This will sound crazy, but we recently purchased a "natural" sisal rug for our dining room, only it's not really a natural sisal rug, it's an indoor outdoor rug. It looks natural, it looks great, it doesn't stain, and it is soft. Here's a picture.

I second the sea grass rugs from Natural Area Rugs; however, they're not 'soft" although smoother than the one with the "sticks". It also doesn't disintegrate as my previous PB jute rug.

Is seagrass good/durable for an fully open outdoor front porch in a northern climate, porch faces west. How long should it's life be? Yes, the rug would be stored during winter.

jmc01, I found this on the link below -
"Seagrass rugs are very durable and have a latex backing. They have a lot of texture, which adds dimension to an interior. Use this type of rug in an enclosed porch or entryway; however, seagrass rugs cannot be exposed to the elements."

Here is a link that might be useful: Natural Fiber Rugs

Buy carpeting from a local retail store so you can go in and look at it and feel it.

I just was browsing my latest Home Decorators catalog and I saw a Faux Sisal that caught my eye. I would need to see it in person. I'm starting to think about adding a cat to the household and natural sisal is not an option, so faux may be for me. It says it is soft. I would think something like this would probably be available in the box stores.

http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Cove_Area_Rug/880/

This post was edited by wendyb on Sat, Feb 1, 14 at 9:26

if online purchase is necessary, it is a good idea is to buy the smallest one as a sample. I did that once for a rug and then used it by an entryway.

Thanks, my3dogs....the minute I read "latex", i knew what the bottom line would be.