Natural Fibres Used in Carpeting

Coir

Coir is made from the fibres of coconut husks and is a strong and resilient fibre. The husks are harvested and then soaked for months before being beaten, washed and then dried. The pale yellow fibres are then spun into yarn that is then woven into flat weave carpeting or as many people will recognise it, into cut pile doormats that are excellent at removing moisture and dirt from shoes.

Flax

The fibres from the flax plant are used occasionally in loop pile and flat weave rugs and carpets.

Jute

Jute fibre is produced from the stalk of the jute plant which grows in South America, Pakistan and India. Jute is traditionally used as weft yarns, across the width, in woven carpets and as a backing material in the construction of tufted carpets. However, it is gaining popularity as a natural fibre floorcovering and its depth of texture makes it great for rugs. Like all other fibres, jute has its has disadvantages. The fibre is weak when it becomes wet and is also subject to dry rot, shrinkage and mildew.

Seagrass

Hailing from the paddy fields of China, seagrass is a rapidly replenishing resource. Once the fields have been flooded with seawater, the fibre is harvested and spun into yarn that has an impermeable quality. Whilst this makes it hard to dye, it also makes it relatively easy to care for.

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. Being so delicate, silk is rarely used in carpet but it does bring a certain something to the finest hand made rugs, particularly those from the Middle East and Indian regions.

Sisal

Sisal fibre is produced by the leaves of the agave plant. Sisal is very strong and primarily used for making rugs, sacking, rope and even carpet. Sisal is one of the toughest fibres in the business and unlike most natural fibres, it can be dyed. When combined with wool, sisal can also take on a softer side and is being favoured by natural flooring manufacturers for its aptitude at creating colourful, natural floors. However, the fibre stains easily and is also very difficult to clean. Wet cleaning can also cause shrinkage so it's best to use low moisture methods.

Wool

Wool is the most popular of natural fibres for carpets and a great renewable resource. It is exceptionally suited to being used as a carpet fibre because it combines excellent resistance to foot fall with an uncanny knack of looking good for years. The ability of wool to stretch up to 40% of its original length and the fact that it can be bent back and forth further than 180,000 times without breaking makes it very resilient. Wool carpets are also resistant to combustion and under normal conditions provide a great anti-static flooring option.

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.

Wool carpets tend to be made from either British Wool or from Wools of New Zealand and each have their own distinct properties. New Zealand wools are notoriously tough and hard to beat when wear is a main concern. However, British wool is great for carpet dyes and brings vibrant tones to the floor.