EPiC database - Wool carpet

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.

Carpet is a common flooring material, widely used for residential and commercial flooring applications. It has good insulative properties and medium - high durability. It is typically graded using surface pile mass (g/m²), with a higher g/m² generally indicating a higher quality and more durable product.

Tufted carpet is available in three standard styles: 'cut pile', 'loop pile' and 'cut & loop pile'. Within these styles, there are significant variations in durability, aesthetic qualities and cost. During production, carpet fibre is sewn directly onto a primary backing fabric and then bonded (commonly using latex) onto a secondary backing layer (hessian, or similar). Common carpet fibres include: Nylon, Polypropylene, Wool, Wool-blends, Polyester and Acrylic.

Wool carpet is generally more expensive than nylon alternatives. It is often blended with nylon to reduce cost of production and increase durability and toughness. Wool is easy to maintain and is naturally stain resistant, although is highly absorbent making it more prone to stains from spillages.