As concerns about sustainability increase, natural fibre products have grown hugely in popularity. Interest in plant fibre carpets has grown enormously, particularly sisal carpets and rugs have seen a major surge in popularity. But while sisal possesses many distinct qualities, it is not necessarily right for every environment. Here we will try to give you all the info you need to answer the question, is sisal right for me?
What is sisal carpet?
Sisal is a type of agave plant that is primarily grown in South America and Asia. The sisal plant fibres are unusually resilient, which has led to their use in a variety of industries. Sisal is used to make specialist ropes, high-quality paper and even in the car industry as a sustainable alternative to fibreglass and asbestos.
To make sisal carpets and rugs, the leaves are crushed, washed, dried, and the fibres are then extracted and finally spun into a yarn. The result is an extremely hard wearing floor finish with a distinctive and stylish appearance.
What does sisal feel like?
The same qualities that make sisal so durable also make it somewhat tough underfoot. Depending on the weave pattern, the natural texture can feel a little rough, so if softness and comfort are your main criteria, sisal may not be the ideal choice.
However it’s a great way of adding extra texture to your room. A considered decorating scheme should include a range of textures that work together to bring a room together. Sisal can be a great alternative to the more traditional wool or man-made fibre carpet styles.
What does Sisal look like?
Sisal possesses a distinctive natural appearance which blends easily with most styles of decor. In terms of colour, sisal (and other natural fibre carpets) tend to show golden or warm, rich brown tones but the fibres hold dye extremely well so there are many more extravagant colour options as well. The construction of the fibres also lend itself to a variety of weaving patterns from boucles to herringbones offering a really distinctive design element.
Does sisal stain easily?
It depends. Sisal is extremely resistant to dirt ingress and will not easily discolour from sustained exposure to dry elements. However, sisal is very absorbent when it comes to moisture. In small doses, this is actually a benefit as sisal can help control humidity levels on hot days etc.
The downside comes if the fibres are exposed to larger levels of moisture as spills etc can lead to staining or the weave warping. For this reason, caution must be observed if you are planning to fit sisal near entrances or near areas of increased humidity like kitchens and bathrooms. Similarly, steam cleaners and related products should never be used on sisal. If in doubt, contact a professional carpet cleaner.
Is Sisal toxic?
No. Sisal is a natural product that does not give off any VOCs, making it a great option to improve air quality in the home and can give particular benefits to those suffering from allergies or asthma.
Is Sisal sustainable?
In a word, yes, sisal boasts great environmental credentials. As a natural plant fibre, the sisal plant will absorb atmospheric carbon, helping to improve the environment. The hardy plants are resistant to drought as well so do not require extra resources to maintain them.
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