Natural fibre stair runners are an extremely popular choice for a lot of people. They add great texture and warmth to an otherwise, often forgotten, staircase. They are durable and the designs and colours available continuously grow.
Pros and Cons of Natural Stair Runners:
Sisal Stair Runners:
By far the most popular of choice when it comes to natural fibre stair runners.
Sisal carpets are made from a natural fibre from Agave plants leaves, that are also used in making items such as rope and twine, making it really durable.
Sisal will often be available in a few designs such as as herringbone, boucle (looped), basketweave and Panama.
Pro's of Sisal Stair Runners:
Sisal can be dyed so is available in a wide selection of colours and designs
Very hardwearing so is therefore ideal for high traffic areas
Con's of Sisal Stair Runners:
Keep the loop size to small, larger loops are not suitable for stairs as they tend to bunch up against the risers
Sisal is an absorbent fibre and doesn’t hold up against water well, so be sure to put a door mat down if your staircase is close to a door leading to a garden
Buyer Tip:
Whenever I’m helping clients with natural fibre stair runners, this is the number one concern that is flagged as they run their hands on the sample - won’t this be too rough to walk on?
When shopping for natural fibre runner options do not judge the roughness of the texture with your hands, take your shoes off (and your socks if you so wish) and stand on the sample.
Your hands tend to be more sensitive than your feet, I promise you will be pleasantly surprised once your feet touch the sample.
Sisool Stair Runners:
Sisool is a mix of 60% Sisal and 40% Wool making it extremely durable and softer underfoot, by combining both of these natural materials it results in a carpet or runner that will stand the test of time.
Pro's of Sisool Stair Runners:
Classed as high domestic durability
Having the wool mixed in means easier stain removal
Con's of Sisool Stair Runners:
This option isn’t offered by a lot of companies so can be hard to source.
Currently only offered in 5 colour ways.
Buyer Tip:
When looking at different loop sizes (yes, there are many to choose from!) always put the sample on the floor and look at it from a standing height, this will give you a better idea of how big or small the loop will look once installed.
Coir Stair Runners:
Coir comes crafted from Indian coconut husk fibres softened in sea water.
Often used as door mats in commercial areas such as hotel lobby entrances, it has a natural rich warmth and is very tactile.
Pro's of Coir Stair Runners:
Most natural fibre carpets are not water resistant but Coir is which is why it’s popular as doormats.
It’s 100% biodegradable.
Con's of Coir Stair Runners:
Coir tends to shed over time with use more so than other natural fibre materials.
Because of its hardy texture, it can be rough underfoot.
Buyer Tip
Should you choose to add a border to your stair runner, have some fun with the design and colour.
Why not choose a bright colour that will contrast well with the natural warmth of the natural fibre stair runner or consider having a double border in different colours.
Jute Stair Runners:
Jute is harvested by hand from the stalks of the tiliaceae plant, the stalks are soaked and stripped and spun before weaving, this process results in the fibres having a muted sandy hue.
Pro's of Jute Stair Runners:
Because of the manufacturing process of the stalks, jute is the softest natural fibre carpet material, almost resembling wool
Con's of Jute Stair Runners:
Jute also tends to be the least hardwearing of natural fibre carpets because of this softness in material
Not generally recommended for stairs, best suited for bedrooms
Buyer Tip
Most companies will advise on having the stair runner sprayed with a protective spray as natural fibre carpets do tend to stain.
The cost is approx. £4 per m2, it's definitely worth paying a little extra for this protection.
Seagrass Stair Runners:
Seagrass is grown on the banks of Vietnamese rivers, and in saltwater marshes, it’s nonporous and therefore incredibly water-resistant.
Seagrass tends to have a basket like texture.
Pro's of Seagrass Runners:
Seagrass is stain-resistant and incredibly durable.
It also feels better beneath bare feet than sisal, so it’s a great choice for dining, living and bedrooms.
Con's of seagrass Runners:
Seagrass cannot be dyed, so you are restricted on colour choice.
Be sure to check with your supplier that the seagrass product they are selling is suitable for stairs.
When it comes to choosing the best natural fibre carpet for a stair runner, sisal is the best choice. Its natural fibres are strong and resilient, making it ideal for withstanding heavy foot traffic on stairs. Sisal carpets also have a beautiful, textured appearance that adds warmth and character to any staircase. Additionally, sisal is a renewable resource that is biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option. Overall, choosing a sisal carpet for your stair runner will not only provide a stylish and durable solution but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious home.
