Aesthetic, natural, durable, ecological… the advantages of seagrass are no longer to be boasted about, because this floor covering made from the weaving of an aquatic plant has everything to seduce and is more and more widespread! Easy to install and maintain, it can be installed anywhere in the house, including in damp rooms. Naturally warm and friendly, it is appreciated for its pleasant aesthetic which invites relaxation and which blends with all types of interior decoration. Let’s take a look at the particularities of this coating at an attractive price.
What are the particularities of seagrass?
Seagrass is a natural, sustainable and ecological floor covering that consists of fibers extracted from aquatic plants, the seagrass. The vast majority of these plants grow in China, in fields located in estuaries regularly bathed by the sea. sea water and/or fresh water.
The seagrass is picked to be left to dry before being spun and then woven. It is presented in different forms, the most famous of which is in the form of a four-thread mat. But it can also be woven in two threads, herringbone or interwoven with corn fiber. It is then sold with a latex, coir, rubber or foam underlay.
Seagrass is non-dyeable and will always exhibit that same natural shade of dried straw tones, although it may dull when exposed to direct sunlight. Nevertheless, depending on the harvest period and the climatic conditions experienced by the plant, it can take on shades that are more or less dark, more or less bright, or even more or less green.
If seagrass is appreciated as a floor covering, it is as much for its natural aesthetics as for its qualities. It is indeed a resistant, durable, ecological, low allergenic material, excellent sound and thermal insulation, but also waterproof. It has only advantages, apart from its somewhat hard touch which can bother the most delicate soles of the feet if you walk it barefoot.
Contrary to what one might think, all you need is a vacuum cleaner to maintain the seagrass. With a soft brush, you remove the dust that has settled there while taking care of its natural shine. Seagrass resists moisture and stains. On the other hand, every three months, you can prolong its elasticity and longevity by passing a damp mop on the surface. It is also possible to spray a little water on its surface, because, remember, it is originally an aquatic plant. It can therefore shrink with the dryness of the house and wear out more quickly.
In which rooms of the house can we put seagrass?
Seagrass is a floor covering that is suitable for any room. Resistant to humidity and waterproof, it stands up very well to wet areas such as bathrooms. However, to avoid the occurrence of mold and fungus, it is best to have a well-ventilated room with a window for daily ventilation.
Thanks to its aesthetics and its naturally warm color, seagrass has the advantage of being able to be placed in all spaces, whatever their decorative style. It can thus furnish a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a hallway, bedrooms, etc. Its resistance and easy maintenance allow it to be placed anywhere without the hassle of cleaning. On the other hand, if you want to put it in a bedroom and if you are used to walking around barefoot, opt for a softer model. Admittedly, it will be more expensive, because of higher quality, but you will gain in comfort.
Whether your interior atmosphere is vegetal, contemporary, industrial, refined, old-fashioned, wooded or of any other style, the seagrass will marry there very simply.
Laying seagrass: method and price
Laying seagrass is relatively simple, but it is still recommended to call a professional, because this aquatic plant can change shape in a few hours. Some retract when placed, others expand. In any case, the seagrass must always be stored in the open air for at least 48 hours before installation, in the room where it will be installed, in order to allow it to move according to its characteristics.
The seagrass is posed in three ways, namely without glue and free, on underlay (it is extended and held at the level of the ends of the piece by specific attachments) or glued. This last method is the most often recommended, because even if it is complex, it avoids the risk of slipping, especially in passageways.
The seagrass comes in the form of a roll to unroll or plates to lay down. It takes on average between 7 and 50 euros per square meter. The cost varies according to the quality of the seagrass, its thickness, its weaving, its format and the treatments received. The fireproof treatment is the most common for underfloor heating and has a considerable impact on the price. On the other hand, you should know that high-quality seagrass can cost up to 80 euros per square meter. Add to that between 20 and 30 euros per square meter to have the seagrass laid by a competent professional.
Photo credit: Castorama