Sisal Carpets

Sisal fibre is extracted from the leaves of the Agave sisalana plant, a fast-growing succulent that thrives in tropical climates without the need for pesticides or artificial fertilisers. The extraction process is mechanical rather than chemical — the leaves are crushed and the fibres separated, washed and dried before being spun into yarn. The result is a natural fibre that is entirely free from synthetic chemical treatments, with no stain inhibitors, moth prevention or fire retardants added to the pile.

Our sisal carpets are available in four distinct construction styles — Herringbone, Orient Boucle, Small Boucle and Easy Fit — each with its own character. The colour palette across the range spans warm spice tones, cool greys and natural earth tones, giving enough variety to complement any interior scheme.

Sisal is one of the few natural carpet fibres genuinely suited to the most demanding areas of the home. Its densely woven structure and inherent fibre strength make it an excellent choice for hallways, living rooms and stairs — it is significantly more hardwearing underfoot than softer alternatives and its textured surface handles heavy foot traffic well.

Why choose natural sisal carpet?

• Exceptionally hardwearing — one of the toughest natural carpet fibres available, well suited to hallways, living rooms and stairs
• 100% natural plant fibre — extracted from the Agave plant without pesticides or artificial fertilisers
• Plastic-free pile — no synthetic fibres in the pile of any product in our range
• Free from chemical treatments — no stain inhibitors, moth prevention or fire retardants added to the pile
• Naturally textured — a bold, organic surface character that synthetic alternatives cannot authentically replicate
• Available with or without adhesive installation — our Easy Fit sisal uses a felt backing that allows traditional stretch fit installation, avoiding the need for adhesives entirely

Not sure which style suits your project? Order samples or speak to our team — we're happy to advise on both domestic and trade installations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sisal Carpet

What is sisal carpet made from?
Sisal carpet is made from the natural fibres extracted from the leaves of the Agave sisalana plant — a fast-growing succulent cultivated primarily in tropical regions including. The extraction process is mechanical: the leaves are crushed, the fibres separated, then washed and dried before being spun into yarn and woven into carpet. No pesticides or artificial fertilisers are required to grow the plant, and the extraction process does not rely on chemical solvents, making it one of the more straightforwardly natural fibres available for carpet making.

How does natural sisal carpet differ from synthetic sisal?
Natural sisal and synthetic sisal look broadly similar on screen but are fundamentally different products. Natural sisal — which is what we sell — is a genuine plant fibre with a distinct texture, natural colour variation and a feel underfoot that synthetic alternatives are engineered to approximate but cannot fully replicate. Synthetic sisal products are typically made from polypropylene or nylon, meaning they contain plastic fibres throughout the pile. They are generally more stain resistant and moisture tolerant than natural sisal, but they are plastic-based products rather than natural ones. If you are specifically looking for a natural, plastic-free pile carpet, natural sisal is the genuine article.

What is the difference between the sisal styles — herringbone, boucle and easy fit?
Each construction type has a distinct surface character and installation method:

Sisal Herringbone is woven in a classic herringbone pattern — a bold, directional geometric design that makes a strong visual statement, particularly on stairs and in hallways. It has a flatter, firmer surface than boucle constructions.

Sisal Orient Boucle and Sisal Small Boucle feature a looped boucle construction — a more textured, tactile surface than the herringbone. The Orient Boucle is the chunkier and more pronounced of the two, while the Small Boucle offers a finer, more refined texture.

Sisal Easy Fit is a genuinely different product in its construction. Rather than the latex backing used on our standard sisal ranges, Easy Fit uses a backing made from recycled polypropylene felt. This allows it to be installed using the traditional stretch fit method over a standard carpet underlay — the same way most conventional carpets are fitted — rather than the double stick adhesive method required for standard sisal. This makes it simpler and less expensive to install, eliminates the need for specialist double stick underlay, and avoids the use of adhesives. It is available in two weave styles — Meridian and Horizon — each with their own colour palette, giving it a distinct identity within the sisal range.

