Hand-tufted rugs are partially made by hand and by a tufting gun. They are normally made of wool, and they are more durable and have better quality than purely machine-made rugs.
Hand-tufted rugs last very long, but it will still depend on the material used and maintained well.
Here is Why Hand-Tufted Rugs Last Long:
A good-quality hand-tufted rug can last for up to 20 years. Hand-tufted rugs are created by stitching yarn, typically wool, to a primary backing usually made from synthetic material. The maker uses a tufting gun that secures the yarn fed through a needle. This process ensures more durability.
How Durable are Hand-Tufted Rugs?
Hand-tufted rugs are so durable that they hold well in most areas, including those with high foot traffic.
They are pretty resistant to abrasion, and they do not wear out fast. They can last for up to two decades or even a bit longer with proper care and maintenance.
Do Hand-Tufted Rugs Start Shedding?
Depending on the material used on the face of your hand-tufted rug, it may shed or not.
Most hand-tufted rugs are made of wool, and these fibers are known to shed.
Fibers are attached to the backing instead of each other. They are likely to pull away when glue or backing deteriorates. This is a normal cause of shedding for tufted rugs.
You can minimize the shedding by placing a rug pad underneath. This will lessen the impact on the rug, and it will add protection to the backing.
Can you Vacuum Hand-Tufted Rugs?
Like most types of rugs, you can vacuum hand-tufted rugs.
Vacuuming them once a week helps keep them clean and prevents dirt from sinking deep into the fibers.
Vacuuming hand-tufted rugs also help minimize shedding.
When vacuuming hand-tufted rugs, ensure that your vacuum is on a low setting. Also, please do not use a heavy beater bar as this might induce the rug to wear out easily or, worse, cause damage to it.
Can Hand-Tufted Rugs be Used on the Floor?
Homeowners can use Hand-tufted rugs on the floor.
While they do not last as long as traditional wool rugs, they are made to be sturdy.
Hand-tufted rugs can come in different designs or patterns that can be used as an accent element. They are very comfy and add warmth to a space like traditional wool rugs.
You can add large hand-tufted rugs to industrial-looking spaces to soften the vibe or add them to spaces with monotone colors to add some life to them. Small hand-tufted rugs would look good in front of a full-length vanity mirror or in front of a dresser to define the space.
What Are the Most Durable Materials for Hand-Tufted Rugs?
Durability is a huge factor when buying rugs. You will want one that would last you for years because rugs can be quite expensive.
Here are five of the most durable materials you can use for hand-tufted rugs:
Wool:
Easily the most popular material, wool is one of the most durable materials you can use to make hand-tufted rugs.
They can withstand heavy foot traffic. They are soft enough to add comfort to your space, but their fibers are strong enough to last for years, even in high-traffic areas.
Polypropylene:
A widely used synthetic material, polypropylene is another durable material for hand-tufted rugs.
This is a good option if you are on a tight budget because it is more affordable.
While they are mostly used for outdoor spaces because of their ability to withstand different weather types, polypropylene rugs are also good for indoor spaces. They mimic the look of wool, so they can also add warmth to an indoor space.
They are also very easy to maintain.
Nylon:
Just like polypropylene, nylon is a synthetic material that is also durable.
Nylon is a good material because, apart from being durable, it is flexible and can withstand high traffic areas without losing its shape or form. Nylon rugs are also great to be placed underneath furniture because they can hold heavy weights well.
They are also resistant to stain and are very easy to clean.
Sisal:
Sisal is a natural material known as one of the strongest and most durable natural fibers. Sisal rugs can instantly add warmth to any room with light and natural colors.
They are very interesting home decor pieces because they give off a very earthy vibe because of their unique texture.
Sisal is good for hand-tufted rugs as they are very resilient and can last long in areas with high foot traffic.
Jute
Like sisal, jute has a natural, earthy vibe and comes in subtle, neutral hues. Jute is another durable material for hand-tufted rugs.
They can withstand being placed in high-traffic areas. Jute rugs are very low maintenance, just as long as you avoid putting them in areas that may be prone to moisture or liquid spillage to prevent mold from growing.
Do Hand-Tufted Rugs Last as Long as Other Rugs?
When you compare hand-tufted rugs to other rugs, they last longer.
The latter has a shorter life expectancy between hand-tufted rugs and machine-made rugs. Hand-tufted rugs do not wear as easily as other rugs do.
What About Hand-Knotted Rugs?
Many people may confuse hand-tufted rugs with hand-knotted rugs, but there is a huge difference between the two.
The production of hand-tufted rugs involves both manual and mechanical means. Rug makers use a tufting gun to attach the yarn to the backing. It takes longer than making rugs by a mechanical loom.
However, nothing takes quite as long as making hand-knotted rugs. As the name implies, these rugs are made by knotting the yarns together by hand. The process can take months or years, and each hand-knotted rug is unique and can be considered a piece of art.
How to Tell What Rug You Have:
When looking at these rugs, the most obvious way to differentiate between the two is by checking the back of the rug.
Hand-tufted rugs have a backing typically made of synthetic material, while hand-knotted rugs do not have a backing as the yarns are knotted to each other. The back of a hand-knotted rug is usually a mirror image of the front face.
A chemical smell may come off when some hand-tufted rugs are brand new. The smell is from the latex backing of the rug, which eventually goes away on its own.
You would also notice that the fringe of a hand-knotted rug is part of the rug itself, while for hand-tufted rugs, the fringe is sewn on the rug.
Because of the artistry and the craftsmanship that goes into the making of hand-knotted rugs, they are more expensive than hand-tufted rugs. Hand-tufted rugs are a good alternative for hand-knotted rugs if you want the same luxurious feel but on a tight budget.
As for durability, hand-knotted rugs are better. Hand-tufted rugs can last for up to 20 years, but hand-knotted rugs can last for 50 or even 100 years.
This is because the fibers of hand-knotted rugs are so tightly bound to each other, making them strong. They can even be passed down from one generation to another.
What is the Best Way to Ensure they Last Long?
The best way to ensure that your hand-tufted rug lasts long is by giving it proper care and maintenance.
Here is how to properly care for your hand-tufted rug:
Vacuum the Rug Regularly:
It is recommended to vacuum it at least once a week to remove dirt and prevent them from digging deep into the rug. Vacuuming also helps minimize shedding and helps you get rid of fiber pulls. Just make sure to always vacuum on a low setting.
Do not Shake a Hand-Tufted Rug:
Doing so will damage the rug. If your hand-tufted rug has dirt or stain, scrape or wipe them off and vacuum any residue.
Spot Clean Liquid Stains:
If liquid was spilled on the rug, clean it immediately with a damp cloth.
Do not use too much water, as this can soften the glue in the backing. Blot the area until the stain is removed.
Do not rub as it may damage the rug.
Put a Rug Pad Underneath:
Putting a rug pad protects your rug as it minimizes any impact on it. It also protects the backing and helps prevent it from wearing out easily.
If you are looking for a rug with the luxurious feel of traditional wool rugs but is easier on the budget, hand-tufted rugs are highly recommended. They are soft, warm, and elegant but more affordable.
Plus, they are a good option if you have kids and pets in the household, so you can avoid the risk of damaging an expensive rug. Hand-tufted rugs will give you value for your money.
Sources:
Everything You Need to Know About Hand-Tufted Rugs