Q: What is the difference between hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs?

A: Both are made from wool or silk, but these carpets are often specified in error because designers tend to not look beyond their beauty. You must tell your rep where you want the rug to go, and you must ask about what type of yarns will be used, the rug's construction, and the best installation methods available. And ask to see samples.

Hand-knotted rugs work best in residential projects, especially bedrooms, where foot traffic is very low. The front facing of these rugs is a cut pile texture with a rich, velour finish. Workers simply pass fine yarns by hand through horizontal rows of hemp or other natural fibers. This labor-intensive process means the rugs can cost from $60 to more than $100 per square foot. Since hand-knotted rugs have no backing, they appear thinner than commercial grade carpets and do not stand up well to heavy traffic. While it is normal for their surface to shade and show indentations, commercial clients tend to see these markings as defects. For these reasons, hand-knotted rugs do not do well in reception areas or executive offices.

Hand-tufted rugs have an equally elegant appearance but are fabricated with an electric gun, which feeds slightly coarser yarns into a primary backing of heavy monk's cloth. A layer of water-soluble latex is then added for stability, followed by a second cotton scrim backing. The result is a thicker, bulkier, and more stable product that will hold up well in a high-end commercial installation. The cost is also lower at $25 to $30 per square foot.

Both methods of hand-fabricated rugs are considered green because of their natural yarns and vegetable dyes. Lead times can be long (up to six months), since these rugs are shipped from abroad. Clients pay a lot for handmade rugs. If specified correctly, these rugs are worth the investment, as they should last 15 to 20 years.

Q: What is "antique" wood, and why do designers specify it?

A: Antique wood is simply aged wood that has been reclaimed from old barns, mills, and factories, and then re-milled into new planks for current uses. To qualify as "antique", the wood must be at least 150 years old.

It is appealing for several reasons. First, being a recycled product, it qualifies as a "green" material. Second, it has a rustic appearance due to its natural nail and insect holes, and small stress fractures. It is structurally sound but highly aesthetic. Third, it has a rich color tone that could only have been developed over a long period of time.

There are many species of antique wood: primarily heart pine, oak, chestnut, ash, elm, and hickory. The last three have a less rustic look that appeals to designers who want to specify a recycled product but with a smoother surface.

Antique woods are generally 20 to 30 percent more expensive than new woods because of the labor involved in reclaiming them. However, once fabricated into flooring, the wood is simply covered with an oil finish to seal and waterproof it. No special stains or chemicals are needed. And cleaning is done with a damp mop. Any future oil coating is rarely needed before five to eight years.