methods of rug construction
By BuyAreaRugs.com Staff Writer
Are you confused by the price variances of area rugs? Though material and size play a role in determining the price of an area rug, the construction process is another important factor. From labor intensive handcraftsmanship to mass-produced efficiency, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of weaving processes used when making area rugs.
Bamboo Area Rugs Braided area rugs are constructed using several different methods, including banded braid, cable lock, corded, flat, and yarn. Banded braid area rugs use wide bands of braids to achieve optimal thickness and durability, while cable lock braid construction is formed from braids that resemble sailing rope. With corded rugs, the braided rug is stitched into a desired shape. Corded braided rugs are labor intensive and extremely durable, with intricate designs that make each rug unique. Classic braided rugs are made using flat braid construction, featuring an intertwining of three ropes of fabric or yarn that are braided around parallel cores for a flat, tight, and durable final product. Yarn braided rugs are created from yarn in its raw state, and then woven into a rug using various techniques.
Flat weave rugs are woven on a loom, with fibers threaded back and forth across the warp to create a flat weave similar to a blanket or tapestry. Flat weave rugs. do not contain knots, and are produced quickly. Depending on the denseness of the weave and the material used, price points range from economical to high-end. Flat weave rugs are fully reversible, and available in wool, cotton, bamboo, or nylon.
Handmade area rugs are carefully handcrafted using techniques like hooking, knotting, tufting, looping, or flat weaving. Handmade rugs often possess a superior look and feel over their machine made counterparts, but since they are labor-intensive they tend to be more costly. Their unrivaled longevity allows hand made rugs to last for decades if cared for properly.
Hand tufted area rugs are created by punching yarn through a printed cloth that is stretched over a support frame. When the rug is removed from the loom, a layer of latex is added to the backside to hold the yarn in place, and then covered with a cloth backing to protect the underlying floor. Hand tufted rugs are plush to the touch, durable, and uniquely beautiful.
Hand knotted area rugs are woven by hand and secured to the foundation by knotting rather than gluing. With hand knotted rugs, single strands of yarn are looped around two adjacent warp threads and secured into place using either a Turkish knot or an Oriental knot. Hand knotted rugs are labor-intensive; depending on the size, they may take up to a year or more to complete. Although they may cost more up front, this type of rug will provide decades of handsome service. Price variances among hand knotted rugs are based on the material type, denseness of the weave, and the number of knots per square inch. Our hand knotted rugs can sharpen the look of your home, no matter what style you choose.
Hand hooked area rugs are made by pushing loops of yarn through a canvas foundation to the front of the rug, then pulling the ends of the yarn back to create a loop on the surface. A latex backing secures the yarn ends, and is covered with lightweight mesh to protect the floor beneath. Hand hooked rugs are moderately labor intensive, as reflected by the pricing. Hand hooked rugs offer an affordable option to authentic hand knotted area rugs.
Machine made area rugs offer exceptional value in floor coverings, and are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and materials to suit your décor needs. As indicated by the name, machine made rugs are woven by machinery, resulting in greater speed, efficiency, and uniformity. Machine made rugs are often constructed from synthetic materials that are stain resistant and impervious to moisture and mildew, but also incorporate natural fibers like cotton and wool. Their affordability and versatility make them an excellent area rug option.
Berber area rugs are constructed in a style of weaving that was influenced by the Berber tribes of North Africa. Distinguished by a multi-loop design, these floor coverings are woven of different pile heights to create a sculpted look. The unique loop arrangement of Berber rugs provides plush comfort underfoot, while the sculpted design helps make stains and dirt less noticeable. The multi-level loop arrangement is crush-resistant, making Berber area rugs an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
