Here are five choices for carpets made from fully natural fibers. Despite the fact that small spills will be deflected by the individual fibers, wool still needs to be installed in a relatively dry area and should not be immersed in water, or mildew may form. In some cases, wool can be blended with hemp fibers to create a carpet that is resistant to the growth of mold and mildew. The tough fibers of this material are nearly impermeable, which means that seagrass is resistant to stains, dirt, and discoloration. But this also means that seagrass can’t be dyed or otherwise colored by the manufacturer; it is available only in its natural hue. In some cases, colored weft strings are woven through the fibers of the carpet to create contrasting effects. One major drawback to seagrass carpeting is that it is susceptible to damage from moisture. In moist environments, it is subject to the growth of mold and mildew. To prevent problems, spills should be wiped up immediately. This is not a good flooring choice for wet kitchens or bathrooms. Because the fibers are so smooth—and possibly slippery—seagrass carpeting installed on stairs should be laid with the grain facing parallel to the step treads. Generally used in the manufacture of sacks and doormats, coir has an abrasive texture that makes it unsuitable for areas such as bedrooms or children’s rooms, where you want a soft, comfortable floor underfoot. It can, however, be used in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms. While it is naturally durable, coir is susceptible to staining. It also needs to be kept dry and should not be installed in wet environments. The loose weave of its fibers makes it unsafe for use on stairs. Jute is one of the softest and most inexpensive natural fiber carpet flooring choices available. It is especially soft, since it is made from the plant stalks rather than the leaves. Unfortunately, its soft surface means that it is not very durable, and it can suffer from wear and tear quite easily. It is most appropriate when used in low-traffic environments, such as bedrooms. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, sisal carpet can be used in almost any room of the house, although it must be used with caution around moisture, which can damage the fibers. The fact that sisal can be so easily dyed also means that it can be easily stained; it requires treatment to make it resistant to dirt and spills. Sisal is also relatively expensive, typically costing more than coir but less than wool.
