Guide to Coir Carpet | Coir Flooring, Rugs and Mats | What is Coir?

If you have a busy home, you?re probably aware of just how much wear and tear your carpets can take. From kids running around and traipsing in muddy footprints, to accidental spills and unsightly dog hairs, keeping your carpets clean and looking as good as new can be a real chore. However, you don?t need to break your back vacuuming if you had a strong alternative ? and that?s where coir carpets really shine.

With that in mind, Flooring Supplies has come up with a handy guide to coir and the different choices you have if you want to add a bit of durability and beauty to your home.

What is Coir?

Coir flooring is a natural material made in Kerala in India from the very strong fibres of the coconut husk. Before they are pounded with stones, these fibres are removed by hand and treated in sea water so they can be softened up and woven on hand-operated looms into beautiful designs. When the fibres dry you?re left with a very durable carpet, able to take the wear and tear that goes with living in a modern family home.

Essentially, there are two main types of coir fibre that are distinguished by their age when harvested. White coir fibre, made from immature husks, is smoother and finer than the more mature brown coir fibre, whose age gives it a bit more added strength and its familiar darker colour.

Coir Carpets

It goes without saying that coir carpets ooze character. Available in a wide variety of shades ? from golden hues to husky browns, coir really does give that warm and welcoming look. Although not as comfortable underfoot as the more common carpet solutions, it?s highly textured and durable enough to last years. Another benefit of coir carpets in your home is that, because it?s a relatively cheap option compared to standard carpets, you don?t have to break the bank to achieve that natural rustic feel.

Coir Mats

If you?re sick and tired of cleaning up muddy footprints, you could always invest in a coir mat. Because of the durability of the coir husk, these mats are perfect for removing dirt from shoes before someone enters your home. This not only protects your internal floors by keeping them clean, it extends the life of them too ? meaning you won?t have to splash out on installing a new floor. Coir mats are also woven in such a way that they allow water to pass through, meaning it can be kept outside if needs be and allowed to dry naturally. It?s the perfect finishing touch for your home ? particularly if you have a period property.

Coir Rugs

If you don?t want to splash out on a full carpet re-fit, or don?t fancy a coir mat outside your property, a coir rug could be the perfect go-between.

A coir rug is very hard-wearing and can be used in a wide range of locations in your home ? a perfect place is under the dinner table. Not only will it give your dining area that sophisticated look, it is perfect should someone accidentally spill food or drink as it?ll be easy to clean up. However, coir rugs are unsuitable for areas where high moisture levels are common, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

So, to sum up, whatever coir flooring solution you choose, you can be sure that you?ll get a hard-wearing, durable, affordable and long-lasting floor which will last for years. Pick the right colour to suit your property?s internal features and colour scheme and you?ll be on to a winner.

This guest post was written by Liam Tarry on behalf of Flooring Supplies.

Source: http://www.servicemagic.co.uk/resources/coir-carpet-flooring-rugs-and-mats/

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