Seagrass is a unique natural fibre derived from plants grown in coastal meadows and river banks, primarily in Vietnam and China.

• Origin: Unlike Sisal (leaf fibre) or Jute (stalk fibre), Seagrass grows in saltwater or brackish environments. It is harvested by hand and then dried.
• Colour: The fibre naturally retains a subtle green hue when first woven, which is often described as a soft, mossy or hay-like tone. This colour is a characteristic result of the plant's life in the water and will naturally mature to a beautiful pale golden-yellow over time with light exposure.
• Unique Aesthetic: This soft, textural green hue provides a distinctive, calming aesthetic for your home.

No, Seagrass cannot be dyed, chemically treated or bleached. This is a critical distinction when comparing it to Sisal.

• Waxy Coating: The Seagrass fibre has a natural, protective, and slightly waxy coating that makes it highly resistant to chemical processing. It simply will not absorb artificial colour.
• Colour Limitation: The beautiful colour variation from green to yellow/gold is entirely natural and dependent on the climate and time of harvest.

The Alternative Flooring Seagrass collections are presented in their pure, natural state, offering a genuinely organic, unadulterated colour palette.

Seagrass has a smooth yet firm texture, giving it a distinctive feel compared to the coarseness of Coir or the silkiness of Jute.

• Texture: It is smooth and often has a subtle, almost rubbery texture due to its natural waxy coating. The Basketweave and Panama styles are the most popular, offering a solid, architectural surface.
• Durability: Seagrass is classified as medium durability. While durable and resilient to wear, it is not as robust as Sisal for concentrated, heavy traffic like staircases.
• Best Use: It is ideal for medium-traffic areas where its unique texture and colour can be the design focus, such as living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms.

Seagrass shares the same strict sensitivity to water as Sisal and Jute and must only be cleaned using dry methods.

• Water Risk: Liquid spills will cause the fibre to absorb moisture, leading to potentially permanent dark water stains and potential buckling.
• Waxy Advantage: The natural waxy coating on the fibre helps liquids initially bead on the surface, providing a crucial window of time for you to blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth. However, adding INTEC Stain Inhibitor to your floor covering will help even further. 
• Cleaning: Use a suction-only vacuum regularly. For spots or stains, use a dry, specialist cleaning solution designed for natural fibres, such as products within the Alternative Flooring Natural Flooring Care Kit.

Yes, Seagrass is notable for having a mild, unique, hay-like fragrance, particularly when the product is new.

• Scent: This natural scent is a direct result of the plant's origin and the drying process. It is a sign of a true, untreated natural fibre. The smell will dissipate gradually over the first few weeks as the carpet airs.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): As an untreated, undyed natural fibre, Seagrass is an excellent choice for a healthy home environment. It is inherently ultra-low in VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), contributing to cleaner air and a healthier interior.

While Seagrass is water-grown, it is suitable for indoor-only applications and must be kept dry once installed.

• Outdoor/Patio: No. Seagrass is not suitable for damp environments, including uncovered outdoor patios, as exposure to dew, rain, or prolonged moisture will lead to mould, mildew, and structural damage.
• Bathroom: No, similar to outdoors, seagrass is not suitable for use in high moisture or damp envrionments. 
• Bespoke Use: Use the Alternative Flooring 'Make Me A Rug' tool to create a custom Seagrass rug with a durable border for any dry room in the house.