Selecting Natural Fiber Carpeting

Natural fibers used with carpet are produced either by insects, animals, or even plants.  When the material has been produced because of animals or insects then it’s refered to as being protein.  Whilst the types made from plant as refered to as vegetable fibers.  Vegetable and protein fibers share the common disadvantage that they are both very absorbent and will have extended drying times when wet cleaned – which can lead to mildew, shrinkage, and even dry rot.  These are important points when installing floors.

Wool

The wool fibers of course are made from wool that come from sheep and lambs.  You can have wool carpeting imported from places such as Britain, New Zealand and Australia.  The most expensive carpeting is made from wool however it’s normally suggested you buy a wool mix for extra durability.

Cotton

Cotton of course comes from see fiber of the cotton plant.  The primary use for this fiber is yarns woven in carpet or rugs.

The downside to this material is the absorbecy and when you have it wet cleaned you will need to wait quite a while for it to dry out.  It is also easily damaged by acids, stains easily,  mats down, soils quickly, and is subject to mildew, dry rot, and shrinkage.

Jute

The fiber of jute is produced by the jute plant which grows in South America, Pakistan, and even in India.  Jute is an inexpensive material that also serves other uses than just carpet.  Again, as with the other natural materials there are disadvantages when it comes to moisture.

Sisal

Sisal carpeting is made from leaves that come from the agave plant.  Sisal is very strong and primarily used for making rugs, sacking, rope, and even carpet.

It might be that carpeting is perhaps not the best choice for flooring for your personal needs, so you could think about installing cork floors or bamboo floors instead.