During the past ten years or so there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for the rustic seagrass, jute, coir, and sisal products. They are extremely tough, and they look terrific when newly laid; but it is essential that clients understand the essential requirements of these materials. We recommend two brands of naturals: predictably: Greendale (our own selected set from Tasibel) and the new Tomkinson's Crucial ranges. These are the best naturals that we know of. They have heavily coated backs that suggest greater stability than other makes, and we have also found deliveries to be consistently close to the sample swatch colours. Natural fibre carpets are usually products of third-world countries that do not have expensive carpet backing machinery. In order to achieve an acceptable standard of stability, Greendale branded sisals are therefore shipped into Europe for backing. Unusually, Greendale seagrass is available in 2 metre width, in addition to the normal 4 metre.

Care should be exercised if using seagrass on stairs. The surface of this fibre is naturally smooth, and with the additional polishing effect of use, this can prove too dangerous on stairs.

Natural pile fibres such as jute, sisal, coir, and hair - have little resistance to staining. It is advisable to choose a practical colour for areas that might be subjected to soiling. Happily, many of the 'dried dirt' colours are particularly attractive, and these are the least likely to prove troublesome. Commercial stain inhibiting sprays offers some protection, and we are able to provide this treatment at the time of fitting. Seagrass is fairly resistant to staining.

Pile Direction

Most naturals have little or no discernible nap. This is far less prone to crushing, and it also much reduces the tendency of rugs to creep. Naturals are therefore an excellent choice for clients who need a base to show off a rug collection.

Even though naturals are almost nap-free, it is nevertheless essential to ensure that all widths used are running in the same direction. Seams in all naturals tend to be more obvious than in normal pile carpets, and wisps and sprags are a feature.

Colours

By their very nature, natural-fibre carpets tend to vary from batch to batch. The mixing of the natural fibres is not particularly scientific, and the finished product can sometimes differ slightly from the shop sample.

Fibre Types

Sisal

Comes from the Sisal bush: a spiky plant reminiscent of the indoor plant that was once called 'mother-in-law's tongue.' It is reasonably soft in texture, and very hard-wearing. Includes the famous 'Tiger's Eye pattern.

Coir

Is made from coconut husk. A fairly tough, informal material which lends itself to rustic locations. It is quite 'stimulating' under bare feet, but does not draw blood as often as its detractors suggest.

Jute

From the Jute plant of warmer climes. This is much softer than other naturals and therefore not quite so tough, (not that the writer has ever seen one that is worn-out). The pale-coloured woven jute carpets are particularly appropriate for bedrooms, and make an excellent base for inexpensive hand-woven Persian kelim rugs. Prone to staining.

Seagrass

As the name suggests, is made from a species of grass that grows beside (not in) the sea. This is the most stain-resistant of the naturals. It is extremely tough stuff, but even more than the other naturals, requires regular vacuuming to prevent a build-up of grime in its deeply-textured surface. Seagrass seams rather obviously.

Installation of Natural Fibre Carpets:

The main point to remember always, is that they are best when stuck direct to a dry, flat surface. These materials absorb a great deal of moisture in wet or humid conditions, and they often try to shrink or expand in sympathy with the weather conditions. Direct adhesion to the floor improves the stability of the installation