What is a synthetic rug or carpet?

Synthetic rugs and carpet are made from manufactured materials like nylon, polypropylene, ECONYL®, vinyl, poly silk and polyester, as opposed to natural fibers like sisal, seagrass or wool. These manufactured fibers create versatile weaves that are durable and easy to clean, which is why they are often suitable for both commercial and residential settings. Some synthetic weaves can be crafted into custom area rugs for outdoor spaces like terraces, pool decks or patios. Synthetic rugs offer many of the same stylistic advantages of their natural counterparts, including a variety of colors, patterns and textures, plus softness underfoot.

Our Rug Materials Comparison Chart is a great resource for learning more about different rug materials, both synthetic and natural fibers.

What are the benefits of a synthetic rug or carpet?

Design flexibility: The variety of colors, structures and patterns available with synthetic rugs make it easy to find the right vibe for your design style. Additionally, synthetic rugs can be a less expensive way to update and bring new inspiration into a space. 

Resilience: Durable materials contribute to the longevity and performance of these rugs. Synthetics like nylon, polypropylene and vinyl create rugs and carpet with smart design, high appearance retention, dimensional stability, UV-stability and contract grade potential. 

Easy to clean: If you need a pet-friendly rug or a carpet that can handle all the hustle and bustle that children bring, then a synthetic weave is a savvy choice. Easy to clean with normal household cleaning agents (sometimes even just water) and great stain-resistance.

What is a polypropylene rug?

Polypropylene rugs are high performing synthetic options that resist stains, fading, mold and mildew. Polypropylene is impervious to moisture and is therefore a common material used for woven indoor-outdoor rugs. Because polypropylene is not as resistant to abrasion overtime as nylon, the polypropylene area rugs that we sell are flat weaves with loop pile (as opposed to cut or shag pile), a construction that resists crushing. Oxford and Bolinas are polypropylene indoor-outdoor rugs that feature the faux-sisal look, with a flat, tight weave and soothing colorways.

What is SynSisal®?

SynSisal® is the premiere synthetic sisal on the market and the best solution to get the authentic sisal-look without the pitfalls of natural sisal like staining or coarseness to touch. SynSisal® is soft underfoot—made from ECONYL® StayClean 100% regenerated nylon—and stands up to heavy use throughout homes, hotels and offices. Our SynSisal® collection features classic sisal structures, like the panama weave of Ravenna or the tiger-eye found in Langley, but crafted with recycled synthetic materials, making it a more sustainable synthetic than alternative materials. 

What is the best synthetic carpet fiber?

Nylon and polypropylene are the most common synthetic fibers used in flooring today. Nylon has excellent appearance retention because it is fade, heat and stain resistant. Commercial grade carpeting often uses the highest grade Nylon-6, which has even greater stain resistance due to its tight, molecular structure. Our Hospitality collection includes heavy contract grade nylon options, like Medina or Rome, for your next commercial project.

ECONYL® is emerging as the best synthetic fiber because it is durable, versatile and sustainable. Not only is it a solution-dyed Nylon-6 yarn, it is regenerated from recycled fishing nets, nylon carpet and other repurposed materials and contributes to a circular economy. SynSisal® is our collection of synthetic sisal rugs made from 100% recycled ECONYL® that showcase the beloved sisal-look with soft fibers, easy maintenance and contract grade rating.

Woven Vinyl is also a popular material for outdoor floor coverings, boats and RVs, and for active spaces like gyms or locker rooms. It is impervious to moisture, hard-wearing and often has a cushioned feel, like Seaboard or Tidepool. Synthesis, with its lovely woven structure and variety of neutral colors, is an annual a best-seller.

Can I use synthetic rugs outdoors or indoors? 

Placement of your synthetic rug depends on the rug or weave itself. In general, unbacked synthetic rugs are great for outdoor use and can easily add personality to open air living spaces like a pool area or covered patio. The colorful Tulum or diamond-patterned Madrona infuse any space with positive energy. These unbacked weaves can be used indoors as well, we just recommend using a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping.

Poly silk is another fiber that can transition between interior and exterior realms. Rugs like Seaside or Gold Coast are handloomed from UV-stabilized poly silk and even though they have a backing, they can be placed outdoors in covered areas.

Some synthetic rugs are meant only for indoor use. SynSisal®’s Langley or Sydney and Amsterdam are synthetic weaves with a refined and stylish look, perfect for busy households or boutique hotels. Our indoor synthetic collection offers weaves with different usages, sizes and materials, so when browsing the collection, be sure to read the Specifications tab for each weave to find the right one for you.

Can I use a synthetic rug or carpet in a commercial setting?

Absolutely. Our SynSisal® collection is Class 1 certified for commercial and hospitality settings. SynSisal®’s traditional sisal structures are woven from regenerated nylon and bring a natural aesthetic with ease of maintenance to commercial office spaces, store design, conference rooms, hotel rooms, corridors, common areas and more. 

Indoor synthetics offer a range of usability, with some weaves ideal for residential settings only and others perfect for contract grade or commercial projects. For a refined look and contract-grade rating, see our sophisticated Copenhagen or Venice weaves. Information about a weave’s use class is available under the Specifications tab for each weave.

Are synthetic rugs easy to clean?

Synthetic weaves are soil and stain resistant, mold and mildew resistant, with fibers that don’t absorb water. Spills can easily be soaked up with a clean cloth. We always recommend regular vacuuming, a walk-off mat upon entry to your home and a  “no shows in the house” policy for all our weaves. With a little attention to care and maintenance, a polypropylene area rug or a nylon carpet will look fresh for many years to come. All of our weaves come with care and maintenance guidelines that are accessible under the Care tab on each weave page. For more general care guidelines, please visit our Care Guides page.

high performance: SynSisal® synthetic sisal is contract grade & sophisticated

langley in color smoke 

grace your outdoor spaces with eye-catching synthetic rugs

levante in mystic green

synthetic rugs: dynamic patterns & versatile materials

gold coast in color admiral