Explaining, What Is Wool Carpet? Based On Historical Milestone!

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Taher Sabahi

A carpet that is made with materials that are 100% wool or a blend of mostly wool and some synthetic fibers. This is the general view to look at what is wool carpet it if you ask me.

Often in local markets, it’s called woolen carpet too as it’s made from natural wool fibers. It’s really a popular choice since it’s so good at natural stain resistance, energy efficiency, and ability to handle heavy foot traffic too.

What is Wool Carpet

Wool carpets have the best insulation you can get in a carpet with an R-value of 0.2 to 0.3 per inch, reducing your daily energy costs. But wait there’s more to it –

  • Durable and Resilient: Made of 80% natural wool fibers and 20% synthetic fibers.
  • Energy-Efficient Insulation: Reduces energy costs and enhances indoor air quality.
  • Natural Stain Resistance: Handles water-based spills and heavy foot traffic.

One of the wool carpet pros is flame resistance too, why wouldn’t it be the perfect choice for homeowners, right? Wanna know more about these long-lasting floor coverings? No sweat… keep reading.

Here’s a quick view of your read

  • Read about the past, present, and future of woolen carpets.
  • Find out the common facts and construction ratio of these carpets.
  • Gain insight into the synthetic alternatives aka the price of wool carpets.

What is Wool Carpet? Get Introduced to 2 Different Wool Carpet Types!

As I’ve told you before wool carpet or you may say woolen carpet, is a type of flooring made from natural wool fibers. And, often blended with synthetic fibers too for better durability.

2 Different Wool Carpet Types

Still worried about what is wool carpet worth?… you should know that these floor coverings are highly valued among us consumers for their natural stain resistance, dust absorption, and energy efficiency of course.

Based on the weaving pattern there are two most common types that I found on the market. One of them is the Berber wool carpet and another is the Tufted wool carpet that is recently gaining quite popularity. You’ll read more about these 2 more soon going through my content.

Common Characteristics of Wool Carpet

If I had to pick a wonder about these carpets then I’d say – “The best part is it’s a renewable resource, and can bend up to 20,000 times without breaking, according to Science of Wool that is.”

Common Characteristics of Wool Carpet
  • Natural Fiber Composition: Wool carpets are primarily made from natural wool fibers, which provide excellent insulation, natural stain resistance, and durability. These natural fibres also contribute to energy efficiency, making wool carpets an eco-friendly choice.
  • Synthetic Fiber Blend: To enhance durability, wool carpets contain 20% synthetic fibers, which provide additional strength and resilience against water-based stains. This blend ensures the carpet can handle regular vacuuming and cleaning, making it suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic.
  • Eco-Friendly and Renewable: Wool is a renewable resource, produced annually by sheep, making wool carpets a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. The natural wool fibers used in these carpets help reduce the carbon footprint, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

What is Wool Carpet Made Of?

Wool carpets are composed of an 80/20 ratio which means a blend of 80% natural wool fibers and 20% synthetic fibers.

What is Wool Carpet Made Of

The natural wool brings softness, warmth, and natural luster, while the synthetic fibers add durability and resistance to water-based spills and stains to your pros table. This combination creates a durable and comfortable carpet that is ideal for high-traffic areas.

How is Wool Carpet Made?

Wool carpet production starts with shearing sheep to get wool, which is then cleaned, carded, and spun into yarn. That’s the very first step. Then, the yarn is dyed and woven in a Carpet Weaving Mill to create broadloom carpets or carpet tiles.

How Is Wool Carpet Made

Manufacturers and weavers put the most effort into preserving its natural crimp and molecular structure throughout this process. It’s to make sure that the carpet remains durable as well as resistant to dust particles. Also, it has to be capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic.

“Wool carpets are naturally flame-resistant, with an ignition temperature between 570-600°C (1060-1112°F), making them a safe and reliable flooring choice.”

Wool carpets are naturally flame-resistant

Wool Carpet History

Wool carpets have a rich history that dates back far deep in ancient civilizations. Being one of the earliest natural materials used in carpet weaving it has long been valued by weavers or users like you and me for its natural fibers and durability.

Today, wool carpets remain a popular choice for their blend of tradition and innovation with a vast variety to suit your various decor preferences.

Wool also is a renewable material and topped off with the ability to bend up to 20,000 times without breaking. How great is that isn’t it 😀? But all these haven’t been in just a day or two. It took a great deal of effort to make such a history and effect on the carpet. You can take a brief look below of that –

Timeline Vs. Milestones of Wool Carpets
SLYearMilestone
1.1500-1700Classical period oriental weavings, including wool carpets
2.1928The first synthetic dye for wool developed
3.1947Introduction of the tufting machine
4.1951American carpeting industry sold about 6 million square yards of tufted wall-to-wall carpeting
5.1968The industry sold almost 400 million yards of carpeting
6.1969Lehner Wool was founded, growing from a small mill to an innovation leader in sustainable wool products
7.1980sWool carpets recognized for environmental benefits
8.2000sAdvances in wool processing technology improved durability and stain resistance
9.2013World record attempt: 350 kilos of sheep’s wool processed into a 170m² woolen rug

For better details refer to the content where I’ve explained the differences between tufted and woven carpets.

