Rug Buying Guide: Learn The Difference Between 5 Major Rug Constructions
Hand-Knotted Rugs
Each of these rugs is made up of millions of individual hand-tied knots. They may be new pieces or artifacts, but the admirable craftsmanship distinguishes these one-of-a-kind and long-lasting pieces.
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Materials: Wool, Silk
Production Time: 9-12 months
Lifespan: Over 100 years
Price Per Square Foot: $10-100
Price of a 5x8 Rug: $40-3,200
Hand-Woven Rugs
Flatweave, kilim, dhurry, and sumak are rugs from the same family. They are woven through the foundation of hand weaving. They are a durable and functional option for those seeking an in-expensive hand-made carpet.
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Materials: Wool, Cotton, Jute
Production Time: 3-6 months
Lifespan: 10-50 years
Price Per Square Foot: $10-100
Price of a 5x8 Rug: $40-3,200
Hand Tufted Rugs
A hand-tufted rug is made by punching strands of wool into a canvas that is stretched on a frame with the help of an automated hand tool. This process does not require as much skill as hand knotting and is quicker and easier than hand knotting. After piling with wool, the rug is removed from the frame.
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Materials: Wool, Cotton, Jute
Production Time: 1-3 months
Lifespan: 5-30 years
Price Per Square Foot: $3-15
Price of a 5x8 Rug: $120-600
Hand Loomed Rugs
Traditional hand-woven rugs are made on vertical looms with a mounted wrap. They often have no fringes or proper secured ends or sides. The making of them is by pressing strands of fiber together by using thin threading. The thickness of the rod determines the depth of the pile height. Designs are limited to certain restrictions, but rugs can have a beautiful loop pile, cut pile or a mix of both in them.
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Materials: Wool, Cotton, Jute
Production Time: 1-3 Weeks
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Price Per Square Foot: $1-5
Price of a 5x8 Rug: $40-200
Machine Made / Power Tool
These rugs are produced in record time and at a low cost, thanks to advances in technology. This includes hand-tufting with a power-tufting gun or power looms handled by specialists. Some machines weave rugs in massive reams, most often with synthetic yarns.
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Materials: Polyester, Polypropylene, Acrylic
Production Time: 1 month
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Price Per Square Foot: $1-10
Price of a 5x8 Rug: $40-400
We limit our inventory of these rugs due to their lower quality and durability.
Vintage Rugs - rugs more than 30 years old - have a wide range of prices due to rarity, origin, materials and other factors.
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