The first step when buying a new rug is to select the type. Hand-woven rugs are typically of better quality than ones made from machine-woven materials. They are nevertheless more expensive due to their labor costs. Hand-woven rugs are also more durable than rugs made with hooks or tufted materials. Rugs are available for sale at discount stores and online. But be aware that the quality of the rug varies significantly, so be sure to look for defects.