Polypropylene Rugs Vs Wool Rugs: Which Is Best?
All interior decor/design lovers know that your rug choice can make or break the room.
While there are many types of rugs to consider, two of the most commonly used materials on the market today are polypropylene and wool.
But when it comes to choosing between a polypropylene vs wool rug, which is best?
These popular materials have their pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one you should purchase.
While both can be a great option, let’s discuss the specifics to make your decision-making process easier.
Polypropylene Vs Wool Rug
When it comes to choosing a rug, there are many factors to consider, such as durability, maintenance, ease of cleaning, and style.
A polypropylene or wool rug can be a great option to unify your space, but it’s imperative you know the differences between the two before purchasing.
Both of these rugs can be used for indoor use and on hardwood floors, LVP, tile, etc., but they do have more differences than they do similarities.
While both polypropylene and wool rugs have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand all the differences between them to make an informed decision.
Let’s go over the differences between the two most popular rug materials.
Polypropylene Rugs
A polypropylene carpet or rug is made from synthetic fibers that are durable and resistant to stains and fading.
Synthetic rugs are one of the most affordable rug options and can be a good choice for high traffic areas or homes with pets and young children.
The reason for this is that they are easy to clean, both with a vacuum and with a shampoo or spot cleaner.
They are known for their stain resistance and flame retardancy, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
An easy way to clean a polypropylene rug is to grab some Folex.
All you have to do is spray it, let it sit for a minute, then dab it clean.
Any foreign marks, stains, or liquids will come right off the surface.
This is what I use on my polypropylene area rugs and it works like a charm.
Alternatively, you could also use a cleaning machine.
If needed, I use this one.
It’s portable, lightweight, and has great suction.
Polypropylene rugs also come in solids as well as styles with intricate designs.
However, they may not be the best choice for those with allergies or sensitivity to harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds.
Alternatively, you can also find polypropylene outdoor rugs that come in many different colors and styles.
Wool Rugs
On the other hand, wool carpets and area rugs are made of natural fibers that are soft and luxurious.
Wool rugs are often known for their sustainability and looks.
While they are more expensive than polypropylene rugs they are often considered a higher quality option that gives a more plush feel.
Wool is also a good choice for those with allergies since it is hypoallergenic.
They are also a great rug type for those who prefer a more natural look and feel.
However, they’re not the most durable type of rug and they are much less stain resistant than polypropylene rugs.
They also require more maintenance.
This can be quite an issue for those with pets in the home.
Here are some pros and cons of each type of rug:
Polypropylene Rug Pros & Cons
Wool Rug Pros & Cons
Best Rug By Area
Now that you know the pros and cons of each type of rug, here is a breakdown of which rug is best based on the area.
Polypropylene rugs are the better choice for high-traffic areas, such as hallways, living rooms, and entryways, due to their durability and stain resistance.
Additionally, they are a great choice for dining rooms because they can handle spills and for bathrooms because getting wet is not an issue.
A lot of people (myself included) feel that a polypropylene outdoor area rug is an ideal choice for outdoor spaces as they are durable, can handle the elements, and are easy to clean.
Wool rugs are the best choice for low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms and guest rooms, due to their natural look and feel.
However, they may not be as stain-resistant as polypropylene rugs, so if your kids eat in the bedrooms, it might be wise to reconsider!
If you’re in the market for a rug for your outdoor space, there are tons of affordable polyropylene outdoor area rugs on Amazon.
I grabbed this one last year and loved it so much that I went back and ordered 2 more.
It looks even nicer in person than it does in this stock photo.
I’ll have to come back and add my picture when I get around to taking it lol.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Polypropylene rugs are easy to clean and can be washed in a washing machine, depending on the size.
Wool rugs may require more maintenance as well as professional cleaning.
Additionally, wool rugs shed.
Typically, over time, they start to shed less.
However, this is not always the case. Sadly, I learned from experience.
The rug in the above pic looks beautiful, but it shed more than any other rug I’ve had in my entire life.
After a while, we just couldn’t take it and we got rid of it.
In the end, no matter which rug material you choose, it’s important to use rug pads to protect the rug and prevent slipping.
Costs
A natural wool rug is typically much more expensive than a polypropylene rug of the same size.
Let’s take this rug above for example.
This is a hand-woven wool rug that is upwards of $60,000.
While this is most certainly in the high range of rug prices, it isn’t something that would shock those in the interior decor space.
Alternatively, this polypropylene rug is pennies compared to the woven option above.
FAQs
Let’s answer some commonly asked rug questions to further help you make your decision!
Are polypropylene rugs safe for pets to be around?
Polypropylene rugs (also knowsn as olefin rugs) are one of the most popular choices for pet owners because they are so durable and easy to clean.
However, it is important to note that some pets may have allergies or sensitivities to synthetic materials like polypropylene.
If your pet has any health issues, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing a polypropylene rug.
I can tell you from experience that our polypropylene rug has been the best decision for our family.
Dare I even say this is the best area rug I’ve ever had!
It has superb resilience and not only does it look great, but it’s also still in absolutely amazing condition.
We have family members with horrible allergies and 2 large breed dogs that shed like crazy.
Having the ability to easily clean our living room rug has been such a blessing and the pile height is perfect for the robot vacuum.
We’ve had many accidental spills and every single one has easily been cleaned off of this rug.
If you’re looking for cheap rugs that are still high quality, I can’t recommend this brand enough.
What are polypropylene rugs made of?
Polypropylene rugs are made from petroleum derivatives.
This material is derived from petroleum products and is known for its durability, resistance to stains, and low cost.
Polypropylene rugs are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, making them a popular choice for modern and transitional home decor.
What are the disadvantages of using polypropylene for a rug?
Polypropylene rugs have a few disadvantages.
They are also not as soft as wool and may not offer the same level of comfort.
Additionally, polypropylene is a synthetic material and may not be as environmentally friendly as wool.
Should I avoid using polypropylene rugs?
Polypropylene rugs are a good choice for those who want an affordable, easy-to-clean rug that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
However, if you have concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic materials or if you prefer a softer, more natural feel, you may want to consider a wool rug instead.
Is Polypropylene Better Than Wool?
Not necessarily, but it depends on who you ask.
Coming from someone like me who has 3 young children and 2 large breed dogs, yes, I think a polypropylene rug is better than a wool rug.
Actually, I think synthetic area rugs in general are better for people with pets and/or kids than wool rugs.
However, if you ask an interior designer who has no kids or pets, but prefers the finer things in life, they may feel that a wool rug is better.
It all comes down to the lifestyle of the home in which the rug will be used.
What Are The Downsides Of Wool Carpet?
Since wool is a natural fiber rug, it is harder to clean and stains easier.
Water-based stains and even general soiling can be hard to clean.
Because of this, wool area rugs should never be used near a bathroom, exterior entry door, etc.
Overall, they’re just not as functional as a polypropylene rug.
Conclusion
The most important thing to think about when choosing the right rug is how much traffic that rug will be receiving.
If you have pets, kids, and high-traffic spaces where your rugs will be placed, the best material for you will likely be polypropylene.
Even with a busy home, a polypropylene rug can last a very long time.
If you need a rug for a space that has minimal traffic, you don’t have kids and/or pets, and you don’t think the rug will require being cleaned very often, a wool rug may be a good choice for you.
Hopefully, this breakdown has made your decision-making process easier, and maybe you even found a rug here today you love!
Other Posts You Might Like:
