Wall to wall carpeting in the home provides both comfort and some floor insulation value. Carpet quality is often associated with the price tag and general appeal. Although these factors are superficial, the real story of cleanability and durability lies in the materials used.

In a quality carpet the face yarn may be made up of wool fibers. In the US, about 95% of the carpets are mostly synthetic fiber combinations, with little or no wool. Although some yarns may blend wool with acrylic. The four most comonly used  materials in manufacturing are polyester, acrylic, nylon and olefin. Also, carpets are shipped with a specification sheet that can be viewed upon request.

Wool carpets may be more expensive, but they also offer many years of wear and appeal. One big advantage is that pure wool carpeting is not treated with chemicals like fire and stain retardants associated with some health concerns in pets, according to a recently released study. Though the real thing might be preferred, synthetic carpets do resist staining due to advances in production.