Synthetic vs. Wool Rugs: Their Pros and Cons Compared

Written By Alla Levin
December 19, 2023

Synthetic vs. Wool Rugs: Their Pros and Cons Compared

Some people don’t spend much time thinking about what kind of rugs they want in their homes. If they do consider it, they might think about what color or shape of the rug they want. They may not ruminate on a rug’s material, but it can matter more than you imagine.

You can find some excellent wool rugs 8×10 either online or at brick-and-mortar store locations, but you may also want to think about synthetic rugs instead. There are certainly some cons and pros that go with each option, so let’s go over them right now.

Pros of Wool Rugs

If you get a wool rug, you’ll know that it is both durable and absorbent. Wool rugs are even flame-resistant, so if a fire starts, you have more of an opportunity to save your rug before the blaze claims it.

Wool rugs can be cleaned more easily than some other materials. They are environmentally friendly as well. In general, they are considered to be one of the more low-maintenance rug types that you can buy.

Cons of Wool Rugs

The main complaint that people who get wool rugs usually have is that they are susceptible to shedding. You will particularly notice this when you first install the rug, though the shedding should calm down a bit as time passes. This type of rug is also more prone to stains from moisture than you’ll see with certain other varieties.

Pros of Synthetic Rugs

If you’re talking to a rug expert about the synthetic option, the first advantage they will probably mention is that these kinds of rugs resist stains very well. They have this advantage over their wool counterparts.

They dry quicker than other kinds of rugs, and they are not as absorbent. If you spill something on one of them, you have more of an opportunity to get that stain out, even particularly bad ones like red wine, blood, or other dreaded household spills.

These kinds of rugs are also quite strong. They can stand up to years of use in your home, even in the most high-traffic areas.

Cons of Synthetic Rugs

There are a few drawbacks of synthetic rugs, though. For one thing, you will not usually find as many varieties. You can find virtually any color or style of wool rug, but the synthetic options will probably be more limited.

There is also the argument that some kinds of synthetic rugs, particularly the cheaper types, are more prone to sustaining damage. They’re cheaper, which is nice, but they can be shredded more easily by cats and dogs scuffing them or sharpening their claws on them.

Which One Should You Get?

When considering which kind of rug to get, remember that wool rugs are environmentally friendly, can be cleaned more easily, and that they’re both absorbent and durable. Synthetic ones will not offer you as much variety, but they resist stains and dry quickly. These qualities should reveal which option is the better choice for your home.

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