Seagrass is a flowering plant that is native to the Asia-Pacific region. These plants normally thrive in marine environments, and there is an abundance of them in the said region.
Seagrass fibers are used to make different household items like wicker baskets, ottomans, hammocks, and even furniture. They are also used to make rugs.
These rugs resemble other natural fiber rugs like jute rugs and sisal rugs, but they are more affordable. Seagrass rugs are expected to last for more than 5 years.
Here is how long seagrass rugs last:
Seagrass rugs are very durable. The fibers of seagrass rugs are quite resilient and can hold up well in high-traffic areas of the house. These rugs are known to last for more than 5 years. And with the right care and attention, they can even last for up to 15 years.
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Do Seagrass rugs last as long as other rugs?
For something that is made of plant fibers, seagrass rugs can last very long, depending on how well they are taken care of.
But let’s compare them with other natural fiber rugs. Comparing them with jute rugs, seagrass rugs last longer. Jute rugs can only handle low to moderate foot traffic, while seagrass rugs are made to handle high foot traffic.
Jute rugs are known to last for up to 5 years only, but seagrass rugs can last longer than that. They can even last for up to a decade.
Comparing seagrass rugs with sisal rugs, the latter lasts slightly longer. Both seagrass rugs and sisal rugs can hold up very well in high-traffic areas with their resilient fibers.
Seagrass rugs can last up to 15 years at best, while sisal rugs are known to last for more than 15 years. Out of all plant fibers used for rugs, sisal is the toughest and most durable out there.
Are Seagrass Rugs Worth The Money?
Among other natural fiber rugs, seagrass rugs are one of the most affordable. They are cheaper than sisal rugs and jute rugs, but there are lots of advantages to choosing seagrass rugs.
Seagrass rugs are very tough.
They are less vulnerable to abrasion and they do not wear out fast compared to other rugs. Despite them being tough, seagrass rugs have a softer texture. They have more cushioning compared to sisal rugs, even if they have low piles.
Most seagrass rugs do not shed. The ones that do still have very minimal shedding.
These rugs work well in high-traffic areas so you can place them on living room floors, and even on the floors of entryways and hallways. They also make good entrance rugs.
In fact, seagrass fibers are so durable that they are even used for making furniture. A lot of wicker chairs and ottomans are made from seagrass rugs.
Seagrass fibers are non-porous which makes them easier to clean in case of liquid spills.
Plus they are stain-resistant because these fibers have a natural waxy coating. Dirt does not stick to the fibers and accumulates over time.
All of these characteristics make seagrass rugs a good option. And they are well worth the money.
Do Seagrass Rugs Require Maintenance To Last Long?
Just like all other types of rugs, seagrass rugs require proper maintenance to last up to their expected life span.
Even though they are durable, seagrass rugs still need regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh.
Plus there are extra measures that you can do to make them last longer.
What Seagrass Rugs Last The Longest?
Seagrass rugs come in different weaves, shapes, and sizes. Most seagrass rugs are flat-weave rugs but there are different ways to make them.
Some are machine-made using a power-loom.
They normally have backing and borders to keep the weaves in place. Some seagrass rugs are hand-woven.
Out of all these, hand-woven seagrass rugs last the longest. They are the most durable and resilient. This is because these rugs were made by tightly weaving the fibers together by hand.
What Are The Most Durable Seagrass Rug Brands?
If you are looking for a durable seagrass rug, it would be worth checking out these brands and companies.
Safavieh
Safavieh is a rug company that has a well-established presence in the rug market for more than 100 years now. It was founded in 1914 in Iran and has been known to manufacture high-end rugs.
Rugs from Safavieh are very durable and are known to last long. They offer rugs made from different materials.
This brand has a good selection of seagrass rugs with non-skid backing made from felt that adds extra cushion and extra protection for both the rug and your floor.
nuLOOM
This brand was only founded in 2008 but is already known in the industry for its good quality rugs that come at affordable prices. They have a good variety of natural fiber rugs.
nuLOOM offers rugs purely made from seagrass fibers, with backing and borders to ensure that the rug stays intact. This helps make the rug very resilient even in high-traffic areas.
Natural Rug Company
This rug company is based in the UK. It specializes in rugs made from natural fibers.