Common Types of Wool Carpet

In the case of woolen carpets, there can be many varieties based on size, material, weave pattern etc etc this and that. But each carpet is unique in its own way with unique features and benefits.

Here are some of the most common types:

  • 100% Wool Carpet
  • Wool Blend Carpet
  • Sisal Wool Carpet
  • Axminister Wool Carpet
  • Wilton Wool Carpet etc.
Common Types of Wool Carpet

But based on weave pattern you’ll find 2 types to be most common –

  1. Wool Berber Carpet.
  2. Tufted Wool Carpet.

What is Wool Berber Carpet?

Wool Berber carpet is a type of loop pile carpet known for its durability and natural stain resistance. Made from natural wool fibers, Berber carpets are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas due to their ability to withstand wear and tear. The dense, textured surface of Berber carpets helps prevent dirt and stains from penetrating the fibers, making them ideal for busy households.

Wool Berber Carpet

So…. long story short I think woolen carpet is the best of all in terms of coziness and historical aesthetics. But what do you think?

  • I think so too! It’s great and now I’m more sure of it 😍
  • It’s good and all but I need to install one. Where can I find those info? 🤔
  • Why is buying one little carpet so a painfully long process 😩

What Is A Tufted Wool Carpet?

A tufted wool carpet is made by inserting tufts of wool fibers into a base fabric, which is then glued or stitched to create the carpet pile.

This type of carpet is known for its softness underfoot and is often used in residential settings where comfort is a priority. Tufted wool carpets offer a wide range of designs and patterns, making them versatile for various interior styles.

What Does Wool Carpet Cost?

The cost of your wool carpets can vary depending on the type, quality, and brand. On average you’ll find that wool carpet prices may range from $5 to $26 per sq/ft.

But, wool Berber carpets, which are known for their durability and natural stain resistance, typically cost between $6 and $10 per square foot. Tufted wool carpets, which offer comfort and aesthetic appeal, range from $5 to $15 per square foot.

Premium carpets have the advantage of enhanced durability, natural flame resistance, and other stuff like these. And so, can cost between $20 and $26 per sq/ft. You may think it has a quite higher initial cost than synthetic carpet options. But know this,  their long-term benefits, including durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness, make them a cost-effective choice for you anytime.

For your reference here’s some real-time research info I found on The Fixr about the costs of different woolen carpets.

about the costs of different woolen carpets
SLType of Wool CarpetCost (sq/ft)
1.Wool Berber Carpet$6 – $10
2.Tufted Wool Carpet$5 – $15
3.Premium Wool Carpet$20 – $26

“Please note that the prices mentioned above may vary vastly based on many factors. Such as weaving method, design, material blend, style, trend etc.”

For The Last Verdict

Woolen carpets offer a range of advantages that make them a perfect choice for flooring. In my opinion, this is what defines what is wool carpet as a whole! Whether you choose  Berber, tufted, or other types of wool carpets to be your option, as a homeowner you’ll enjoy the natural benefits for sure.

Since you know all this now if you need to make your own handmade wool carpet or buy your favorite natural carpet… feel free to read my content based on it. See you later then…. Chao!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Makes Wool Carpet Eco-Friendly?

Wool carpet is eco-friendly because of its composition of renewable fibers. That helps you reduce the carbon footprint at your house. Also, the natural chemical structure of wool has insulation properties, which makes it energy-efficient natural wool carpets.

Is Wool Carpet Durable?

Yes, wool carpet is highly durable. These fibers can bend up to 20,000 times without breaking. These carpet fibres are another reason behind it being an expensive type of carpet.

How Does Wool Carpet Handle High-Traffic Areas?

Wool carpet handles high-traffic areas well because of the natural crimp. It allows the carpet to maintain its shape. Being a blended carpet the synthetic counterparts add extra durability. However, if it’s of plush design then you may face cleaning issues and shorter lifespan.

Is Wool Carpet Soft Underfoot?

Yes, the wool carpet is soft underfoot. In fact, that’s one of the benefits of wool carpet. The wool fibres working as a natural insulator provide you with warmth and a luxurious feel. Makes it the perfect carpet for your cozy home.

About the author

Writen By

Taher Sabahi

Taher Sabahi is a certified flooring consultant with over 15 years of industry experience. He holds a master’s degree in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design. The Taher Sabahi has a deep passion for helping clients find the perfect floor coverings for their spaces.

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