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Rugs 101 - Information Center for Oriental Rugs
Types of Oriental Rugs

The Difference in Rug Types.


One of the most common things that we teach our customers is about the difference between hand-
knotted, tufted, and machine-made rugs.  The value difference is drastic while the price difference is
usually somewhat comparable.  We offer a 100% trade-in policy, so we can only carry hand-knotted
pieces. Here is a quick breakdown of the differences.  To learn more, access the Rugs 101 section of
this site.

Hand-knotted rugs are the finest of the three main types.  A hand-knotted rug is constructed the
following way: 1) a loom is set up with cotton, wool, or silk strings running north and south (this is
called “warp” and will also eventually become your fringe.) 2) Rows of knots, somewhat similar to
what you tie your shoes with are tied onto the warp threads moving east/west.  There are different
types of knots and the acceptable materials are either wool or silk. The different colors of the
individual knot will eventually create the pattern of the rug. 3) Strings similar to he warp are run east to
west inter-weaving with the warp (this is called weft.) 4) The process repeats until the pattern is
complete.

The hand-knotted rug with often be slightly more in price than the other types.  This is due to the cost
of materials, and the shear amount of time it takes to complete a rug.  An average quality 9x12 will
take at least 6-9 months from design conception to woven completion.  Higher quality hand-knotted
drugs can take years to complete.

The hand-knotted rug is the better value for your money in comparison to the other types.  More work
and artistic reference went into the work.  Anything that happens to the rug can be repaired (note: this
is not always cheap depending upon the repair work being done.)  A hand-knotted rug will last on
average 70 years, and if properly maintained will last over 120 years!  And the real kicker, hand-
knotted rugs increase in value with use and age!

You can see why we are able to offer a lifetime 100% Trade-In-Policy on our hand-knotted pieces.  
They last a lifetime, and they actually get better with age.  They look better, feel better, and increase in
value.

Tufted pieces are often referred to as “hand-made” in an attempt to mimic the hand-knotted rugs.  
These pieces are still an amazing value, but are often the same price or even more than a hand-
knotted rug and cannot compete when it comes to value.

A tufted rug is usually made by hand, but is created without tying any knots onto a foundation.  
Instead, a “gun” is used to push wool or acrylic yarn through a canvass backing.  Latex glue is then
applied to hold the tufts in place.  A final cloth backing is then applied to cover up the backing and to
protect your floor.

Because there is no knot being tied, and a tufting gun is used, this method is much less time
consuming than knotting a rug.  To a tufted rug’s credit, it still takes a high level of skill and
craftsmanship to efficiently and accurately portray intricate designs.

The tufted rugs will not last nearly as long as a hand-knotted piece, averaging 7-10 years, cannot
accept major repairs, and will not increase in value.  Many of these rugs cannot even be
professionally cleaned because the glue used to hold the tufts in place will deteriorate.  There are a
few reputable companies that have taken hand-tufted rugs to new levels of quality.  Nourison, Loloi,
Momeni, etc. have re-invented the tufted rug, increasing the artistic value as well as the lifespan of the
rug.  While we do not carrry these brands, we do recommend their products.
An average 9x12 tufted rug take 3-4 days to complete.  Due to the comparable price and the lack of
lifetime value, Lexington Oriental Rugs does not current carry tufted rugs.

The third main type of rug is machine-made.  These are the least expensive, are the fasted to make,
and are essentially replaceable.  

There are multiple processes for machine made rugs.  The most common involves a machine with
thousands of needles injecting yarn through a plastic screen.  The materials are often not wool, but
are instead synthetic fibers.  There is usually no backing on the rug.  

These rugs can take a matter of hours to complete, and are very affordable, but the value is very low.  
They often do not last more than 1-2 years and cannot be repaired.  Cleaning is determined by the
type of rug and materials used.  Again, due to the comparable price, and the lack of lifetime value,
Lexington Oriental Rugs does not carry machine rugs.

While machine made-rugs often get a bad report, there are a few companies that make an
outstanding machine made product.  Karastan is the most recognized in the industry, but Nourison
among others also makes an excellent machine-made rug.

The purpose of this information is to educate, and it can be very difficult to maintain a neutral stance
when discussing these types of rugs.  However, we do feel that it is our duty to our customers and
clients to only offer the best value, and therefore we will for the time being only carry hand-knotted
oriental rugs.
Hand-knotting rugs in India.
Hand-tufted process diagram.
A typical rug making machine.