The Pros and Cons of Each Rug Type

Durability

Wool, Hand-Knotted: Very high with the potential to last decades with proper care.

Wool, Hand-Tufted: High with an average lifespan ranging from 5-15 years depending on the levels of traffic.

Wool, Flatweave: High with the ability to flip the rug for a longer lifespan as the edges wear first.

Cotton, Flatweave or Braided: Medium with the ability to last up to 5 years, likely less as dirt becomes embedded.

Braided Rug (Wool): High with a lifespan 10+ years.

Silk, Hand-Knotted: Very low, although the natural decay is slow.

Wool & Silk Blend, Hand-Knotted: High with the ability to last 10+ years.

Jute, Woven or Braided: Medium with a lifespan up to 5 years as the fibers break.

Sisal, Woven: Medium lifespan that may possibly show wear of foot traffic embedded but can last up to 8 years.

Synthetic (Nylon), Machine-Made: Very High and shouldn’t lose shape after a decade.

Synthetic (Polypropylene/Olefin), Machine-Made: High and has durability indoors and outdoors.

Synthetic (Polyester), Machine-Made: Low and can show wear after a short time period.

Placements

Wool, Hand-Knotted: High traffic areas indoors.

Wool, Hand-Tufted: Moderate traffic areas indoors.

Wool, Flatweave: High traffic areas indoors.

Cotton, Flatweave or Braided: Low traffic areas indoors.

Braided Rug (Wool): High traffic areas indoors. Avoid moisture.

Silk, Hand-Knotted: Low traffic areas indoors. Avoid spills.

Wool & Silk Blend, Hand-Knotted: Medium traffic areas indoors.

Jute, Woven or Braided: Low traffic areas indoors. Avoid moisture.

Sisal, Woven: High traffic areas indoors. Avoid moisture.

Synthetic (Nylon), Machine-Made: High traffic areas indoors and possibly outdoors.

Synthetic (Polypropylene/Olefin), Machine-Made: High traffic areas indoors and outdoors.

Synthetic (Polyester), Machine-Made: Low traffic areas indoors.

Cost

Wool, Hand-Knotted: $$$$

Wool, Hand-Tufted: $$$

Wool, Flatweave: $$$

Cotton, Flatweave or Braided: $

Braided Rug (Wool or Cotton): $$$

Silk, Hand-Knotted: $$$$$

Wool & Silk Blend, Hand-Knotted: $$$$$

Jute, Woven or Braided: $$

Sisal, Woven: $$$

Synthetic (Nylon), Machine-Made: $$

Synthetic (Polypropylene/Olefin), Machine-Made: $

Synthetic (Polyester), Machine-Made: $

Maintenance

Wool, Hand-Knotted: Moderate/Easy

Wool, Hand-Tufted: Moderate

Wool, Flatweave: Easy

Cotton, Flatweave or Braided: Easy

Braided Rug (Wool or Cotton): Moderate

Silk, Hand-Knotted: Difficult

Wool & Silk Blend, Hand-Knotted: Moderate

Jute, Woven or Braided: Moderate/Difficult

Sisal, Woven: Moderate

Synthetic (Nylon), Machine-Made: Easy

Synthetic (Polypropylene/Olefin), Machine-Made: Easiest

Synthetic (Polyester), Machine-Made: Easy