Buying a carpet: Types of fibres

How carpets look and function depends largely on the fibres they are made of. Wool is still recognised as the best fibre for use in carpet. It is used on its own in a pure 100% form or in blends with nylon and polypropylene to improve its wear properties.

A blend of at least 50% wool is recommended in a carpet. 95% of all the carpets manufactured by Carpet Foundation manufacturers are wool rich - and it is recognised that we make the best carpet in the world. The British Wool Marketing Board and Wools of New Zealand are both Associate Members of the Carpet Foundation.

The advantages of wool are:

• It is naturally flame retardant
• Has a low propensity to soil and so has good appearance retention
• Very good wear properties
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable fibre

Nylon is commonly used primarily as a blend fibre with wool but sometimes on its own.

The advantages of nylon are:

• It is extremely hard wearing
• Easy to clean
• Very high abrasion resistance
• Excellent stain and soil resistance
• Multiple colour choices

Polypropylene is highly stain resistant (very good in childrens' rooms) and is used in very good value for money budget products or in a blend with wool.

The advantages of polypropylene are:

• It is hard wearing
• Stain resistant
• Easy to clean with very good colour fastness

Polyester is very popular in America. Commonly used in saxonies which have a long deep pile it is also used in small quantities as a bonding agent in wool/synthetic blends to provide good tuft definition and reduce fibre shedding.

The advantages of polyester are:

• Light and bulky with good wear properties
• It has a lustrous appearance
• Good stain resistance