Printed Vs. Tufted Rugs – ULTIMATE COMPARISON

If you are shopping for a rug to buy for yourself or to gift one of your friends/family, there is a high chance that you came across Tufted and Printed Rugs. But what is the difference between them and how should you decide which one to buy?

Of course, their main difference is the production techniques and the material used to make the rug. The other significant difference is the durability and preferred usage spaces.

Printed Rugs are made by printing a custom pattern/design onto premade synthetic rugs. But the tufted rugs are mostly handmade, created of wool which is a more durable material than synthetic. It is not hard to recognize the quality and time spent on a tufted rug, making it even more valuable. If you are comparing them for gifting options, a tufted carpet would be a great personal gift.

There is a dramatic difference between the style, quality, and price of the printed and tufted rugs. Let’s learn more about them!

What is The Difference Between Tufted Rugs and Printed Rugs?

As I briefly mentioned, the main difference between the two types of rugs is the production method.

A printed rug is a type of rug that features a design or pattern printed onto the rug’s surface using a printing technique. This type of rug is often made using synthetic materials and is relatively inexpensive to produce.

A tufted rug, on the other hand, is a type of rug that is made using a tufting technique. In this technique, loops of yarn are pushed through a backing material using a tufting gun, creating a plush, textured surface. Tufted rugs can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, synthetic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton. See What Type of Yarn is the Best For Tufting? to learn more about the different yarn types.

Tufted are generally more durable and longer-lasting than printed rugs, but they also tend to be more expensive.

The printed rugs are produced with large commercial types of machinery in factories or works workhouses. The process is more similar to industrial mass production.

But the tufted rugs are on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Since tufting became super popular around 2020, many people started tufting, creating beautiful rugs and selling them. You have hundreds, not thousands, of different creators & artists to choose from and order your custom rug. And I think this makes the whole process more friendly and personal.

Quality Difference Between Tufted and Printed Rugs

The quality of a rug can depend on a variety of factors, including the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the design or pattern of the rug. In general, tufted rugs are considered to be higher quality than printed rugs because they are made using a more labor-intensive and higher-quality manufacturing technique.

Tufted rugs can be made from a variety of yarn types, such as wool, synthetic fibers, and natural fibers like cotton. On the other hand, Printed rugs are often made using synthetic materials, which are less durable and less long-lasting than natural materials.

However, it is possible to produce tufted rugs with synthetic-based materials, too, such as acrylic yarns.

Even though most tufted rugs are made from natural, higher-quality materials, they tend to be more delicate than printed ones.

The main reason for this is the backing material. In general, a high-quality, water-based adhesive is typically used for the backing of a tufted rug. This type of adhesive is strong and durable and is able to hold the tufts in place while also allowing the carpet to be flexible and resistant to shrinking or warping.

But 99% of the time, these adhesives are not washable. So if your rug needs cleaning, it will not be possible to wash it with intensive water. You can learn more about cleaning in How To Clean Tufted Rugs.

So it is not recommended to use tufted rugs in high-traffic areas like corridors, hallways, or the entrance part of any room. I think the best and safest usage of a tufted rug is as a wall hanging in your space.

On the other side, you can use easily use a printed rug in a high-traffic place. Even though it gets dirty, you can easily wash them and use them again as new.

Do printed rugs fade?

Printed rugs, just like any other type of rug, can fade over time if they are not properly cared for. The amount of fading that a printed rug will experience will depend on several factors, including the type of dyes used, the quality of the rug, and how it is used and cared for.

You can do several things to prevent your printed rug from fading. First, it’s essential to avoid exposing your rug to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause dyes to fade, so it’s best to keep your carpet out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

You should also avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on your rug. These chemicals can strip the dyes from the fibers, causing them to fade. Instead, use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for use on rugs.

Another way to prevent your printed rug from fading is to rotate it regularly. This will ensure that the same areas of the rug aren’t constantly exposed to sunlight, which can cause uneven fading.

Generally, it’s important to take good care of your printed rug to ensure that it stays vibrant and colorful for as long as possible. By following the tips above, you can help prevent your rug from fading and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Price Difference Between Tufted and Printed Rugs

When shopping for a new rug, one of the critical factors to consider is the price. Rugs can vary widely in price, depending on factors such as the materials used, the size of the rug, and the design or pattern. Two popular types of rugs are tufted rugs and printed rugs, and there is often a significant price difference between these two types of rugs.

In general, tufted rugs tend to be more expensive than printed rugs.

The main reason for this is the difference between the laboring process. Printed rugs have a more straightforward and faster manufacturing process than tufting. After the design is done, it is automatically printed on a ready carpet by the machine.

But for tufted rugs, a person is actually creating each line of the rug by hand one by one. It is a relatively long and tiring process. This person also needs to be skilled and experienced enough to be able to produce a high-quality design. It is not super hard to learn to tuft, but it needs consistent practice to develop the necessary skills and techniques.

The price of the printed rugs changes depending on their size of it. Because the difficulty of the design doesn’t matter to the machine. But for tufting, it does. Most of the tufters will charge an hour-based price, so if the design of the rug is highly complex, it will take longer to finish and be more expensive to purchase.

It is important to compare prices from multiple sources and consider your budget and needs when choosing between a tufted or printed rug.

Should You Buy a Printed or Tufted Rug?

When it comes to choosing a new rug for your home, one of the key decisions you will need to make is whether to opt for a printed or tufted rug. Both types of rugs have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Printed rugs are a good choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that will add a touch of color or pattern to your space.

However, If you are looking for a high-quality, custom rug that will add comfort, warmth, and style to your space, a tufted carpet may be the right choice for you.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a printed or tufted rug will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Consider your budget, the size and layout of your space, and the level of traffic in the area where the rug will be placed. It may also be helpful to read reviews and compare prices from multiple retailers before making your decision.

Tufted or Printed Rugs For Gifting Others

Tufted rugs make a great gift for a variety of occasions. Not only are they beautiful and stylish, but they are also durable and long-lasting. They are custom, handmade products, and this fact makes them even more valuable. Receiving a gift is always good, but having a custom and handmade gift is at another level.

They are versatile. They can be used in a variety of rooms and spaces, from the living room to the bedroom, in many different forms. As floor rugs and also as beautiful wall hangings. This makes them an excellent gift for anyone, regardless of their home décor style.

Overall, a tufted rug makes a great gift for anyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a housewarming, a birthday, or any other special occasion, a tufted rug is a thoughtful and precious choice.

Printed carpets and tufted rugs are both popular choices for floor covering, but they are pretty different in terms of their construction and appearance. Ultimately, the choice between a printed carpet and a tufted rug comes down to personal preference. Both have their own unique characteristics and can add style and comfort to any space.

*_{Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.}

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