Mohawk Inc & Shaw Carpet are the largest manufacturers of carpet. Over the last decade there has been a tremendous consolidation of carpet mills. Most of the smaller mills have been purchased by these two giants. They now boast extensive selections in every style imaginable. They both have high ratings for quality, durability, as well as a broad range of price points.

Masland Carpets & Fabrica International are smaller scale, specialized carpet mills. They have custom rug making facilities 'in house'. Both mills produce exceptional custom rugs in tufted wool & custom rug fabrication. These two mills carry the more diverse color lines. You can expect to pay a premium price for these products.

Eden Carpets carries a good selection of pre-tufted wool products. Expect to pay premium pricing for wool.

Design Materials Inc. has an extensive selection of sisal carpet, sisal wool blends, & sisal grass products. The 'sisal carpet' is woven into a jute backing that is ideal for rug fabrication. These sisal carpets can be bordered with tapestry fabrics. This is a popular trend that has been going strong for the past decade.

Here are a few quick suggestions on choosing the right styles for your project.

Dense commercial grades are ideal if you want a short carpet pile height. You'll want 30-40 oz face weight carpet. There are plenty of colors available from Mohawk and Shaw. It's even possible to get that custom beveled look in these commercial grade materials.

Plush residential grades are perfect for home owners who desire a thick plush carpet. The carpet mills all produce a healthy range of options. Color lines are frequently updated & reflect current trends in home decorating. It's recommended that you choose higher quality styles for rugmaking purposes.

Some styles have a smooth velvety finish. They are thick, plush, and luxurious. However, the current trends in manufacturing are towards a more texture look. These textured styles are equally plush, yet have a few extra twists that give the face yarns a little more dimension. These styles are known as 'textured styles'. They are great for minimizing foot prints & vacuum marks from the rug. Blending both of these styles can create an exceptional custom rug: The field piece can be textured and the design elements can be a velvet plush.

In conclusion, it all comes down to what you're needs are. If you want a rug that can withstand more foot traffic then I suggest choosing shorter commercial grades. If you want a rug that is thicker & more luxurious, then choose a residential grade. If you are looking for a natural fiber that has a woven appearance, then choose a sisalcarpet. You can even blend carpet styles to create a multi-dimensional look and feel.