Rug Construction

An endless array of sizes, shapes, colors and textures. Additionally they are manufactured or constructed in several different ways. The construction of a rug determines for us the best method of cleaning. 

Hand-Knotted
The intricate, labor-intense construction of hand-knotted rugs offers a durability unmatched by most other floor coverings. Using a loom, one or more weavers carefully knot yarn around one or two warps (columns of thread). The ends of the knot create the pile of the rug. Finer yarns with more knots per square inch create a more defined pattern and enhanced durability, while looser weaves—often found in Oushak, Tibetan and Soumak designs—produce a storied, artisanal look. Not just for aesthetic effect, the fringe found at the top and bottom of a knotted rug is crucial to the construction. These are the ends of the warp threads, which serve as the foundation of the rug. The fringe is knotted to keep the rug from unraveling.

Flat Woven
Kilims, dhurries and other flat woven rugs often have a casual, worldly ambience. Like their hand- knotted cousins, these rugs are produced by hand directly on a loom. This produces an extremely tight, long-wearing weave with a flat, low profile that won’t obstruct doorways or create a tripping hazard on hard flooring. Because they don’t have a backing, flat- weave rugs are reversible, but should be secured with a rug pad.

Machine-Woven
Woven by computer-controlled looms, machine-woven (sometimes called “power-loomed”) rugs often feature extremely precise designs, and generally are more affordable than hand-knotted. The pile in these rugs is held in place by the weave and the pattern is visible on the reverse side of the rug. 

Hand-Tufted
Straddling the space between purely hand-made and machine-made, tufted rugs also deliver good value and interesting designs, though these rugs are not built to last for generations. Hand-tufted rugs are produced by craftsmen who draw the designs on the canvas which will become the rug’s anchor backing. These craftsmen then apply the face yarn using a “tufting gun” to insert various colored yarns into the canvas. A layer of latex is then applied to the back, along with a secondary backing that helps anchor the stitches. 

Fiber is Still King

While construction plays an important role in the long-term durability and cleanability of rugs, the face fiber is still the more important factor in the lifespan of any rug.

If you have questions about the rugs that you are selecting, don't hesitate to give us a call. We are experts in the care and maintenance of fine furnishings and can get you the answers you need to ensure the lasting beauty of your installations.