Synthetic Sisal FAQs
Scroll down or click for answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about Heather, Synthesis, Bolon and Anywhere synthetic sisal.
What is synthetic sisal?
Our "synthetic sisal" is composed of five collections—TEC, Heather, Synthesis, Bolon and Anywhere—each available in multiple colors. TEC, Heather, Synthesis and Bolon are all flat-woven vinyl weaves imported from Scandinavia. Anywhere is a 100% polypropylene, sisal look-a-like. All four collections are suited for use in areas where natural fibers (such as sisal and seagrass) shouldn't go—in kitchens and bathrooms, mudrooms and entryways, basements and laundry rooms—even, with some exceptions, outside.
What are the differences between the weaves?
TEC, Heather, Synthesis and Bolon are similar in style and texture. All are low profile, flat-woven vinyls imported from different suppliers in Scandinavia, and all three are hard-wearing and easy to clean. Bolon offers a lot of pattern options, so it's a great way to add a splash of color or a focal point to any room. But if you need something for your porch or by the pool, we recommend choosing the Synthesis or Heather—in addition to being impervious to moisture, both of these weaves have an exceptionally high rating for color-fastness, meaning they resist fading, even in direct sunlight. (Over time, the Bolon weaves will discolor if exposed to direct sunlight.)
The other key difference is that Bolon is available unbound only, while TeC, Heather and Synthesis rugs can be finished with or without a binding.
Our Anywhere collection offers a more traditional "carpet feel" under foot, and looks more like natural sisal. Made of 100% polypropylene, it's UV-stabilized and mold-, mildew- and stain-resistant, making it ideal for use outdoors. Anywhere rugs are finished with a narrow, all-weather fabric binding.
In short, if you want a rug with binding, or if you plan to place your floor covering in direct sunlight, choose Heather, Synthesis or Anywhere. If you just need a great-looking rug for your kitchen or bathroom (or any covered area exposed to moisture), then any one of our synthetic sisals would be appropriate.
Does synthetic sisal look fake?
Up close, definitely—especially the woven vinyl weaves (Heather, Synthesis and Bolon). If you request a swatch, you'll probably be surprised by how these weaves look— we were. (And had we not spotted a Bolon rug on a friend's kitchen floor, we probably wouldn't have given it a second glance. However, from across the room, it looked like one of our woven paper rugs in her kitchen— a big no-no where natural fibers are concerned. And that sold us on the concept instantly.)
Anywhere looks more like our natural sisal than the other synthetic sisals do. Though it's 100% synthetic, it's woven to look like the real stuff, complete with color and weave variations.
Our synthetic sisal comes in all sorts of colors, ranging from natural seagrass and honey hues to deep reds and blues. There are stripes and patterns, too, so you can go for a neutral rug or take full advantage of the bright, fun options this "fake" sisal offers.
Can I get synthetic sisal wet?
Absolutely. All of these weaves are impervious to moisture, so they won't warp or mildew the way natural fibers do if exposed to moisture or used in damp areas. Refer to our Care Info page for more information.
Where can I use synthetic sisal?
Use synthetic sisal wherever natural fiber floor coverings are not recommended—in kitchens and bathrooms, on decks and porches, in entryways and mudrooms, in basements, even poolside. It also looks great in living rooms, bedrooms, home offices—anywhere.
Just remember: if you plan to use your floor covering outside, stay away from Bolon, which may fade over time if placed in direct sunlight. (Read "What are the differences between the weaves?" above for more infomration.)
Is synthetic sisal slippery?
No. In fact, it's ideal for use in bathrooms and saunas, and even on stairs.
Are there limitations to the size of area rug I can do?
In general, you're limited only by the roll width of the material you choose—in the case of Heather, Synthesis and Bolon, 6' 7", and for Anywhere, 13' 2". Refer to our Custom Rug Info page for more information about custom shapes and cut-outs.
Can I install synthetic sisal wall-to-wall?
Yes, and because synthetics won't warp or fluctuate the way natural fibers do, they're much easier to install than natural fiber floor coverings. We do recommend that you hire a professional installer to ensure correct measuring and installation: the recommended method is direct glue-down.
Also, unless you're installing in a very small space, we recommend steering clear of patterned weaves like the Bolon Zigzags or Lex Blends, because it will be nearly impossible to match the pattern at the seam.
Will my rug need a pad?
All of our woven vinyl weaves—TEC, Heather, Synthesis and Bolon—have a non-slip latex backing and do not require a pad. (But if you just want a little extra cushion, go ahead and use one.)
Anywhere is backed with woven polypropylene, so a non-slip pad is recommended to keep area rugs in place.
The edges of my rug are curling—is it defective?
No. From time to time, we hear from someone whose unbound synthetic sisal rug is curling at the edges. Several factors, including variations in temperature and humidity, can contribute to the edges of a rug curling. This is not considered a manufacturer's defect and should correct itself over time.
If you have a rug that's curling at the edges, we recommend that you reverse roll it for at least 48 hours, to help erase the rug's "memory" and make it lay flat. If the problem continues, there are dual-sided adhesive tapes on the market meant to hold down a rug's edges without damaging the floor beneath it.
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