool is essentially the only natural fiber found in carpets (it’s often blended with synthetic fibers) — pure wool carpeting contains zero synthetic fibers.
Pros of Wool Carpet for Homes
Wool endures as a premier carpeting material for many reasons. For starters, this all-natural material is highly durable, thanks to its coiled structure. When properly maintained, wool carpeting can withstand regular residential (and commercial) use for decades. Wool carpets don’t just retain their integrity, though — they also keep their color for a long time. Dyes readily absorb into wool and adhere to its fibers, not eager to budge even when faced with regular wear and cleaning.
Wool carpets are also easy to clean, naturally repelling dirt and other contaminants due to their multi-layered structure. Wool carpet is also considered more eco-friendly than its synthetic counterparts and operates as a powerful insulator, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Moreover, wool is naturally static- and flame-resistant, increasing home safety.
Wool Carpet Cons
Wool isn’t without its share of liabilities, of course. If you’re looking for a cost-effective floor for your home, wool won’t be able to deliver on that front. Even though wool occurs naturally, it’s among the most expensive carpet materials out there, sometimes running twice as much as nylon or polyester options. Wool fibers also absorb moisture, which aids in insulation but may also lead to mold and mildew formation. Wool carpets are also known to shed over time, which may trigger allergic reactions or otherwise make mild messes here and there. Lastly, many insects eat and/or burrow in wool when they get the chance, so your wool carpet may attract pests if you don’t take certain precautions. Flooring companies that manufacture wool carpeting typically treat these fibers with Permethrin (a permanent insecticide) to mitigate these risks, but you might prefer to invest in carpeting that doesn’t feature chemical treatment.
The Verdict
So, is wool carpet a good choice for your home? Well, the answer depends on your budget, preferences, and unique needs. If, for instance, you’ve got money to spare and want a carpet that will retain its appearance, stand the test of time, and better insulate your home, then wool might be a perfect fit for your residential floor plan. On the other hand, if money is tight and you’re concerned about interior moisture levels and/or insect invasions, you might go with a synthetic carpet option instead. Whatever the case, the residential and commercial carpet at Ozburn-Hessey Company, can offer quick, efficient, quality flooring installation and more. We serve businesses and homes in the greater Nashville, TN, area. Contact us today!
