Sisal cloth?

I've asked before in other threads (and was ignored) - But does anyone know where to get the thick rough woven sisal cloth? Like what the cat scratcher mats are made from.
DH and I should be moving into our own house soon and I'd like to make some cat furniture different from what most designs offer. Winding rope would be ridiculous and likely impossible, and I don't want to encourage them to start scratching on carpet. Also the boys think smaller rugs are for scratching on so I figured why not just make a few sisal rugs/mats so they can safely scratch all they want (plus I do like the natural look that sisal has).

Has anyone found and bought any before? I'd like several yards and if I'm ordering online I want to make sure the seller is to be trusted. I'd prefer not to order directly from a Chinese supplier, which seems to be all that I can find.

I'd suggest checking with a carpet supplier or a hardware store, or even a craft outlet. If none of them have it, ask where it can be obtained.

Another thing you can try is check with some Asian stores, particularly Chinese stores in your area. Much of that kind of thing is imported from China, at least according to the google searches I just did.

^I live in the rural Midwest, there are no import stores in my area.

I've checked several craft stores, the closest in texture is burlap. Burlap isn't as heavy and will quickly shred under cat claws. I'm also not so sure about carpet stores, I'd rather it didn't have a backing on it if I'm going to wrap it around stuff. Hardware stores just have the rope.

I did discover through searching that it comes in different weaves. The fishbone weave would make a very nice and attractive rug. Maybe I should consider getting a larger rug for the dinning area and see if they have remnants I could use for the cats.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

^I live in the rural Midwest, there are no import stores in my area.

I've checked several craft stores, the closest in texture is burlap. Burlap isn't as heavy and will quickly shred under cat claws. I'm also not so sure about carpet stores, I'd rather it didn't have a backing on it if I'm going to wrap it around stuff. Hardware stores just have the rope.

I did discover through searching that it comes in different weaves. The fishbone weave would make a very nice and attractive rug. Maybe I should consider getting a larger rug for the dinning area and see if they have remnants I could use for the cats.

Click to expand...

You could also turn a piece of carpet upside down and let them scratch on the weave at the back.

^ But that isn't attractive at all, plus they love their sisal mat. When I brought it home I hadn't even set it down yet before Tomas was trying to scratch on it.

This link is for sisal carpets but it is sold in bulk.

http://myerscarpet.com/sisal6.htm?gc...FQQCagodjF0CiQ

I see sisal doormats at Target, Wal-Mart, and Garden Ridge all the time -- nice thick weaves with no backing at all...

^Too small, unfortunately. If I wanted a 40"x3' piece (for example) I'd have to find some way to stitch them together and it would cost too much.

I was hoping that somebody on here ordered uncommon fabric online (like silk or hard to find brocades) and might have known of a supplier with a good selection.

...and apparently the thinner sisal cloth can be used as wallpaper? So maybe someone more involved in home decor has seen something?