Natural fiber rugs are considered one of the most popular rugs nowadays because they offer a lot of variety in style, design, colors, and sizes.
There are a few types of natural fiber rug materials, each one sourced differently, which also gives them unique characteristics.
Among the different types of natural fiber rugs, the most durable ones are seagrass, hemp, sisal, and wool:
Here is the Most Durable Natural Fiber Rug:
Wool is the most durable natural fiber rug. When compared to other materials, wool rugs can last for decades when given the right care and attention. Wool is a primary material used for Oriental rugs, which can even last for generations.
These Are The Most Durable Types Of Natural Fiber Rugs:
Different types of natural fibers are used for making rugs.
Some are sourced from animals, while some are derived from plants. Each type of material has its unique characteristics.
These are the types of natural fiber rugs:
- Wool
- Silk
- Jute
- Sisal
- Hemp
- Seagrass
Out of these natural fibers, wool and silk are sourced from animals, while the rest are derived from plants.
The most durable types of natural fiber rugs are those made from seagrass, sisal, and wool:
Seagrass Rugs
Seagrass rugs are made from fibers derived from the seagrass plant, which grows in Southeast Asia. Seagrass fibers are known to be very strong and durable, so they are even used to make furniture such as chairs and ottomans.
Seagrass rugs are one of the most durable natural fiber rugs out there. These rugs can last up to 15 years when given the right care and attention.
These rugs are very soft, yet they are so resilient that they can hold up well in areas with high foot traffic. They look great in the living room or lounge area and do not wear out fast, even in high-traffic areas of the house.
Seagrass rugs are water-resistant and stain-resistant, so you can place them on the kitchen floor or bathroom floor without worrying about them being destroyed by excessive moisture.
Hemp Rugs
Hemp is a fiber that has been used in textiles for thousands of years.
Rugs made from hemp fibers are naturally durable and do not wear out fast. They often come in brown hues but can be dyed to make different designs or patterns.
Hemp rugs are also one of the most durable natural fiber rugs out there. They are equally as durable as seagrass rugs.
While hemp rugs are made from natural fibers, they are resistant to mildew. Their fibers are incredibly strong so they can hold up very well in high-traffic areas.
However, these rugs have a coarse texture, making them uncomfortable underfoot. Another downside to hemp rugs is that they tend to shed.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal rugs are made from the sisal plant, also known as the agave plant native to Mexico, Brazil, and Africa.
These rugs are one of the toughest rugs out there.
Sisal rugs are also one of the most durable natural fiber rugs out there. Of all the natural fiber rug types derived from plants, sisal is the toughest and most durable.
These rugs are durable, so they are great for areas with high foot traffic, like the living room or even in hallways. They hold up well, even if you have little kids and pets running inside the house.
The downside to sisal rugs is that their fibers are coarse, so they are not that comfortable underfoot. These rugs are also very absorbent, so placing them on the kitchen floor or bathroom floor is not recommended.
Because of how absorbent they can be, sisal rugs can be quite hard to clean when they get stained.
Wool Rugs
Wool is sourced from animal fur, usually sheep, and is very popular because it can add a lot of warmth to your space and elevate its look.
Wool rugs are the most durable among all the types of natural fiber rugs.
Wool is often used for making Oriental rugs as the primary fiber, which has been known to last for decades. Oriental rugs can even be passed from one generation to the next, proving how durable wool fibers are.
Wool rugs are so durable that they can last long, even when placed in high-traffic areas. This is why they are popular as area rugs in the living room.
These rugs are plush, with high piles making them warm and comfortable underfoot. They also offer a lot of versatility in color and design.
The downside to wool rugs is that it can be expensive to maintain them. You cannot place these rugs in the wash; a professional rug cleaner best cleans them to avoid damaging them.
Do All Types Of Natural Fiber Rugs Last Long?
Each natural fiber rug is different because they are derived from different sources. Not all types of natural fiber rugs last long.
The most durable ones like seagrass, sisal, and wool rugs can last for more than a decade when given the right care and attention.
Jute rugs can only last for 5 to 10 years. These rugs are incredibly soft, but when placed in high-traffic areas, they do not hold up as well as the other types of natural fiber rugs.
Silk rugs are made from natural fibers derived from the cocoons of silkworms. Silk fibers are elegant but delicate so they can be prone to damage.
How Long Should You Expect Natural Fiber Rugs To Last?
Different types of natural fiber rugs have different expected lifespans. Generally, you should expect a natural fiber rug to last for a minimum of 5 years.
You can expect a natural fiber rug to last for 10 years when given the right care and attention. Of course, those made of stronger and more resilient fibers can last for decades.
If you want your natural fiber rug to last longer, you should properly care for and maintain them.
While each rug is different and may need a special kind of care, there are some things you can generally do for all types of rugs:
- Vacuum the rug regularly. All rugs need to be vacuumed regularly – this helps keep them clean and last longer. While some need to be vacuumed twice a week, some only need to be vacuumed once every week.
- Spot clean stains immediately. When a liquid spills onto the natural fiber rug, you must clean it immediately. This prevents the liquid from staining and causing permanent liquid damage to your rug.
- Place a rug pad underneath. Whether your natural fiber rug already has a backing or not, placing a rug pad underneath it always helps. Rug pads act as an extra layer of protection to your rug which can help make it last longer.
Do Natural Fiber Rugs Last Longer Than Other Types Of Rugs?
In general, natural fiber rugs last longer than other types of rugs. Natural fiber rugs are known to last for at least 5 years, while some can last for several decades.
Other types of rugs like the synthetic ones made of polyester, nylon, or polypropylene can only last up to 5 years when given proper care and attention. Some even last for only 2 to 3 years.
The reason that natural fiber rugs last longer is how they are made. Natural fiber rugs are usually made by weaving or knotting the yarns together.
This process makes the threads tightly bound to each other, making them stronger and more resilient.
Other rugs like the synthetic ones are made by weaving the yarns into a rubber backing. Since the yarns are bound or glued only to the backing, they are not as secure, so these rugs tend to wear out easily.
How Quickly Do Natural Fiber Rugs Start To Shed?
It is normal for most rugs to shed.
Rugs shed primarily because there are loose fibers that are coming off. For natural fiber rugs, shedding is part of their natural life cycle.
Most natural fiber rugs start shedding when they are brand new and fresh from their packaging.
This occurrence is common for jute rugs, sisal rugs, and hemp rugs. However, the shedding will eventually stop within a month or two.
For wool rugs, the shedding would start when it is brand new, but it normally takes longer for the shedding to stop. These rugs shed a lot in the first 3 to 5 months, but the shedding becomes less and less until it stops.
To help minimize the shedding, vacuum your rugs at least once a week. This will help eliminate the loose fibers and remove any dirt sticking to the rug.
If you want a durable rug that can last for up to 10 years or more, then definitely get a natural fiber rug made from seagrass, hemp, or sisal. These rugs look great, and they are not too expensive.
If you want the most durable type of rug that can last for several decades, then wool rugs are your best bet.
Sources:
Our Essential Guide To Natural Fiber Rugs