· By ZenRug
Why Are Moroccan Rugs So Expensive? And Are They Worth It?
A large handmade Moroccan rug often costs more than $1,000, while a machine-made "Moroccan style" rug can cost a few hundred. The difference is in the wool, the time and how long the rug lasts.
Weeks of skilled work
A hand-knotted rug is made one knot at a time. An 8×10 takes one of our weavers about 4 to 5 weeks. That time is the largest part of the price, and it is what makes each rug unique.
A lot of good wool
A deep-pile rug uses a great deal of wool. Ours is 100% natural sheep's wool, washed, and colored with natural dyes. Good wool is springy and resilient, so the pile recovers after you walk on it instead of flattening.
It lasts for decades
A well-made wool rug lasts for decades and can be cleaned professionally many times. A cheap synthetic rug is often replaced within a few years. Over its life, a handmade rug is often the better value.
How to be sure you are paying for the real thing
- Turn it over: on a hand-knotted rug, the pattern shows on the back, knot by knot.
- The fringe is the end of the warp threads, not sewn on.
- Small irregularities in lines and colors are normal.
- The seller says where and how the rug was made, and lets you see it before it ships.
What our price includes
Our rugs are priced by area, with a minimum of $250. The price you see includes free tracked shipping to the US and Australia, duties and taxes. Before your rug ships, you approve photos of it.
