San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)

Wool vs. synthetic carpet

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The question of Wool vs. Synthetic fibers may arise if you’re shopping for Carpet. Both choices are great, but the perfect choice for your home will depend on your current situation. Here are a few things to think about before you make your final choice. If your main concern in staining (from kids, pets, etc.), then synthetic would most likely serve you best, as it comes in all levels of stain-resistance, from very basic synthetic fibers, to those treated with Teflon and other solutions. No carpet is spill-proof, but spills left unnoticed on wool carpeting will eventually soak in and stain the fiber permanentl­y. On a synthetic carpet such as nylon however, you could probably get the stain up with a heavy duty spot treatment. If your main concern is lifespan & durability, then wool is definitely the better choice—it can last a lifetime! Wool fibers have a natural elasticity that gives it the ability to stretch and then bounce back like a miniature spring. This gives wool a natural resilience that permits it to withstand the daily compressio­n of foot traffic and the inevitable crushing of furniture.

Synthetic Pros & Cons

Nylon is durable, easy to clean, resilient and the most sustainabl­e of the synthetic carpets. It has good yarn memory which prevents crushing, Coles profession­al designers are here help you pick a carpet that you’ll love. good abrasion resistance, resists stains well with treatment and holds color well. It is, however, also prone to static electricit­y, unless treated. Polyester resists fading and stains, and is available in a variety of colors, but it is also inclined to pilling, shedding, oil-based stains, and matting in high-traffic areas.

Wool Pros & Cons

Wool is soft and pleasant to the touch, environmen­tally friendly (made from natural wool without using chemicals), and absorbs moisture in the air without feeling damp, making it a great natural dehumidifi­er. It also resists compressio­n, naturally repels dirt, accepts and retains color well and is naturally flame retardant and won’t melt. It can, however, be fuel for moths and carpet beetle larvae without insecticid­e treatment. It is also more expensive than synthetic options and can be damaged by some detergents. Visit your nearest Coles Fine Flooring showroom to discuss your carpet needs with a flooring profession­al.

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