This is a nice thick wool rug. I didn't need to flatten it out. I was able to unroll and it laid flat. It's warm on our feet and easy to vacuum. The wool fibers don't shed much but I think it depends how you are using the rug. I have kids that roll around on the rug and their clothes have the wool fibers all over them. I typically wear slippers and do not sit on the rug so i don't have any issues with the wool fibers. This was a risk purchasing online since I didn't get a chance to see or feel the rug, but we are extremely happy with our purchase.