What Are The Best Natural Flooring Options?
Consumer behaviour is evolving, and more than ever is leaning towards a desire for more natural and sustainable products. From clothing to food, we want our homes filled with natural, organic and sustainable options. So how can we do that with flooring?
If you think that the only natural alternative to synthetic carpet is wood or tiles, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are many soft flooring alternatives available as carpet that are made from natural materials.
What Natural Flooring Options Are There?
Four of the most popular natural flooring options are wool, sisal, seagrass and coir. We will take a look at these individually later in the blog but first, what do they all have in common?
Wool, sisal, seagrass and coir all share qualities of being very durable. Their natural fibres have a strength that synthetic fibres don’t, and they are all suitable for a high amount of use.
As natural fibres, these sustainable materials are also biodegradable. The way they are produced usually means the backing and treatments are environmentally friendly too.
Because of their durability, these natural flooring options are suitable for most rooms in a home or commercial environments. Coir is more suited to areas with a lot of moisture, whereas wool is so soft, it is perfect for bedrooms.
Natural flooring can be kept pristine using the right cleaning equipment. Some of the fibres absorb moisture so water would not be suitable to use. Therefore, it’s important to use the cleaning products the manufacturers recommend.
Are Wool Carpets A Good Natural Flooring Option?
Wool is a great sustainable choice for carpets and rugs. As sheep are sheared yearly, their wool is a 100% renewable source. As well as being a renewable product, wool has several properties that make it an effective carpet material.
Wool is biodegradable but also incredibly long lasting and durable. At a molecular level, wool is structured for longevity and resistance to wear. This feature means it’s harder for dirt and grime to stick to. Conversely, wool absorbs coloured dyes well, so can come in a variety of different colours. This unique structure also means it has a natural ‘bounce back’ which keeps it looking in good condition for longer than synthetic carpet.
Not to mention, it is delightfully soft to touch.
Is Sisal A Sustainable Carpet Choice?
Sisal is made from the fibres of the agave sisalana plant. It can come in a variety of textures and colours, including woven patterns.
Sisal rugs and carpets suit any environment except places of high moisture such as bathrooms. They make stunning centrepieces in large rooms like living rooms and are very sturdy hall runners. The fibres are beautifully strong and durable when it comes to foot traffic. Sisal is biodegradable and easy to maintain. It’s also a good natural alternative to synthetic carpets for allergy sufferers.
Is Seagrass Carpet Environmentally Friendly?
Carpets made from seagrass benefit from durability and a neutral, natural look that catches the eye. Even though seagrass flooring can be very simple looking, the simplicity adds to the beauty and atmosphere of a room.
Seagrass is naturally moth resistant, resistant to damage and allergen-free. Like sisal, seagrass isn’t suitable for damp areas but is a great choice for high traffic areas. The hard fibres make it hard for dust and pet hair to get stuck in seagrass which is great news for people with allergies. Seagrass is also very easy to care for which is helpful for pet owners.
Does Coir Make For A Good Rug Or Carpet?
Coir is made from the husks of coconuts and usually has a beautiful golden-brown colour. There are different colours the fibres can be, including red, green, grey and black. Coir isn’t the softest material but it’s strength and durability make it fantastic in high traffic areas.
Unlike sisal and seagrass, coir can be used in areas of high moisture including bathrooms and utility rooms. They are resistant to rot and moisture absorbent, which is why they are so good as entrance matting.
Coir carpets go one step further than a mat, providing a striking texture and colour to a room. The durability makes coir excellent value for money.
There is such a good range of natural options for flooring that it can be hard to choose which one is the right option. The key features of natural flooring:
- Hardwearing and durable
- Biodegradable
- Come from renewable sources
- Made of sustainable natural products
- Can be woven into patterns and/or dyed
These features make natural flooring such as wool, sisal, seagrass and coir a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice as carpet or rugs. Come into our Market Harborough store to see the range of natural carpets we have in stock.