Sisal Rugs

As you know, one of the beauties of floor rugs is that it is available in a wide range of materials. Rug materials can be either natural or synthetic. Amongst the many natural rug materials include wool, cotton, silk, jute and sisal. Sisal rugs are quite popular with many homeowners who would like to inject a natural look to their homes.

Sisal is actually a perennial plant that produces a fiber that is quite stiff. This stiff fiber has been used by man to make twine, rope and also dartboards. Sisal may refer to both the plant and the fiber. Sometimes you may even see the term sisal hemp, which is an incorrect term to use. The term sisal hemp is used because for many centuries hemp has been used as a major fiber so any other material that is fibrous is sometimes incorrectly termed as hemp.

The strength and durability of sisal has made it quite a popular material for agricultural twine. Sisal can also be stretched and dyed accordingly, and has been found to be resistant to deterioration in saltwater. When using sisal, the lower grade fiber is used in the paper industry, while the medium grade fiber is used in making ropes and twine. It is only the higher grades of sisal fiber that is used in carpets and rugs. This higher-grade sisal first undergoes a treatment and is then turned in yarns which are then used by the carpet making industry.

A sisal rug is very durable, thanks to the extreme durability of the material. The great thing about sisal rugs also is that it does not trap dust. So to keep you rug looking good, all you need to do is to give the rug a regular vacuuming. On the other hand, when using a sisal rug in high traffic areas, you need to be careful as sometimes the rug can get slightly matted.

If you plan to use sisal rugs in an area where there is a high possibility of spills, like in the dining room, then it is more advisable to get the rug treated with a fiber sealer. If you have stains or spots on your rug, you can clean it up with dry cleaning powder. Sisal rugs are quite easy to maintain.

However, the sisal rug, although made from natural fibers, may not fare well in areas that get rain or snow. So you may not want to use the rug outdoors if you live in such weather conditions. The rug can however be used outdoors in covered porches, patios or decks. They make such charming additions to the outdoors, and make these areas as comfortable as your indoor areas.

Sisal rugs today can be found in many sizes, colors, and types. These area rugs also come with many different binding options, like linen, leather, canvas, tapestry and even custom fabric. Sometimes sisal is also used in a blend with other materials like wool to produce softer rugs. Whatever your preferences are, there is bound to be one sisal rug that is just right for your home.