What can you tell me about sisal rugs? If we get one I’d like it to be wall-to-wall – can I install it myself?
– High Fiber
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Dear High,
Sisal is an all-natural fiber whose life begins here:
And ends here:
Or here:
But try not to be too concerned that the flooring material you’re about to select is the preferred choice for cat claws because they say it is actually quite durable. And when I say they I’m referring to everyone who is trying to sell you a sisal rug.
Durability isn’t the only benefit of a natural sisal carpet: it also absorbs sound, is allergy-free, anti-static, flame-retardant, and non-toxic. Of course it can collect more stains than a crime lab so manufacturers recommend pre-treating the non-toxic flame-retardant sisal carpet with a toxic flame-enhancer – for example an acrylic polymer protectorant.
Sisals are now available in a wide variety of colors and weaves – many of which you won’t find at your local carpet outlet.
Fortunately you can turn to online retailers who offer free samples, unlimited options, custom ordering capabilities, and reasonably priced carpets delivered straight to your door in sizes that range from wall-to-wall:
to their ever popular 2×3:
Again with the cats.
The big disadvantage with sisal is that – like a cactus – it absorbs water. It will also expand and contract with changes in weather – which may cause the carpet to shrink away from the wall – or the edges to curl if not glued to the floor or trimmed with a fabric border.
For this reason sisal is not recommended for areas that are exposed to water, or moisture, or any outdoor elements – such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the mud room, the porch, or the basement. And because it is difficult to clean sisal is not recommended for areas with a high risk of spills – such as the dining room, the living room, the den, the home office, the bedroom, or any room in your house. And no stairs – the fibers are smooth and present a slipping hazard. No. stairs.
It’s also not the best choice for areas of the home where you may want to sit on the floor. Sisal is the same stiff fiber used for making rope, which in this application adds all new meaning to the expression rug burn.
In terms of installing it yourself: don’t even think about it. Just stop. Most professional carpet installers don’t even have the experience necessary for sisal seams. In fact online suppliers recommend interviewing several installers before selecting the company that will eventually botch your job.
But once the sisal is in your home, its daily maintenance is relatively easy. Frequent vacuuming will remove all loose dirt, sand, spare change. For spills, try some club soda and a hairdryer. Which also works on your sisal.