What is the difference between sisal and seagrass carpet?
Both are natural plant fibre carpets with a similar aesthetic appeal, but they have distinct differences in feel, performance and application. Sisal has a coarser, more textured surface underfoot and can be dyed, giving it a broader colour palette. Seagrass has a smoother, slightly waxy surface — a result of the natural coating on the fibre — and cannot be dyed, so it is only available in its natural golden-green tones. Sisal is generally considered more hardwearing than seagrass and is suitable for stairs, whereas seagrass is not recommended for stair installation. If you'd like to explore both, our seagrass range is worth comparing alongside sisal before ordering samples.

Is sisal carpet suitable for stairs?
Yes — sisal is one of the best natural fibre choices for stairs. Its densely woven structure and inherent fibre strength mean it handles the concentrated wear of a staircase well, and its textured surface provides a degree of natural grip underfoot. All of our sisal carpet styles are suitable for stair installation. We always recommend professional fitting for stair installations to ensure a clean, safe and long-lasting result.

Is sisal carpet suitable for people with allergies?
Sisal can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. The densely woven, non-porous fibre structure does not trap dust, pollen or pet dander in the way that a conventional cut pile carpet can. Our sisal carpets do not contain stain inhibitors, moth prevention treatments or fire retardants in the pile, reducing the chemical load of the product. As with any flooring, regular vacuuming using a suction-only setting is recommended to keep the surface clean.

Can sisal carpet be used in kitchens or bathrooms?
No — sisal is a natural plant fibre that is sensitive to moisture. Prolonged exposure to damp, humidity or standing water can cause the fibre to swell, distort and deteriorate, and can also affect the backing. Sisal is not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms or conservatories where moisture levels may be elevated. It performs best in dry, well-ventilated spaces.

Does sisal carpet stain easily?
Sisal fibre is naturally absorbent, which means spills should be dealt with promptly — blot immediately with a clean dry cloth, working from the outside of the spill inward, and avoid rubbing or soaking the area with liquid. Dried spills and dry debris are easier to deal with — allow to dry fully then brush or vacuum away. For additional protection, we offer an optional INTEC stain treatment which can be applied to the carpet before dispatch. This is a solvent-free treatment that adds a degree of stain resistance without compromising the natural character of the fibre. We would recommend considering this for sisal installations in dining rooms or busy family living spaces where spills are more likely. Find out more about INTEC stain treatment here.

How do I clean and maintain sisal carpet?
Regular vacuuming is the most important maintenance step. For spills, act immediately — blot rather than rub, and avoid soaking the area with water or liquid cleaners. Do not use steam mops or harsh chemical cleaners. For stubborn marks, a dry specialist natural fibre cleaner is the safest approach. Mud and dry debris should be left to dry fully before being brushed off and vacuumed away.

How is sisal carpet installed?
Our standard sisal ranges — Herringbone, Orient Boucle and Small Boucle — are installed using the double stick method: a specialist double stick underlay is tackified to the subfloor, and the carpet is then fully adhered to the underlay using a specialist adhesive. This gives a firm, flat finish and prevents the natural fibre from shifting or lifting over time. Professional installation is strongly recommended for all double stick installations. The subfloor must be clean, dry and level before laying begins.

Our Easy Fit sisal — available in Meridian and Horizon weave styles — uses a recycled polypropylene felt backing that allows installation using the traditional stretch fit method over a standard carpet underlay. No specialist double stick underlay or adhesives are required, which simplifies the installation significantly, reduces cost and eliminates the need for adhesives. Easy Fit is a particularly practical option for those who want natural sisal pile without the complexity or cost of a specialist double stick installation.

All sisal products should be acclimatised in the room for 24–48 hours before installation, and the subfloor must be clean, dry and level before laying begins.

Do you offer samples?
Yes — we strongly recommend ordering samples before purchasing. Sisal texture and colour can look very different on screen compared to in your own home under your own lighting conditions, and the tactile difference between the herringbone and boucle constructions in particular is something that needs to be felt rather than seen.