Are Sisal Rugs Durable?

Sisal may not be as well known as other natural fibers like wool, hemp, or jute. But - as you may have guessed by our company name - we’re pretty sold on it as one of the best fibers for making rugs. 

Sisal is a naturally flexible, highly durable, and ruggedly beautiful fiber that creates rugs that look and feel like no other. They’re perfect for high traffic areas like hallways and living spaces, pets, bare feet, and heavy use. Not to mention, their beautiful and unique style can bring out the best of whatever room you put them in.

Want to know more about sisal before you commit? Here’s everything to consider, including how durable your next sisal rug could be.

What is sisal?

Sisal is a natural fiber from the agave sisalana plant that is known for its tough and durable qualities. The agave sisalana plant is so durable that no drought has killed the Tanzanian sisal plants in over a century of commercial production. Sisal fibers are commonly used to make rope and twine, but they’re also great for making bags, hats, carpets, and, of course, rugs.

Are sisal rugs durable?

Yes. The sisal natural fiber is stronger than other types of common natural fibers used to make area rugs such as hemp grass, coir, and jute. The fiber lasts so long and resists deterioration so well even under harsh conditions that it's even used to make marine rope for ocean-going vessels. 

Despite this toughness, sisal fibers are also highly flexible and hold certain dye colorings very well. All of these qualities make sisal an excellent choice for a rug that will last a long time and keep looking good.

How long do sisal rugs last? 

The exact length of time your rug will last depends on several factors, such as how frequently you walk on it, whether you walk on it in bare feet or shoes, whether you have pets, etc. Generally, however, you can expect your sisal rug to last longer than other natural fiber rugs, such as wool or hemp - especially if it’s properly cared for.

If you clean your sisal rug regularly and keep it out of moisture and direct sunlight, you can expect it to last 15 years, or even longer. 

Where should I use a sisal rug?

Sisal rugs are recommended for high traffic areas and commercial use because of their inherent durability, making them ideal for home use in high traffic areas like the living room, dining room, or kitchen.

Our sisal area rugs are especially durable because we apply high-quality latex backing to the backside of each rug. This helps keep the integrity of the sisal rug’s weave and prolongs the rug's life even more effectively.

Is there anywhere I shouldn’t use a sisal rug?

Sisal rugs should not be used in areas where the rug will be exposed to direct moisture.  Moisture can cause the sisal to become wavy and water-stained. For the same reason, sisal rugs may not last as long if you put them in highly humid parts of your home. 

Finally, you should also keep your sisal rug out of sustained contact with direct sunlight, as this might cause its dyes to fade. For both moisture and sunlight considerations, sisal rugs are generally better suited to indoor use than outdoor use.

Are sisal rugs easy to clean?

Yes! As with all rugs, sisal rugs last longer if they’re properly cleaned and maintained. Luckily, sisal rugs are quite easy to keep tidy. Simply vacuum your sisal rug with a brush attachment or soft-bristle broom every couple of weeks, or whenever you start to notice dirt or dust particles settling into the fibers.

If you spill a small amount of liquid on your sisal rug, mix a very mild detergent with two parts water and use it to spot clean the spill with a clean cloth or paper towel as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the liquid further into the fibers as you dab the area dry. 

After you’ve dried the spill, use Sisal Life Protectant on the affected area. This product helps repel water, resist liquid spills, and resist soiling. Sisal Life is recommended for all natural-fiber rugs (not just sisal rugs). We can apply it at the time of purchase and you can purchase a bottle for home use at any time. 

Are sisal rugs pet friendly?

Yes! Though your sisal rug may start to show signs of wear and tear if your pets are especially rough with it, sisal’s impressive combination of durability and flexibility means it can handle pets better than most other natural fibers. 

If you do have pets who spend a lot of time around or on your sisal rug, however, we recommend vacuuming it more frequently than you might otherwise - maybe once a week or so. This will prevent pet hair and dander from sinking deeper into the rug, which may otherwise affect the rug’s smell or durability in the long term.

Please use our guides to help build the perfect custom sisal hallway runner, stair runner, or bedroom rug. Rest assured that the natural sisal fibers used are of the highest quality and will last a long time.  View our complete collection of sisal area rugs to get inspired!