RUG MATERIALS

There are countless rug materials, especially considering that two, three or even more materials may be used in a single rug. Below are some of the essential materials used in Surya rugs. Each material has specific benefits and characteristics that are unique based on origin.

HAIR ON HIDE/SHEEPSKIN

Natural animal rawhides with hair/fur still attached are cleaned and finished by hand. They are moisture resistant and biodegradable. Surya uses only cow and sheepskin hides and since no two animals have exactly the same markings or coloration, every product made with Hair on Hide or Sheepskin will have natural variation in shape, markings and coloration.

JUTE/SEAGRASS/SISAL

Cellulose fiber extracted from a plant then spun into yarn. This material is sustainable, biodegradable, durable and affordable. It is also moisture resilient and embodies natural color variation. It feels coarse and has high shedding if used in pile construction but minimal otherwise. Dyed and undyed colors will vary based on the time of year when the fibers are harvested.

NEW ZEALAND WOOL

Protein based fiber from New Zealand sheep’s fleece is spun into yarn. This wool is higher quality than normal Wool and has more softness, natural sheen and less shedding. Dyed and undyed wool products will vary in shade from piece to piece and will fade with exposure to sunlight. All wool sheds, however this varies depending on the quality and will reduce over time.

POLYPROPYLENE/OLEFIN/POLYOLEFIN

Synthetic (man-made) made by extruding polymers or petrochemicals and solution-dyed in a liquid state before it is formed into yarn. It is highly durable, moisture, fade and stain resistant, with minimal-to-no shedding or color variation. This material has a slight chemical odor which will fade over time.

POLYESTER/ACRYLIC/POLY ACRYLIC/NYLON

Synthetic (man-made) made by extruding polymers or petrochemicals and yarn-dyed. It is highly durable, moisture and stain resistant with minimal-to-no shedding. This material has a slight chemical odor which will fade over time.

TENCEL™

Cellulose pulp from wood is first extracted using recyclable solvents and then spun into yarn. Tencel imitates the look and texture of silk at a lower price and is sustainable and biodegradable. It is soft with a silky appearance and lustrous sheen. It is not recommended for high traffic areas due to high shedding since non-resilient fibers can mat and make stains difficult to clean. Tencel is more durable then viscose and will shed less than viscose. However, it is less durable that synthetic fibers and wool.

VISCOSE

Hybrid of natural cellulose pulp and synthetic fibers is regenerated through chemical processing and spun into yarn. This material imitates the look and texture of silk at a lower price. It is biodegradable with a soft appearance and has a silky feel with lustrous sheen. It is not recommended for high traffic areas due to high shedding since non-resilient fibers can mat and make stains difficult to clean.

WOOL-FELTED

Protein fiber from sheep’s fleece which is agitated, usually with water, at a high temperature so the fibers mat together. Wool yarn is sustainable, biodegradable, highly durable and highly resilient with natural oils that provide softness. Dyed and undyed wool products will vary in shade from piece to piece and will fade with exposure to sunlight. All wool sheds, however this varies depending on the quality and will reduce over time.

WOOL

Protein based fiber from sheep’s fleece is spun into yarn. Wool yarn is sustainable, biodegradable, highly durable and highly resilient with natural oils that provide softness. Dyed and undyed wool products will vary in shade from piece to piece and will fade with exposure to sunlight. All wool sheds, however this varies depending on the quality and will reduce over time.