products
We offer a range of products, each of them particularly suited to a type of project: hand-tufted, Axminster, hand-knotted, flat-weave and hand-loom carpets. Several factors are used to determine the optimal choice such as use, location and available budget, amongst others.
The first main distinction is between residential and contract (hospitality and commercial) projects. The difference lies not only in quantity and size, but also on requirements, such as fire certifications, which are more stringent for the latter type. All of our carpet and rugs are suitable for hospitality and contract projects, while for residential projects we typically recommend the hand-tufted and hand-knotted qualities.
Another key aspect to consider is the installation method. Carpets can either be laid as wall-to-wall or as inset, or produced as loose area rugs. Due to their artisanal nature, hand-knotted carpets are only found as area rugs. The Axminster, hand-tufted, handloom and flatweave carpet types suit all installation methods.
Carpet’s strength and durability, in particular their resistance to heavy footfall, is another factor. It is defined by both the production process and the materials used. For instance, hand-tufted rugs that include yarns such as bamboo silk, which provide sheen to the design, are more delicate than rugs made using exclusively a strong semi-worsted woolen fiber. With regard to the production process, our most resistant products are high-density Axminster and hand-tufted carpets.
Setting is also important. Our outdoor qualities are developed to withstand high levels of humidity and offer excellent color fastness. Moreover, specific sectors have specific requirements. For marine projects, such as cruise ships and yachts, we offer IMO certified carpet. Our aviation carpets fulfill all FAA requirements with respect to flammability as well as the specifications regarding low smoke production and low toxicity.
What all our product share is high performance and superior quality, at an excellent price-quality ratio. All our designs are developed thinking of the various carpet typologies that we offer.
We select the finest, most performant fibers for each product. In addition, all our synthetic yarns use the solution-dyeing technique, which means that the dye is added to the liquid fiber solution before the fibers are extruded. This superior process allows the color to be mixed into the solution thoroughly, bringing the color all the way through the fiber. As a result, it is nearly impossible to fade or bleach the color out of the carpet.
We would be delighted to guide through choosing the product best suited to your specific project and needs, so get in touch with us to discuss. Whether you need to value-engineer your project or are looking for the finest available rug or carpet, we can help you.
HAND-TUFTED
Hand-tufting is a weaving technique in which the pile is incorporated to a cotton base by hand with a pistol-shaped device. The pattern design is laid out on cotton fabric which is then stretched over a frame. The tufting gun is used to punch the yarn through the fabric and is fastened to a latex base. The yarn is then cut with special scissors and shaved to ensure equal height or different pile heights. This technique allows our skilled artisans to create curved patterns and pile of different heights and densities. The design options are limitless, and execution is extremely precise.
This production process requires skilled craftsmen who interpret the design and have solid technical know-how and knowledge of colors to achieve the perfect hue. Hand-carving is an add-on that can give even more definition to specific designs. Hand-tufting is an extremely time-effective alternative to the hand-knotted carpet.
AXMINSTER
Axminster carpets, which are machine woven, boast superior strength and durability. Each tuft of yarn is woven and locked into place by shots of backing yarn. This production process creates a strong, three-dimensional structure that is extremely suitable for high-traffic areas or large installations, such as hotel corridors or ballrooms.
Axminster carpets are typically made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, but can also be produced as 100% wool or as 100% nylon. Our production looms have a standard width of 12’-0” or 13’-1 1/2”. Various specifications (density) are available, depending on the expected traffic.
Our palette uses up to sixteen colors and we also offer barber pole yarns. This process, in which two contrasting singles are plied together to create a stipple yarn, results in up to 32 colors that create wonderful gradients, color transition and reduce pixilation. Hand-carving is an artisanal add-on, which helps definition and enriches the product.
HAND-KNOTTED
Hand-knotted rugs are made by our specialized and expert craftsmen using elaborate, ancient weaving techniques. The production process is extremely artisanal, starting from color dyeing, interpretation of the design, yarn knotting and shaving of the rug pile.
To create the surface of the rug, artisans individually incorporate each knot row by row. The type and thickness of the knot yields different results. The higher the number of knots per square meter the higher the quality, definition and the durability of the rug.
Each rug then goes through a series of finishing processes including sheering, combing, washing, stretching and binding of the edges by hand.
Due to the intricate nature of this weaving technique, the design possibilities are almost limitless. Hand-carving is an add-on that can give even more definition to specific designs.
HANDLOOM
Handloom is a manual weaving technique, involving vertical or horizontal looms, carried out by skilled artisans. The basic process of weaving is to intersect longitudinal threads with diagonal threads. The yarn is then stretched and fastened to the loom to create a taut warp. Working from bottom to top, the artisans weave the weft, creating the different patterns and textures. This technique allows a wide range of finishes, from simple and delicate short-strand pile shag rugs to more elaborate loop pile involving various fibers.
Handloom carpets are recommended for simple designs, suitable for area rugs, with some limitations on materials and colors. The production is fast with a great price quality ratio.
FLATWEAVE
Flatweave carpets have a lower, often reversible pile. A flatweave rug is created using a weaving technique which involves the weaving of wool (or the chosen material) around warp thread pairs. The backing is created by weaving threads on a loom. As a result, the pattern is usually reversible on each side, unlike the usual backing on other rugs.
There are some design constraints, but these rugs are perfect to achieve a natural, textured look and they have a fresh, light vibe. They are also advised for projects in which budget is an important issue.
