The practical use of seagrass flooring

 When, in the 1980's Interior Design was just starting to really become available through the mass media of TV the designers wanted to make stunning statements by using radical materials, one of their favorite products was seagrass and unfortunately they did not understand the product or how it should be used. They tended to use it purely for its appearance and not its practicality with the result it ended up being used in some totally inappropriate locations which inevitably harmed its reputation. But when this product is used correctly you not only get a stunning appearance but a very attractive and useful floor surface that is easily maintained.

Seagrass is a simple floor cover that sets off any object or decor placed on it or against it, in the picture below the fireplace really stands out against the flooring.

Besides making the objects appear more prominent the fibre it is made from is easily maintained only requireing regular vacuuming to maintain its appearance. You will also note that it only is available in its natural state that is because it will not hold a dye,what does that mean, it is very hard to stain. If you do spill something on it there may be a damp dark patch for a while but it will dry if the spill is water based.

Seagrass Range

Seagrass is available in only one colour and that is its natural colour however each piece of material comes with its own hues within that colour so no two pieces of it are the same like any natural product. When the material is delivered it will be a greenish hay colour and as it dries out over a period of time it will turn to what is basically a straw colour with its own inherent variations.

There are two basic forms of seagrass available which are determined by the size of the yarn which is made in the standard guage and fine weave, each of these can then be woven into the three basic  patterns panama, herringbone and  basketweave, the fine weave can also be made into a boucle' weave.

Where Seagrass Originates

Seagrass is grown in paddy fields in China and Vietnam. During the growing season, the fields are flooded with sea water. Due to the nature of the grass it is impermeable which makes it difficult to dye, consequently the sea grass mats are a neutral coloured product with tones of a greenish brown. The colour inconsistencies add to the natural look.
Colour variations and heavy texture make a wonderful covering for areas exposed to dirt and spills. The sea grass is water resistant properties.