Natural Fiber Rugs:
Sisal, Seagrass, Mountain Grass, Jute, Maize and Wool Blends

SISAL

Sisal, sourced from the agave cactus plant which primarily grows in Brazil and Africa, is a highly touted natural fiber with many desirable benefits. Attractive to designers the world over, sisal provides a uniquely natural aesthetic which both complements and contrasts with some of today's most sophisticated interiors. Sisal's exceptional durability makes it an excellent choice for use in high-traffic areas of the home. Unlike synthetic fibers used for carpeting, sisal will not produce a static charge which can be quite bothersome to residents sensitive to feeling the resulting shock. Sisal is ideal and preferable for dry environments which can be responsible for static build-up. Most rooms in the home are suitable for sisal with the exception of rooms which are prone to frequent spills, or humidity and moisture like bathrooms, kitchens and areas vulnerable to wet feet. Another characteristic of sisal is its resistance to the accumulation of dust which means the only maintenance needed is periodic vacuuming. Delivering a massaging sensation when walked on, this natural effect is enjoyable in spaces where residents normally do not use the floor as a place to sit or recline. Sisal fibers are extracted from the cactus leaves and can exceed up to three feet in length. Not to be confused with coir which is fiber from the coconut skin commonly used for doormats, or jute, a grass from India with a multitude of uses, sisal is the strongest type of natural fiber.

SEAGRASS

Softer and more comfortable to barefoot residents than comparably rougher sisal, seagrass grows in salt water and features a smooth exterior which resists stains, dirt and moisture. While its resilience against absorption of liquid may suggest successful use in rooms which often get wet, it should be warned that standing water can lead to mold and mildew in some cases. Using common sense when faced with any staining or wetness issues, swift action to remove the offensive situation can help to prolong the life and beauty of your natural seagrass rug. Seagrass rugs and carpets offer excellent durability as well as a lovely range of hues found naturally in the wild which appeal to most designers seeking a rustic aesthetic.

MOUNTAIN GRASS

Possessing most of the same characteristics as seagrass, mountain grass differs in that it is a bit stiffer which may impact walking comfort for some people. Obvious from its name, mountain grass is a renewable fiber that comes from the heights of the Pacific coast. Sometimes referred to as hemp, mountain grass resembles seagrass in its excellent durability and appearance except for a slightly different, more burnished color. Often preferred specifically for its unique characteristics, mountain grass is perfect for both rustic and modern home design.

MAIZE

As part of a basketweave technique, maize is added to some natural fiber rugs to offer a uniquely natural hue and texture. Sourced from the silken fibers of corn husks, maize is a braided fiber to deliver its woven authenticity courtesy of its inherently rough variations. An undyed fiber, its neutral color is reminiscent of oatmeal and represents all the rustic beauty of its natural habitat. Like similar natural fibers, moisture is not a beneficial element to its long-term resilience and should be avoided in favor of your dryer applications.

JUTE

One of the softest of all natural fibers, jute provides wonderful comfort underfoot. Grown in the humid climates of Eastern Asia, India and surrounding areas, jute is a thick natural fiber extracted from the stalk of the tropical plant on which it is sourced. It is highly respected for its environmentally-friendly benefits and extraordinary beauty. As with all natural fibers, jute is not recommended for use in areas which are prone to spills or wetness. Jute's appearance is defined by a myriad of variations which sometimes can shed or necessitate a judicious snip with a scissors if regarded as a detraction. However, such inherent aesthetic traits are exactly what makes jute so desirable within highly sophisticated home decor.

WOOL BLENDS

Wool, the quintessential choice of carpet fiber for its enormous health, environmental and aesthetic benefits, is often blended with other fibers for a variety of reasons. For example, wool and jute are used for the purpose of enhanced softness and contrasting hues. Although defined by almost identical characteristics, wool and polysilk are sometimes combined despite wool's natural traits which overshadow polysilk's synthetic attributes in terms of home and earth health. However, wool benefits from the polysilk's resistance to moisture absorption. Wool is sometimes woven with a small percentage of exceptionally durable and stain-resistant nylon which is also a synthetic fiber. Your choice of such blends should be based on your applications, cost considerations, environmental concerns and decorating preferences.

ABOUT
CUSTOM
CARPET EDGE
FINISHING
OPTIONS

BINDING

Foster Flooring has Binding Equipment to professionally finish the edges of any custom carpets to be used as area rugs, runners or natural fiber rugs like sisal, etc. Binding is considered the most efficient and most affordable technique of all finishing options. While binding can generally use polyester, wool or cotton fabric or thread, Foster uses cotton and offers a range of different edge choices. These include a very minimal finish which wraps around the back of the carpet and displays only a 1-1/4" edge on the top. This unobtrusive technique is a favorite of most designers. However, there are several other custom choices available from manufacturers and binding specialists which Foster can offer you for your cost comparison purposes.

IN-HOUSE
BINDING OPTIONS
AT FOSTER FLOORING

Small Binding

Preferred by most designers, Foster Flooring's standard binding option provides a discreet and tastefully minimal edge to your rug.

Wide Binding

When a more prominent rug edge may provide a complementary or contrasting color accent within your decor, Foster Flooring offers a wide binding option which can measure up to 3.5 inches in width.

SERGING

In addition to Foster Flooring's own professional binding services as well as a range of other outside binding options, another solution to finishing your carpet or rug edge is serging. This strategy involves the use of a thick yarn of cotton, polyester, nylon, wool or other fibers to stitch the rug edge manually or by machine. Foster offers one in-house Serging option shown below.

Serged

Foster Flooring can serge (stitch) your custom rug edge for a more sophisticated aesthetic.

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Other outside options are shown below and can be priced for you.

SPECIAL ORDER
OUTSIDE SERVICE
BINDING & SERGING
OPTIONS

HAND SERGED

While this method is most labor-intensive and generally requires a number of weeks to complete, its conservative result may satisfy your desire for subtlety.

MACHINE SERGED

Using a "whip-stitch" over the standard binding, machine serging the edge creates a neat and finished final result.

MODERN EDGE

If you prefer serging instead of binding but desire the briefest effect possible, a Modern Edge finish may be the solution.

MITERED CORNER
TOP STITCH
with Hidden Stitch Interior

We can special order a wide binding for your application using a range of cloth or leather fabrics to meet your specifications, when available.

FOLDED CORNER
TOP STITCH

Another wide binding option we can order includes a more basic corner treatment to meet your specifications, when available.