What Are Rugs Made Of? A Simple Guide to Rug Fibres

When you’re shopping for a new rug, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which fibre is best for your home. Wool? Polyester? Polypropylene? Jute? Each material has its own look, feel, and benefits.

At Rugs N Timber, we stock a huge range of modern rugs, natural fibre rugs, and everything in between — and we’re here to make choosing your rug simple. Below we answer some of the most common questions about rug fibres to help you decide what’s right for your space.

What is Polypropylene, and is it good for rugs?

Polypropylene is one of the most popular synthetic fibres for rugs. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and budget-friendly — perfect for busy households or rental properties.

- Easy to clean — great for families and pets.

- Soft underfoot while being hard-wearing.

- Resistant to moisture, making them ideal for kitchens or even covered outdoor areas.

You can check out our polypropylene rug collection in-store or online.

What’s the difference between Polypropylene and Polyester?

We get asked this all the time!

- Polypropylene tends to be more durable and stain-resistant than polyester, but it can flatten more easily over time in high-traffic areas.

- Polyester has a silkier, softer feel and holds vibrant colours beautifully — perfect for bedrooms and low-to-medium traffic spaces.

If you’re looking for a rug that feels luxurious but doesn’t break the bank, explore our modern polyester rugs.

Are Wool Rugs worth it?

Absolutely. Wool is a natural fibre that’s been used for thousands of years. Wool rugs are:

- Naturally stain-resistant (thanks to lanolin in the wool).

- Long-lasting — often becoming heirloom pieces.

- Warm, cosy, and perfect for cooler months.

If you want something sustainable and timeless, visit our wool rugs collection or pop into our Belrose store to feel the quality for yourself.

What about Jute and other Natural Fibres?

Natural fibre rugs — like jute, sisal, or cotton — bring a warm, organic feel to your home.

- Jute rugs are eco-friendly and have a beautiful texture, though they’re best for dry areas (not bathrooms or kitchens).

- Cotton rugs are light, casual, and often reversible — easy to move and clean.

We have a lovely selection of natural fibre rugs in-store and online if you love that earthy, relaxed style.

Which fibre is best for high-traffic areas?

For hallways, living rooms, or family rooms, you want a fibre that’s durable and easy to maintain.

- Polypropylene or wool are your best choices.

- Look for rugs with a lower pile (flatter texture) — they’ll handle more wear and tear.

- Darker colours or patterned rugs help hide dirt and marks.

Explore our hallway runners and living room rugs to find something that works beautifully in your space.

Visit Us in Belrose

If you’re still not sure which rug fibre is right for you, we’re here to help! At Rugs N Timber, our team has over 25 years of experience matching people to their perfect rug. You can shop our full range online, or better yet — come and visit our Belrose showroom to see and feel the rugs in person.

We even offer a “try-before-you-buy” service — take a rug home for 48 hours to see how it looks in your space.

You’ll find us at:
2 Niangala Close, Belrose, NSW, near HomeCo Supa Centre.

Need help choosing the right rug?

Check out these collections to get started:

- Wool Rugs

- Natural Fibre Rugs

- Modern Rugs

- Hallway Runners