When architects specify custom rugs, the process must integrate into the same documentation standards used for every other building material. Unlike interior designers who may specify rugs through purchase orders and informal descriptions, architects working on commercial and large scale residential projects need specification language that is precise, testable, and enforceable through the construction contract.
This guide covers the technical framework for including custom rugs in architectural specifications, from CSI format to submittal requirements.
CSI MasterFormat Classification
Custom rugs fall under Division 09 (Finishes) in the CSI MasterFormat system. The relevant section numbers are:
- 09 68 00: Carpeting. This is the primary section for wall to wall carpet and area rugs in commercial specifications.
- 09 68 13: Tile Carpeting. For modular carpet specifications.
- 09 68 16: Sheet Carpeting. For broadloom installations.
For custom area rugs that are loose laid (not adhered), a project specific section under 09 68 00 is appropriate. Some firms create a dedicated subsection, such as 09 68 00.1 (Custom Area Rugs), to distinguish these from standard commercial carpeting.
Three Part Specification Format
Follow the standard CSI three part format: General, Products, and Execution.
Part 1: General
This section establishes the administrative and procedural requirements.
- Section includes: Custom hand knotted area rugs, custom hand tufted area rugs, custom flat weave area rugs, and associated rug pads.
- Related sections: Reference Division 09 flooring sections, Division 06 for any built in rug borders or transitions, and Division 12 for furniture (if rugs are integrated with furniture groupings in the design).
- References: List applicable ASTM standards (E648, D2859, E662), NFPA standards, and any project specific sustainability standards (LEED, WELL).
- Submittals: Specify what the manufacturer must provide before production begins. At minimum: shop drawings showing dimensions and pattern layout, material samples (fiber swatches and color samples), strike off samples (woven section of the actual rug), test reports for fire rating compliance, and manufacturer's certification of ethical labor practices.
- Quality assurance: Specify manufacturer qualifications. For example: "Manufacturer shall have a minimum of 20 years of continuous production experience in hand knotted rugs and shall hold current GoodWeave certification." Kapetto exceeds these thresholds with 40+ years of operation and 8 certifications including GoodWeave and GOTS.
Part 2: Products
This section defines the physical properties of the rug.
Manufacturers
Specify the approved manufacturer(s). In a proprietary specification, name the manufacturer directly. In a performance specification, define the requirements and list acceptable manufacturers. Example: "Kapetto (kapettodesign.com) or approved equal meeting all performance requirements specified herein."
Materials
- Fiber content: Specify by percentage. Example: "100% New Zealand wool, minimum 60mm staple length, Bradford count 56s to 58s." For blends: "80% New Zealand wool, 20% Chinese silk by weight."
- Dyes: Specify chrome dyes for maximum colorfastness or vegetable dyes if the design intent requires the softer palette and natural variation they produce. Include a colorfastness requirement: "Minimum Grade 4 per AATCC Test Method 16 (lightfastness)."
- Backing: Specify backing material (cotton, canvas) and any applied treatments (anti slip, moth proofing).
Construction
- Construction type: Hand knotted, loom knotted, hand tufted, or flat weave. Be specific. "Hand knotted" and "hand tufted" are fundamentally different constructions with different performance characteristics and price points.
- Knot density: For hand knotted rugs, specify minimum KPSI. Example: "Minimum 100 knots per square inch, symmetrical (Turkish) or asymmetrical (Persian) knot as appropriate for the pattern."
- Pile height: Specify in millimeters with tolerance. Example: "Pile height: 12mm plus or minus 1mm."
- Total weight: Specify minimum total weight per square foot. This is a proxy for density and durability.
Performance Requirements
- Flammability: "ASTM E648: Minimum Class I (CRF greater than or equal to 0.45 W/sq cm). ASTM D2859: Pass."
- Smoke density: "ASTM E662: Maximum specific optical density of 450 at 4 minutes in flaming mode."
- Dimensional stability: "Maximum dimensional change of plus or minus 2% after cleaning per AATCC Test Method 135."
- Colorfastness to light: "Minimum Grade 4 per AATCC Test Method 16, Option 3, 40 AFU."
- Colorfastness to crocking: "Minimum Grade 3 (dry) and Grade 3 (wet) per AATCC Test Method 8."
Part 3: Execution
This section covers installation and protection.
- Examination: "Examine substrate for levelness, dryness, and cleanliness before rug installation. Do not proceed with installation until unsatisfactory conditions are corrected."
- Preparation: "Install rug pad cut 25mm smaller than rug on all sides. Rug pad shall be non slip, minimum 6mm thickness, felt and rubber combination for hard surface flooring substrates."
- Installation: "Position rug per floor plan locations shown on drawings. Align pattern direction as indicated. Ensure rug lies flat with no wrinkles, buckles, or turned edges."
- Seaming (if applicable): "For rugs exceeding loom width, field seaming shall be performed by manufacturer's authorized installer. Seams shall be invisible from normal viewing height (standing, 5 feet from seam)."
- Protection: "Protect installed rugs from construction traffic, paint, and debris. Cover with breathable protective material (not polyethylene sheeting, which can trap moisture). Remove protection only at substantial completion."
- Cleaning: "Vacuum rug thoroughly before owner occupancy. Provide owner with manufacturer's maintenance instructions."
Coordination with Other Trades
Rug specifications do not exist in isolation. Architects must coordinate with several other disciplines.
- Flooring: If the rug sits on hardwood, ensure the finish is fully cured before rug installation. Rug pads can interact with uncured finishes.
- HVAC: Floor registers and returns must not be covered by the rug. Mark these locations on the rug layout drawing.
- Electrical: Ensure no floor outlets or access panels are beneath the rug. If floor power is needed in the rug area, coordinate locations to fall outside the rug perimeter.
- Furniture: Heavy furniture (pianos, large case goods) should not rest on the rug for extended periods without protective pads. Include this requirement in Division 12 specifications or in the maintenance instructions.
- Radiant heating: If radiant floor heating is present, specify maximum surface temperature and confirm material compatibility with the rug manufacturer.
Submittal Review Checklist
When reviewing rug submittals, confirm the following:
- Shop drawings match floor plan dimensions and pattern orientation.
- Fiber content and construction type match the specification.
- Strike off sample is approved by the design team and documented.
- Fire rating test reports reference the specific fiber and construction being provided, not a generic product line.
- Manufacturer's lead time fits the project schedule.
- Maintenance instructions are included for the owner's operations manual.
Working with Kapetto on Architectural Projects
Kapetto's trade program supports architects with specification writing assistance, test report documentation, and submittal packages formatted for architectural review. For projects requiring proprietary specification language or unique performance criteria, the technical team can provide material data sheets and test certifications specific to your selected construction and fiber combination. Contact the partners program for multi project or firm wide arrangements.
