"Don’t get too caught up within the New Zealand vs. British wool debate. They’re both good quality wools. In short: New Zealand wool can be whiter, while British wool can be a little more hearty.”
Today, I want to talk to you about why you might want to choose New Zealand or British wool carpets. In the video above, you’ll see my two showroom sheep—Mildred and Flossie—who both hail from New Zealand. (In reality, they're not real sheep. But they're great for kids who may become bored while their parents shop for carpet.)
Anyway, many carpets boast of being made with New Zealand wool. So what makes this type of wool so special? First, it’s the whitest wool available. Second, it takes color more easily than any other type of wool.
But, Prince Charles (you know, that guy from England) wants you to know that British wool is no slouch, either. Their sheep are raised in a cold climate and produce strong and hardy wool that stands up to foot traffic.
It’s not that one is necessarily ‘better’ than the other. If you’re buying broadloom carpet though, generally it’s better to choose either New Zealand wool or British wool. They’re both good wools that have a clean appearance and stand up to wear and tear. The right kind of wool can last you 20-30 years if properly cared for. You can’t say that about most synthetic carpets. If you want to learn more, we have other videos about the benefits of wool carpets and the benefits of synthetic carpets.
At the end of the day, don’t get too caught up about New Zealand vs. British wool. Each has its advantages, but they both make for good-quality carpets.
If you have any questions about wool carpets, don't hesitate to give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached more than 100,000 viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.
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