Wool fibre: how to define wool?
Wool is a type of natural fibre produced in the hair of sheep, goat, yak, and other hairy mammals such as camels. Wool fibre is chiefly composed of keratin, the same animal protein which comprises human hair, skin and nails. Early humans wore sheep skin for the protective fleece, but over time humankind developed the technique of spinning wool into yarn.
Yarn is the most common material used in the production of clothing materials. Yarn can also be made from plant fibres – such as cotton – but wool is a very popular source. Yarn can be used to make textiles or for sewing, ropemaking, knitting or crocheting.
Wool is a particularly popular material for carpets. Woollen carpets are durable and of a high quality. Wool has a certain softness that synthetic materials cannot match. This makes it extremely pleasant underfoot. It will also trap heat, making it an excellent choice to warm icy floors in winter. Wool is also resistant to dirt and wear – and can be easily cleaned.
Wool or nylon what is best? Advantages of wool carpets
- Durable (will outlast most synthetic materials by decades)
- Soft underfoot
- Can trap heat
- Low maintenance
- Damage resistant
- Fire resistant
- Low slip rating
- Provides fall protection
- Hypoallergenic
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly
Wool carpets have a few drawbacks that may influence their suitability for your home. In general, wool rugs and carpets are resistant to damage. However, they are quite absorbent. This means that they can become saturated easily and if they are not dried properly (such as after a spill) they can develop mildew, discolouration, or mould.
Cleaning products have to be very gentle as strong chemicals will erode the wool fibres with even slight exposure. This is challenging when it comes to removing stains, because alkaline chemicals with a high pH may damage the carpet even more than the initial stain.
Disadvantages of wool carpets
- Expensive
- Very absorbent
- May take on stains
- Low chemical resistance
- May fade in sunlight
Affordability: wool vs synthetic carpet
Wool is one of the most expensive carpet fibres. It is far more expensive than synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. Natural wool has a finite supply dependent on the sheep and sheering harvest, which is an expensive process. Wool carpets cost approximately $50-$60 per square metre.
Australian wool in particular is quite expensive. This is because of Australia’s unique climate, which is perfect for producing high quality wool such as Merino wool – a coveted type of high-end wool primarily produced in Australia. Australia also has rigid laws around animal welfare, worker’s rights and ethical trading, making Australian wool a safe choice for ethical consumerism.
Australian and New Zealand wool is recognised as the highest quality wool on the market. Healthy, happy sheep produce better quality wool, which means the climate and practices of Australia and New Zealand are ideally suited to luxury wools.
10 best wool carpet brands Australia: Mat prices and reviews
10. Ripples New Zealand Grey Wool
Grey carpet is a celebrated design choice for a multitude of reasons. Grey carpets have a subtle maturity and neutrality sure to blend with any décor style. They are bright and reflect light around the room to make it feel larger.
Grey is also dark enough to make stains and mild damage less noticeable. This carpet pictured above is made from 100% New Zealand wool and the stunning texture is bound to make your carpet a standout feature. Contact for a free quote.
09. Feltex
Feltex is a celebrated manufacturer of luxury carpeting with an abundance of stores across the country. With stores dotted around the coast from Adelaide to Brisbane, Feltex is sure to have a location in your area where you can get professional advice about which wool carpets will work best in your home. Find a location here.
08. Lake Chalice Wool Loop Carpet
Wool loop carpets or loop pile carpets are carpets made from uncut loops of yarn. It is one of the earliest invented styles of wool carpet and has an effortless aesthetic appeal. Carpet court provides 100% pure wool loop carpets at affordable prices. Enter the size and specs of your room here for an instant (free!) quote.
07. Tuftmaster
Tuftmaster carpets provide high quality, Australian-made woollen carpets for residential and commercial settings. Their prices are highly competitive, often coming in as the cheapest option for wool on the Australian market. Contact for a quote.
06. Hycraft wool carpet
Supplied by Godfrey Hirst, hycraft wool carpets are handmade woollen carpets with superior look, feel, and insulating properties. Perfect for taking the edge off walking around barefoot in the Melbourne winter, these carpets come in many diverse styles and colours. See here for more.
05. Archer husky white wool blend rug
For those who want a little more stain resistance – or a slightly cheaper option than wool – high quality wool blends are the way to go. This stylish rug by DecoRug is handmade from a combination of wool and polyester. It is available here for $1,133.
04. Astoni Windsor wool
Windsor wool is a high quality material woven in Italy from 80% wool and 20% polyamide. This ensures the carpet’s durability over time whilst keeping the high quality soft woollen feel. Purchase here.
03.Wool sisal blend cream
Sisal is another natural fibre which can be combined with wool to create a sustainable, natural and durable carpet material. Purchase the 60%-40% wool-sisal blend rug pictured above here from Sisal rugs for $89.46.
02. Wool berber Vogue
Berber Vogue is a line of designer loop pile woollen rugs made from heathered yarn with a speckled effect. Purchase here from Godfrey Hirst.
01. Bremworth New Zealand wool textured
Operating from multiple locations across Sydney and Melbourne, Bremworth is one of Australia’s leading luxury carpet retailers. With 100% New Zealand wool alone, these rugs are guaranteed to be high quality and last for decades. Find your nearest store here.
