How to Buy Natural Flooring

Sisal

Sisal is usually suitable for most rooms, except kitchens because food could become caught in the fibres. Not all sisals are water-resistant enough for bathrooms, so check with the manufacturer before buying. Expect to pay between 20 and 70 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and stairs. Not suitable for: kitchens.

Seagrass

Seagrass is fairly water-resistant, but prolonged damp will cause it to rot, so don't use in a bathroom if it's likely to get soaked daily - for example, in a busy family bathroom. It's also too slippery for stairs. Expect to pay between 10 and 25 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms and bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens or stairs.

Jute

Jute is made from the stems of a tropical herb. It's soft underfoot but isn't water-resistant and is less hardwearing than sisal or seagrass, so isn't suitable for high-traffic areas. Expect to pay between 14 and 40 per sq m.

Suitable for: bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens, bathrooms or stairs.

Coir

Coir is made from coconut husks. It's cheap and very hardwearing, but not water-resistant. It can be used on stairs because its textured surface is non-slip. Expect to pay between 8 and 20 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and stairs. Not suitable for: kitchens or bathrooms.

Paper

Paper makes a durable floor covering. It's made from softwood pulp, and has added resin to allow the fibre to repel moisture, but it's not water-resistant enough for wet areas. Expect to pay between 50 and 78 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens, bathrooms or stairs.

Who should fit your floor?

Natural floor coverings usually need to be installed by a professional. Ask your supplier to recommend a fitter, as natural floors are installed in a different way to traditional carpet. Leave your floor covering laid out or loosely rolled in the area where it is to be fitted for a minimum of 48 hours before fitting to allow it to settle. This will ensure there's no buckling or wrinkling of the flooring when it expands, and no shrinkage when it contracts.

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