Durable Rugs

Buying Durable Rugs For High Foot Traffic Areas

Durable Rugs – The issue of rug durability — that is, how long it will last and how resistant it will be to wear and tear — is an important factor for you to consider when you’re buying area rugs.

It should certainly be noted that not all area rugs are produced with the same capacity to stand up to prolonged use and regular foot traffic. It is certainly true that some carpets and rugs hold up better over time than others. The relative durability of a rug will depend on several factors such as – the quality of the wool, the tightness of the weave, and the overall condition of the piece at the time of purchase (to name just a few).

One of the most important factors in determining the durability of rugs is the wool with which it was woven. For example, a rug made from lanolin rich, moist, lustrous, healthy wool will withstand the friction of traffic better than a rug made from dry, brittle, dull wool.

However, you should also note that firm rugs that are tightly woven, with a high vertical compression or density of knots, will also stand up better to foot traffic than a floppy, more loosely woven rug. This would be irrespective of the overall quality of the wool that rug was woven with.

Antique rugs that are densely woven from fine wool can still withstand quite a bit of foot traffic as long as they have a fair degree of pile intact. But an antique piece with very low worn pile is best used in an area with a lower volume of daily foot traffic.

If rug durability is an issue, it is important to ascertain the wool quality, density, and depth of the pile, whatever the age of the rug. It is also important to note that not all modern rugs that were created recently are automatically considered durable.

Carefully consider just where it is that your newly acquired antique, modern or vintage rug is going to be placed. Try to determine the average amount of foot traffic that that particular area sees and use that information to help you decide whether you are looking for an especially durable rug, or perhaps a piece a little less resistant to wear but that you like a bit more.

The best way to know if rugs are durable or not, would be to ask the rug dealer before you buy the rug. Make sure they tell you if there are any “problems”, repairs or other condition issues that you should take into consideration before you move forward with your purchase. If at any point you feel like you are not getting the information you need, asking for a second opinion might be best.

Buying durable rugs for high traffic areas is a must so be sure you make an informed decision!