Natural Fibres Used in Carpeting

Coir

Coir fibres are found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. The fibre may be harvested by soaking the immature husks for up to 10 months, then beating them by hand to separate out the long fibres. After drying and cleaning, the fibre is spun into yarn and used to create flatweave carpeting or sturdy, cut pile doormats.

Although this hard wearing carpeting may be used throughout the house, it's not a good idea to install it in areas where it might get damp or wet (such as a bathroom or kitchen) as moisture can have an undesirable effect on the material.

Flax

Flax fibre (extracted from the skin of the stem of the flax plant) is soft, lustrous and flexible, and is stronger than cotton fibre but less elastic. The use of flax fibres goes back at least to ancient Egyptian times, and it is now sometimes used to produce flat weave and loop pile carpets..

Jute

Jute fibre is produced from the stalk of the jute plant, which grows in South America, Pakistan and India. It is traditionally used for weft yarns (across the width) in woven carpets and as a backing material in the construction of tufted carpets.

However, it more recent times, it has become popular for use in natural fibre carpets or rugs. It is much softer than most other natural floorings, but unfortunately is also much less durable.

Available mainly as tight boucle weaves, fine herringbones or chunky tweeds, jute is recommended for areas that don't get very much wear ,such as bedrooms. It is not recommended for high traffic areas, nor for wet or damp areas (e.g. the bathroom or kitchen) as moisture weakens the fibres, and leaves it susceptible to mildew and shrinkage.

Seagrass

Seagrass is a strong, impermeable fibre that comes from the paddy fields of China. Once harvested and dried it is spun into yarn.

Due to its impermeable nature, seagrass is very hard to dye, so generally comes in its natural green colour or a slight brown shade. As it is a natural product, there are often variations in the weave and the colour; this is normal and is considered part of its natural appeal.

Seagrass can be laid throughout the home, and can also be used for light commercial situations. It is available in chunky basket weave, as well as standard or fine herringbone. It may also be used with a coloured sisal as the weft thread, which can provide a touch of colour.

Silk

Silk fibre is produced by the larva of insects known as silk worms. The silk, in continuous lengths from 300 to 1600 yards is spun to produce the cocoons.

As a fibre, silk is naturally non flammable and not affected by static charge problems - even at low humidity. However, as it is so delicate, it is rarely used in carpeting, but may be seen in exquisite hand-made Oriental rugs.

Sisal

Sisal fibre is produced by the leaves of the agave plant. Sisal is very strong and tough, and is primarily used for making rugs, sacking, rope and even carpet. Unlike most other natural fibres, sisal can be dyed, and is available in a wide range of styles and colours.

Although sisal is very durable, the fibre stains easily and can be very difficult to clean. Wet cleaning can also cause shrinkage, so it's best to use low moisture methods.

Wool

Wool provides the most luxurious feel of all the natural fibre carpets, and its structure makes it hardwearing and durable, so wool carpets keep their good-looking appearance for longer. Wool has the ability to stretch up to 40% of its original length, and can be bent back and forth further than 180,000 times without breaking, making it extremely resilient.

Wool has built-in stain resistance properties, allowing spills and stains to be cleaned more easily. It is also flame retardant and acts as an insulator, helping to reduce noise. Wool's unique ability to absorb moisture means that pressure marks from furniture completely disappear when the carpet is lightly dampened and allowed to recover naturally.

Even though there is nothing more luxurious than having wool carpeting in your home, it is one of the most expensive options. However, despite its costs, it will prove to be far more superior than any other type of carpeting. There is no man made carpet fibre that come close to the durability, rich look, or even the feel of wool - which can also last for 30 years or more.