Deciphering Area Rug Construction - Which One is Right For You?

Hand Loomed Shag Rug Construction at Belfort

A room just isn't complete without an area rug. They often serve as the room's focal point or starting piece of inspiration. Whether you're designing your room around your rug, your sofa, or your artwork, it's important to understand what the rug's construction means for you and how to take care of your investment!

Hand Loomed Shag and Hand Loomed Flat Weave

- Created by a team of weavers utilizing a long steel rod with fibers that run vertically along the length of the rug.

- Manufacturing time for a 5x8 rug takes roughly 4 to 5 months.

- Hand Loomed Shag lasts 2-8 years and Hand Loomed Flat Weave lasts 3-10 years (both depending on use).

- Hand Loomed Shag rugs made of wool will shed for an extended period of time - those made of polyester will have minimal shedding

- Hand Loomed Flat Weave rugs will experience moderate shedding that subsides over time.

- Flat Weave Rugs are reversible! Extend the life of your rug by flipping it over!

Hand Knotted

- Individual knots are hand tied onto vertical strings seen on the backside of the rug.

- Manufacturing time for a 5x8 rug takes roughly 5 to 8 months.

- This type of construction is the longest lasting! Good Hand Knotted Rugs will last 10-25 years and great ones can last 100+ years.

- Hand Knotted Rugs shed less than a typical hand tufted rug.

Hand Tufted

- Following a pattern on a mesh backing, a weaver uses a small tool to insert fibers by hand. At the end of the tufting process, latex and canvas are applied to hold the fibers in place.

- Manufacturing time for a 5x8 rug takes roughly 4 to 5 months.

- Hand Tufted Rugs last 3-10 years (depending on use).

- Shedding for Hand Tufted Rugs depends upon the quality of the wool used, but will subside over time.

Machine Made

- Large machines complete the work of weaving fibers into a thin mesh backing. Machines run continuously to maximize efficiency and the patterned is dictated by computer so there is little chance of error.

- Manufacturing time for a 5x8 rug takes roughly 3 to 5 months.

- Machine Made rugs last 2-6 years (depending on use).

- Machine Made rugs consisting of polyester will not shed.

Indoor/Outdoor

- Made solely of synthetic fibers infused with UV inhibitors. They are mold and mildew resistant. Indoor/Outdoor Rugs can withstand up to 500 hours of direct sunlight.

- Manufacturing time for a 5x8 rug takes roughly 3 to 5 months.

- Indoor/Outdoor Rugs last 1-5 years for outdoor use or 2-8 years for indoor use. (Leaving the rug in direct sunlight or standing water will significantly limit its life.)

- Absolutely no shedding!

For more information about Rug Construction or available styles, visit Belfort Furniture's showrooms or browse our rug selection online. With rugs placed at every room setting plus a full rug gallery and hanging rugs throughout, you're sure to find something perfect for your next project. Conveniently located in Dulles, Virginia, Belfort Furniture is proud to offer Surya Rugs and Nourison Rugs!