Frequently asked RUG Questions
Are wool rugs better than synthetic rugs?Synthetic area rugs generally resist staining and soiling better than wool area rugs, although wool provides excellent stain resistance if caught quickly. Wool fibers are available in hand and machine-made area rugs, but synthetic area rugs are usually more affordable. Wool tends to wear longer than synthetic fibers, because the natural tendency of wool fiber is to stretch rather than break. The protein core of a wool fiber absorbs dye well, which creates a softer appearance compared to synthetic fibers. What is a hand-tufted area rug?Hand-tufted area rugs are usually created by punching yarn in a cloth that is attached to a frame, and then gluing the back with latex after hooking the yarn. The surface loop pile is then sheared to produce a flat surface. This process creates an area rug that is very plush, generally less expensive and easier to make than hand-knotted area rugs. How long will my area rug last? Area rug durability is generally determined by
the material, construction, and amount of traffic
in a space. By carefully considering where the
area rug will be placed and how it will be used, you
can anticipate its longevity. View an expected longevity
chart. Do some countries produce better area rugs than others?Every type of area rug from different countries
has the potential for excellent quality as well
as problems. What area rug size do I need for my room?There are no precise guidelines for selecting an area rug for a room, other than a dining area. A good method to determine the right size is to spread bed linens as a substitute to approximate the size, take measurements, and choose the closest size available. In a dining area, measure the table and provide at least four additional feet to the length and width. In this manner, the chair legs remain on the area rug when pulled away from the table. Will my area rug fade?Synthetic dyes last longer than natural dyes. In areas with high sun exposure, some fading may occur, so consider the space in which you will place the area rug. Most area rugs will provide years of vibrant color that do not fade under normal light conditions. Is an underlay (rug pad) necessary? We strongly encourage the use of an area rug underlay
to protect your area rug from abrasion, impact
and cleaning. A quality underlay can add years
to the life of your area rug while providing
additional safety and acoustic benefits. My area rug just arrived, and it appears to be creased. Do I have a problem?During shipping many area rugs develop creases or the pile gets compressed, which usually disappears within two weeks.
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Frequently asked Questions about Area Rug Construction
Q: What is a Tufted Rug?A: Hand tufted area rugs resemble more expensive hand knotted rugs in intricacy of design, detail and coloring. A hand tufted rug is constructed by pushing yarns through a heavy canvas backing, then shearing the face of the rug to create a cut pile. These rugs are very heavy and extremely dense in weave Q: What is a Hooked Rug?A: Rug-making process by which craftsmen insert yarn – which can be any fiber - into a backing with a hand held needle tufting tool. The machine is often called a "gun." The rug's pattern is stenciled on primary backing material. After the tufting is complete, a latex backing is attached to protect and anchor the stitches. The pile of a hand hooked rug is made up of loops. .Rugs may also combine cut and loop techniques. Q: What is a Hand Knotted Rug? A: A Hand Knotted rug is made by weavers who knot pile yarns around
the warp fibers that run the length of the rug. Generally, the more
knots per square inch, the more valuable the rug. Q: What is a Tibetan Hand Knot? A: Tibetan Knot: A distinctive rug-weaving technique now used in
other regions as well as in Tibet. A temporary rod,
which establishes the length of pile, is put in front of the warp. A
continuous yarn is looped around two warps and then once around the
rod. When a row of loops is finished, then the loops are cut to create
the pile. This method produces a slightly ridged surface. Q: What is a Machine Made Rug? A: A machine made rug is constructed on an electrically
powered machine, now usually computer controlled. Q: What is a Needlepoint Rug?A: A needlepoint rug making technique made with wool yarns worked on canvas using the same method as a needlepoint pillow.
Q: What is a Flat Weave Rug? A: A Flat Weave is weaving in which no knots
are used. The weft strands are simply passed through the warp strands.
Dhurries are flatwoven rugs that originate in India
and are usually made of cotton or wool. Kilims are generally finer,
tapestry-like flatweaves. Q: What is Warp and Weft in a Rug?Warp: Vertical strands of fiber, which stretch from the top to the bottom of the rug. Knots are tied to the warp yarns to create face pile. Weft: Horizontal strands of fiber that are woven through the warps. The weft anchors and secures the knots.
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