You can choose from their wide selection in their online store, or you can customize your seagrass rug by choosing the weave, the size, and the material and color of the border.
This brand features seagrass rugs in six different weaves. Each weave has its own distinct look and texture. The border of the rug can be made of either cotton, linen, chenille, leather, or suede
Surya
Surya is another world-leading brand in the rug industry. All of their rugs are made from high-quality materials and are known to last for quite a long time.
This brand has a good selection of pure seagrass rugs that are flat-wave. All of which are hand-knotted and have excellent quality. These rugs have a rubber backing for extra cushioning.
Fibreworks
This US-based company specializes in natural fiber rugs. Fibreworks has a good variety of rugs made from different natural fibers. They also have customization options.
Their seagrass rugs come in several weaves, each one with a unique pattern. They also come in many sizing options. Seagrass rugs from Fibreworks are made from 100% seagrass and come with latex backing.
How Do You Make A Seagrass Rug Last Longer?
For a natural fiber rug, seagrass rugs are quite low-maintenance. This is because they have a natural waxy coating that helps prevent dirt from sticking to the rug fibers.
Because of this waxy coating, they do not get easily dirty or stained.
However, you still need to give your seagrass rug proper care and attention if you want them to last longer. Here is how.
Avoid placing seagrass rugs in areas with moisture.
Just like other natural fiber rugs, seagrass rugs do not hold up well with moisture. So make sure to choose their placement carefully.
Seagrass rugs would work well in the living room or bedrooms. They can also hold up well in hallways or entryways.
When placing a seagrass rug in a hallway, do not place it close to the bathroom to prevent the rug from being exposed to moisture. Avoid placing seagrass rugs in the kitchen as well.
Seagrass rugs are prone to mold and mildew when they are exposed to moisture. This is why it is best to place them in dry areas of the house.
Place a rug pad underneath.
Most seagrass rugs have a built-in backing. But if you want to add an extra layer of protection to your seagrass rug, you can place a rug pad underneath.
Rug pads lessen the impact on the rug which prevents it from wearing out faster. It also helps protect your rug from moisture and dirt coming from the floor.
Vacuum your seagrass rug regularly.
Vacuuming your seagrass rug helps keep it clean. Dirt does not normally stick to its fibers but there could still be loose dirt just laying on the surface. Vacuuming helps remove this loose dirt. Doing this once a week is enough to keep it clean.
Vacuum your seagrass rug in different directions and go over it several times. This is to make sure that all dirt is thoroughly removed from the weave. When vacuuming the border, make sure to do it in the direction of the stitch.
If the border of your seagrass rug is made from leather, then do not vacuum the border. Simply wipe it with a damp clean cloth to remove dirt.
When vacuuming your seagrass rug, always do it in a low setting. Avoid using the heavy beater bar so you do not risk damaging the rug.
Spot clean spills immediately.
Seagrass rugs may be very durable but since they are still natural fiber rugs, they cannot handle moisture or prolonged exposure to liquids. This is why you need to be proactive with your rug in case of a liquid spill.
Spot clean spills as soon as they happen. Use a damp clean white cloth to remove any excess liquid.
Do not use a colored cloth when spot cleaning your seagrass rug. This is important. A colored cloth can bleed and stain your seagrass rug.
For colored liquid spills, use a mild soap to remove the stain. Keep dabbing the area until the stain is removed. For liquids with a strong smell, for example, pet urine, you can use a water and vinegar mixture to clean the stained area.
Then you can pat dry the rug with white paper towels. The faster it dries, the better. So you can use a blow hair dryer after cleaning the spilled area.
Treat your seagrass rug.
While this is not necessary, treating your seagrass rug with a rug protector spray would help make it last longer. Use a rug protector spray that is safe for natural fibers.
This will help make your seagrass rug repel water better and resist other liquid spills. This also helps prevent stains from accumulating in the fibers.
If you are looking for a natural fiber rug that is durable and that looks good, seagrass rugs are a great option that you may want to consider. There are lots of pros to using seagrass rugs as discussed above. Plus, they are pretty affordable.
Sources:
What Is The Difference Between Sisal, Seagrass, Coir, Jute, And Abaca?
Our Essential Guide To Natural Fiber Rugs