Jute is attributed as a part of ancient Bengali culture. It's a soft and shiny fiber that looks a lot like a hemp plant when it is growing. Jute began to be exported to Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Actually, one of the cheapest natural materials, it is only second to cotton in terms of uses.

Jute likes to grow in warm, humid climates, like Bangladesh and India. It's advantages include:

• biodegradable


• fire-resistant


• sustainable resource


• strong and durable

• strength breaks down when jute is wet


• certain atmospheric conditions can decrease the jute's strength

Jute rugs and jute flooring options are a great advance for today's society due to its ability to break down. While this may sound like a downside, think of it this way. Over time, items that we have will either disintegrate or need to be thrown away. Instead of filling landfills, jute will break down in the soil and replenish the natural vitamins and nutrients.

As with many other natural materials, the inherent structure and oils found in jute make it resistant to fire damage. Fire can light it, but it won't stay lit for long. Jute matting and a jute carpet in homes may help to stop the spread of fires that start accidentally.

And as with many natural fibers, jute is easy to grow and re-grow, making it a sustainable and renewable resource. It doesn't take up nearly as much space or energy to grow as a tree would, plus it grows more rapidly, allowing for the growth cycle to replenish itself, rather than necessitate planting more trees.

The overall strength of jute is impressive and makes for excellent packaging material and construction material. You can also create durable clothing and other items without fear of breakage. Henry Ford actually tested the strength of jute when he was working on the trunk of a car. Instead of the glass composition, he incorporated part of the jute plant into the design. This made for a lighter car part without sacrificing any of the strength.

The problem that jute has is that a clean jute rug is a happy jute rug, but those that get wet are unhappy. Moisture will rapidly deteriorate the strength of jute, as can acidic conditions. Jute flooring is best used where humidity is low because moisture is hard on it. So, it's safe to say that outdoor jute rugs aren't going to do much good. But a jute rug in a home or office in the southwestern part of the U.S., for example, would be a lovely addition to the space.

Custom made jute rugs will give you exactly the look you seek for your home or office. Jute matting and jute flooring are perfect example of sustainable household decorations. Not only are they beautiful in their weaves and strength, but there's no need to worry about them still sitting in some landfill years from now.