Wool rugs can be hand or machine made. Wool can come from a live or dead animal. Synthetic wool is made to mimic actual sheep's wool. These factors influence the durability and care of a wool area rug.
The size of a wool area rug should not exceed the size of the site you have chosen for it. Area rugs come in different sizes, and different shapes, to accommodate a variety of needs.
Different types of wool and methods of manufacture behave differently and have different care requirements. A handmade, live wool rug that requires professional cleaning may be better suited for a bedroom than a high-traffic entryway, for example. A machine-woven synthetic wool or wool blend area rug can hold up to heavier use.