Sisal and wool are one of the most popular blends of natural materials used in contemporary floor coverings today. The two materials complement each other very well and in particular to make the beautiful wool sisal rugs.
Sisal is a very stiff fiber harvested from the sword-like leaves of the Agave sisalana succulent. Traditionally, the use of sisal fibers has been reserved for products like rope, cordage and twine. The tough, scratchy fibers were considered too coarse to use in floor coverings.
Wool is harvested from the fleece of sheep and certain other animals. Human beings have been using wool to create textiles for thousands of years, and wool is widely considered to be one of the most sustainable of all natural fibers.
Sisal fibers are often blended with wool to offer wool sisal rugs and wool sisal carpet that combine the textured look of sisal with the soft feeling of wool. Sisal wool carpet is latex-backed, and the sisal and wool yarn is woven across the backing by machine. Standard sisal wool blends use 60 percent wool and 40 percent sisal. Cashmere sisal is a looped weave that is the softest wool sisal blend underfoot.
Many people who buy wool sisal floor coverings prefer not to buy wall-to-wall carpet. Instead, they enjoy the look of that comes from laying multiple wool sisal area rugs across their floors. Sisal provides an excellent protection for hardwood floors in particular
The Benefits of Wool Sisal Rugs
Sisal and wool are both naturally stain resistant fibers. Wool repels stains because it contains lanolin, a wax-like substance that evolved to provide sheep with protection from rain. Sisal repels stains due the unique molecular configuration of its fibers. This same molecular configuration also makes sisal flame resistant and an excellent acoustic insulator. Sisal is also a poor conductor of electricity so wool sisal area rugs in your home will actually repel static electricity and that is a bonus for homeowners who live in drier climates.
Because sisal is such a rigid fiber, a sisal wool rug makes a perfect floor covering for high traffic areas in your home. Sisal wool carpet comes in a variety of patterns, colors and weaves, and wool’s naturally hypoallergenic properties makes it an ideal choice for households whose inhabitants have allergies or are environmentally sensitive in other ways. Wool also has naturally fire-retardant properties thanks to its high lanolin content.
An additional and appealing benefit of both sisal and wool is that they are considered eco-friendly fibers. Sisal can be harvested several times a year from the agave plant. Wool is 100 percent biodegradable, and items manufactured with wool will last for a very long time with proper care.
Some sagely advice to protect your Wool Sisal rugs; The fiber may deteriorate with excess moisture so recommend wiping up any spills immediately and we also suggest that you use a less slippery floor covering on staircases or ensure that your beautiful wool sisal rug has a good backing to help it grip the floor.
Wool sisal carpets are available in a range of different styles, colors and sizes. With proper care, these attractive floor coverings will brighten up your home for a decade or more.