Is natural flooring suitable for underfloor heating?

Some natural flooring products are compatible with underfloor heating, but you must check the specific product's tog rating. Flat-woven sisal and seagrass tend to work better with UFH than thicker jute products. Always check with the manufacturer before installation.

Can natural flooring be used in a hallway?

Sisal and coir are suitable for hallways due to their durability. Seagrass can work in hallways but may show wear over time. Jute is not recommended for hallways as it's too soft for high-traffic use.

How do I clean a spill on natural flooring?

Act immediately. Blot (never rub) with a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Use a small amount of cold water if needed, then blot dry. Avoid soaking the area. For stubborn stains, consult a professional cleaner — natural fibres can be damaged by harsh chemicals.

Is natural flooring more expensive than carpet?

Natural flooring is typically priced similarly to mid-range carpet — around £20–£40/m² for the material. Installation costs are similar to carpet. The main additional cost consideration is that natural flooring requires specialist fitting and care.

Does natural flooring smell?

New natural flooring has a distinctive earthy or grassy smell that fades within a few weeks. This is completely normal and not harmful. Good ventilation during and after installation helps the smell dissipate more quickly.

Product Guide 7 min read

Natural Flooring: Sisal, Seagrass & Jute Explained

Natural flooring is having a renaissance. Sisal, seagrass, jute and coir bring warmth, texture and a connection to nature that synthetic flooring simply can't replicate. But they're not right for every room. Here's the honest guide.

By the Multi-Save Carpets team · Updated 2025 · Based in Bristol since 1955

Sisal: The Most Durable Natural Fibre

Sisal is made from the agave plant and is the most durable of all natural flooring fibres. It's hard-wearing, naturally anti-static and takes dye well, making it available in the widest range of colours and patterns.

Sisal is suitable for most rooms including living rooms, hallways and bedrooms. It's not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens as it absorbs moisture and can stain easily. It's also not recommended for stairs as it can be slippery.

Texture ranges from fine and smooth to coarse and rustic depending on the weave. It feels firm underfoot — more like a woven rug than a soft carpet.

Seagrass: The Most Stain-Resistant

Seagrass is harvested from aquatic plants grown in paddy fields. Unlike sisal and jute, seagrass has a natural waxy coating that makes it highly resistant to staining — it's the most stain-resistant of all natural flooring options.

The downside of this coating is that seagrass doesn't take dye, so it's only available in its natural shades of green-gold to honey-brown. It has a distinctive, slightly shiny appearance.

Seagrass is suitable for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Like sisal, it's not suitable for wet areas or stairs.

Jute: The Softest Natural Fibre

Jute is the softest natural flooring fibre — it feels much closer to a conventional carpet than sisal or seagrass. It has a warm, golden colour and a silky texture that makes it particularly popular for bedrooms.

The trade-off for softness is durability. Jute is the least hard-wearing of the natural fibres and is not suitable for high-traffic areas. It's also the most susceptible to moisture damage.

Best used in low-traffic bedrooms, studies and sitting rooms where its warmth and softness can be appreciated.

Coir: The Toughest Option

Coir is made from coconut husk fibres and is the coarsest and most durable natural flooring option. It's extremely hard-wearing and is often used in entrance halls and high-traffic areas.

The coarse texture means it's not comfortable to walk on barefoot and is not suitable for bedrooms. It's best used in hallways, porches and utility areas where durability matters more than comfort.

Caring for Natural Flooring

All natural flooring requires more care than synthetic carpet. The key rules are: keep it dry (no wet mopping), vacuum regularly with suction only (no rotating brush), and treat spills immediately by blotting — never rubbing.

Most natural flooring should be professionally cleaned rather than wet-cleaned at home. Ask our team for specific care advice for the product you choose.

Natural flooring also needs time to acclimatise to your home before fitting. Leave it in the room for 24–48 hours before installation to allow it to adjust to the temperature and humidity.