Rugs, available in all shapes and sizes, have a lot of variety when it comes to materials too. If you want to know which material is the best for you, then here is a comparison between two of the popular rug material options out there: Wool and jute. They are easy to tell apart as traditional rugs are mostly made of wool while jute rugs that don’t use any other material with them have limited colors. However, there are many things you should know about them.

Differences Between Wool And Jute Rugs

Composition

The material and what it’s made up of, is really important to consider.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are made out of 100% pure, naturally-sourced wool. The wool is usually sheep’s wool, although some synthetic varieties also offer synthetic and man-made materials that have the look and feel of wool. Now, the wool is shaved off the sheep and no, sheep aren’t harmed in the making of these rugs.

Wool is also a natural material so it’s great for the environment and it’s really soft and naturally insulating, so you’ll know that your rug is nice and cozy, perfect for winter, because it traps heat.

Jute Rugs

As for jute rugs, they’re made out of grass fibers. So, jute is essentially composed of dried and treated grass fibers that are weaved into rugs. This material has a very beautiful earthy color and it’s every minimalist’s dream come true.

These rugs are very rustic and they look gorgeous in any room. Jute is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it doesn’t trap dirt and dust, a characteristic that wool unfortunately can have at times, because it’s very thick and dense. But, with jute, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Durability

A very important factor that people keep in mind when buying rugs is durability. Let’s be honest, if a rug doesn’t last long, then why would you want to spend your money on it?

Wool Rugs

As far as wool rugs are concerned, they are very durable. They are almost 3000 times stronger than other types of rugs and handmade rugs can last for decades. It’s not surprising that vintage and antique rugs Virginia are mostly made out of wool because they last longer.

They can withstand any and every impact, tug, and foot traffic and they will still look as beautiful as ever, ready to add that splash of fun and charm to your décor.

Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are also very durable. They’re probably the most durable biodegradable rugs that are not only sustainable but look great too. Yes, they can stain like there’s no tomorrow, but you’ll be surprised at the longevity. This material is amazing, if you want something that’s not very high on the price, but still lasts decently long.

Now, it’s no way near wool rugs and jute rugs definitely can’t last forever, but they’re a good alternative if you’re looking for something different with a rugged undertone and appeal.

Color Payoff

The next thing that you want to consider is the color vibrancy of the rugs. There are many great rug materials out there, but the color payoff is hard to determine until you buy and use the rug regularly.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are amazing in color payoff because they’re dyed using natural dyes, sourced from plants, vegetables, and fruits. These dyes stick to the strands better and you can see the color of the rug staying put for years to come.

It doesn’t fade away, no matter how many times you wash it or get it dry cleaned and you’ll be surprised at the look of the rug even after years have passed. How’s that for an amazing rug material, through and through?

Jute Rugs

Jute is a natural fiber that has its natural color and sadly it really can’t be dyed into different colors. Since grass fibers are virtually non-porous, the color doesn’t stick to the strands as well as wool, so as a result jute rugs can fade away quickly.

This is a bummer, but dyed jute rugs aren’t as common either. People who like neutral colors also appreciate jute in its original brownish sand color and that’s a winner in their books.

Sustainability

Now comes the eco-friendly department. Which rug is the most sustainable?

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are naturally sourced from sheep’s wool, so they’re technically sustainable and since many of them are handmade, there aren’t a lot of machines involved and there’s no pollution or anything.

This is amazing, however, since wool is something that’s derived from sheep, it’s a concern for people who are either vegans or don’t want to use any products that are derived from animals, even though no sheep are harmed in the making of these rugs. So, that’s something that could be a gray area for a lot of people.

Jute Rugs

They are very sustainable and they’re made from grass fibers which makes these rugs a hit for people who are part of the animal restoration community. With that being said though, jute rugs do contribute to pollution in a way that they are usually machine-made. They are available in handmade varieties, but machine-made rugs are better quality.

Also, the grass fibers are treated to last longer, so there are a lot of chemical processes involved in this step as well. So, it’s safe to say that both rugs have their own sets of merits and demerits when it comes to eco-friendliness.

Maintenance

Now comes the most important thing to consider after durability and that’s maintenance. Rugs are already hard to maintain because they’re not clothes that you can toss in the washing machine, spin them around, and call it a day. There is a lot of work involved in maintaining a rug especially you have a rug material like silk.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are a bit heavy on the maintenance side of things. You need to get them dry cleaned, you need to keep them away from water, and regular vacuuming is a must, otherwise, your rug will turn into a dirt hotspot.

Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are easy to maintain. You don’t even need to wash them for the most part and you can get away with vacuuming and shaking the rug daily to keep it spotless. The only thing that you need to worry about is fraying. Jute rugs tend to unravel and shed and that can be a huge problem. If you’re too rough with it or even if you wash it a lot, then shedding can be an issue.

Price

The price of the rugs. Depending on your budget, the price can be a deal maker or breaker.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs, because they’re so luxurious and there’s meticulous handwork involved in their making, are a bit on the expensive side. However, considering their longevity, they’re worth the splurge.

Jute Rugs

For someone with a tight budget, jute rugs are amazing, because they’re reasonable and they last decently long too. You can get a lot of jute rugs for the price of one wool rug, so that is an amazing deal. You don’t need to make your wallet cry in agony.

Conclusion

Wool and jute have their own set of qualities, but they’re also lacking in some departments. So, with this guide, you will be able to decide which one is the best material for you. If you want Persian or area oriental rugs VA, you may be choosing wool rugs. However, there are oriental rugs that are made of a blend of jute, sisal, and other materials.