Seagrass Rug

 

Natural Beauty of Seagrass Rugs


 
Seagrass rugs are as environmentally friendly as they are beautiful. At home nearly anywhere, a Seagrass rug is a versatile woven rug that can withstand all the high traffic areas of your home. Seagrass is a hardy grass look-a-like sea plant that is grown in coastal regions of China and India as well as other parts of the world. When harvested and dried, it is spun into yarns that are used to produce the many beautiful rugs we know and love. Seagrass can be skillfully woven into natural weave patterns such as the herringbone weave, dutch twist weave, and the water hyacinth weave, with new weaves also being created all the time. This natural fiber is also used to make "coir" mats and throws which are popular in Australia.

Seagrass, not to be confused with seaweed, are green flowering plants with a complex root system and an unusual reproductive process. Being a natural product, they can be non-uniform in color and weave. Similar to the variations found in woodgrain, this is normal and is considered part of its natural charm. However, during the weaving process, the skilled weavers sort the yarns and match the colors so that each rug is uniform in color.

Seagrass rugs, once only for fans of the muted neutral look, have embraced the contemporary styled decor as well. They are now available in more modern colors, unusual mixes and new weaves. An alternative to traditional carpets, these offer homeowners warm tones and interesting textures. Because they are made from plant fibers, most come in natural colors like cream, light yellow and beige. However, thanks to some innovations in dyeing techniques, they are available in a wider range of colors.

Seagrass is the least expensive and the most versatile of the natural floor coverings. Products made from this fiber are relatively non-absorbent and hard. They are stain resistant and dirt is easily swept or vacuumed away. An outstanding feature is that they have a non-porous surface that gives them a naturally smooth texture and sheen quality. Their rigidity gives them natural durability. They compliment a low dust, allergy free, naturally humid environment. Some consumers are drawn to these because of concerns about allergies.

Most allergy related complaints and other common problems related to manmade carpets are difficulty in concentrating, headaches, nervousness, chills and fever, nausea and burning in the eyes, nose and sinuses. These symptoms can easily be traced to the toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of the carpets themselves. These chemicals can be found in the fiber bonding material, dyes, backing glues, fire retardants, latex binder, fungicides, and anti static and stain resistant treatments. A list of these chemicals include: formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, the potent carcinogen benzene, acetone, styrene, hexane, and ethyl-benzene among others.

The fiber being a natural product contains no chemicals in its manufacture. However, some manufactures in the weaving industry do use a latex backing which make their products more durable and also stops any adhesive that is used during the installation from coming through to the surface. Consumers who have carpet allergies can easily find ones that have a sewn-on cotton backing that contains no harsh chemicals. Even if one does not have sensitivities to allergies, the fabric backing can have an added appeal over others with latex backing.  The fabric is often in a contrasting color, which can add a decorating flair to your decor.

They're recommended for medium domestic and light commercial situations and can be placed throughout your home. However, please note that office chairs that have rollers tend to dig into the weave and damage the flooring. Vinyl office floor mats are recommended in areas where rolling chairs are in use.

(Article written by Charles Hayes - FloorBiz Senior Staff Writer)

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