What You Need To Know When Choosing Natural Fiber Carpets

If you are in the market shopping for new carpeting for your home, it is important to find out the options available. Carpets come in different designs and types to suit different needs with the main types being natural and synthetic. When making the choice, you need to think about your requirements as well as your budget.

The last couple of years have seen a rise in demand for natural fiber carpets. Many homeowners are looking for natural carpets to complement their contemporary home design. Some of the material options available include coir, seagrass, sisal and jute products. The materials are quite tough and they have a great appearance for the rustic style. It is, however, important to understand the requirements when choosing the natural materials.

Think about your location

When you decide to get natural fiber carpets, you need to consider where you want to use them. Think about the traffic in the area before choosing the carpet. You need to be careful about using seagrass on the stairs as the fiber is smooth and it can prove to be dangerous on this surface. Avoid using the carpeting on high traffic areas that are prone to dirt and staining. Consider getting carpet treatment during installation to make the surface resistant to staining. Seagrass is quite resistant to most staining.

Choosing the color

When choosing natural pile carpeting, think about the best colors for your home. This is not just about matching décor, it is about maintaining the best appearance. When you consider that the materials stain easily, you need to choose colors that will not show dirt and stains easily. Choose “practical colors” for locations that are more likely to experience soiling. You can also find out about stain inhibiting products that help to offer some protection for the carpet.

The fiber types

Sisal is a material that comes from the spiky sisal plant. The fiber is quite strong and durable, while also being rather soft in texture. It comes in different patterns including the popular Tiger’s eye pattern. Coir is a material made from coconut husk. It is fairly tough and it is great for the rustic look. Jute is much softer than other natural fibers, which means that it is not as strong and is prone to staining. Seagrass is the most resistant option and the deeply textured surface is tough and it seems quite obviously.

The pile direction

Most of the natural fibers have very little nap and when it is there, it is less discernible. This makes the carpets less prone to crushing. It also means that the rugs do not creep as much as other materials. Naturals are a great choice for anyone who wants to show off their beautiful rug collection. Even though the natural fibers are almost nap-free, for the best results the widths need to run in the same direction. The seams in the natural carpets are more obvious than regular pile carpets.

Proper installation of your natural fiber carpet products is vital too. It is important to ensure that the carpets are installed on a flat, dry surface. The materials tend to absorb moisture in humid or wet conditions, which means that they are likely to expand or shrink, depending on the weather.

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