Compare Nylon & Wool Carpets

Origin and Absorbency

• Wool is a natural fiber produced from the fleece of sheep and lambs. Nylon is a synthetic fiber. Wool is an absorbent fiber that easily absorbs dyes, producing rich colors. The downside of this absorbency is that the fiber also absorbs spills, so wine, fruit punch and other colorful liquids can leave permanent stains. Nylon is less absorbent, holding less than 8 percent of its weight in water, according to the Pro-Care floor care company. For this reason, manufacturers often dye it with acid, making it more prone to fading. Many nylon carpets include a treatment to help them repel household stains. Spills of acidic foods and beverages may be impossible to remove from nylon.

Abrasion Resistance

• Carpet sellers use the term "abrasion resistance" to describe how well a carpet handles wear. Carpet vendors recognize nylon as one of the most durable types of carpet fiber available. Even in high-traffic areas, you're not likely to see a "path" worn into a nylon carpet. Wool is not naturally resistant to abrasion, but vendors say wool in a well-made carpet can still hold up to heavy traffic.

Flammability and Cost

• Wool is a flame-resistant fiber by nature. Wool fibers are "difficult to ignite, do not support combustion, and will self-extinguish when the flame source is removed," according to Floor Store USA. Nylon does not easily catch fire. When it does, it burns slowly. Wool represents one of the most expensive carpet options, due to the costs involved in cleaning, processing and manufacturing it. Nylon is widely recognized as offering a more affordable option.

Other Considerations

• Carpet vendors and floor care companies describe nylon as mildew- and static-resistant. Wool can hide soil better than synthetic fabrics because it doesn't reflect light. You may experience "carpet fuzz" with wool carpeting, especially when it is new. Carpet sellers describe it as hypoallergenic and nontoxic.