Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which materials are used to make floor coverings?

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floor covering Axminster carpet, late 18th or early 19th century.

Floor coverings are manufactured from a diverse range of natural and man-made substances, including textiles, felts, resins, and rubber, designed to provide comfort, durability, and decoration.1

Textile Floor Coverings

These include rugs and carpets, which are categorized as either handmade or machine-made. Handmade varieties often involve knotting pile tufts to a backing or using tapestry methods. Machine-made carpets are produced through various mechanical processes, such as:1
* Woven types: Including Axminster and Wilton styles.1
* Tufted, knitted, and flocked types: Where yarns or fibers are inserted into or bonded to a backing.1

Smooth-Surfaced Floor Coverings

These materials generally adhere to a subfloor and are produced as tiles or sheet goods. Common materials include:1
* Vinyl: Composed of vinyl chloride or vinyl acetate resins, pigments, and fillers, often backed with materials like plastic foam, cork, or fabric.2
* Rubber: Now primarily synthetic, mixed with resins, pigments, and curing agents.3
* Other materials: Including linoleum, cork tile, asphalt tile, and printed felt base.1