Polypropylene vs Sisal rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent with water; Sisal is firm, coarse, crisp and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polypropylene | Sisal | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Firm, coarse, crisp |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Very good in dry areas |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Poor; water stains it |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Vacuum; dry-clean spots only |
| Shedding | Minimal | Low |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Can lighten in sun |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | Hallways, stairs, living rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Natural plant fibre (agave) |
About polypropylene
Polypropylene (also called olefin) is a hard-wearing synthetic fibre that is solution-dyed, so the colour runs right through the fibre and resists fading and bleaching. It absorbs almost no water, which makes it easy to clean and suitable for kitchens, hallways, homes with pets and, in some designs, outdoor use. It is less springy than wool and can crush under heavy furniture.
About sisal
Sisal: firm, coarse, crisp underfoot, very good in dry areas in traffic, and typically used in hallways, stairs, living rooms. Cleaning: vacuum; dry-clean spots only.
Which should you choose?
Choose polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and sisal for hallways, stairs, living rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (polypropylene) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 255 rugs in polypropylene and 0 in sisal. We do not currently stock sisal rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
Matrix 85 Arches Rug in AmberPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 86 Arches Rug in ForestPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 87 Arches Rug in BlackPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Alto Shaggy Rug in Cream & GreyPolypropylene · 80 x 240 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polypropylene or sisal better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Sisal suits hallways, stairs, living rooms.
Which is softer, polypropylene or sisal?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Sisal feels firm, coarse, crisp.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or sisal?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Sisal: Vacuum; dry-clean spots only.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or sisal?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. Sisal: Very good in dry areas.
Related pages
Prices, stock and exact specifications change, so always check the product page before you order: every product page lists the maker's size, material, construction and care details. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you have 14 days to change your mind. See delivery and returns.