Located in the heart of the Lincoln Industrial Park near North Central State Airport, Rhody Rug is a company rooted in tradition but reaching homes across the country. From braided rugs to baskets and stair treads, Rhody Rug specializes in products that are as durable as they are distinctive—crafted for customers looking to elevate their décor with something different.
Based at 9 Powder Hill Road in Lincoln, Rhody Rug is a hub of constant activity and craftsmanship. Their dedicated team produces a wide variety of braided rugs in numerous shapes, sizes, and styles. With demand continuing to grow, the company processes and ships up to 2,000 orders each week to customers nationwide.
Owner Scott Weldon says the company preaches quality over quantity. They make various kinds of items, but none of them leave the facility without being inspected for imperfections and other ways it could be seen as inferior. He says that is one point that separates his business from similar businesses.
“We focus on quality over quantity,” says Scott Weldon, Owner and President of Rhody Rug. “Nothing leaves our facility without being thoroughly inspected. That attention to detail is what sets us apart.”
Each rug undergoes a three-point inspection before shipment. Employees closely monitor for issues throughout the manufacturing process, and a final check by the Quality Control Manager ensures every piece meets Rhody Rug’s high standards.
“We’d rather catch the problem here than have a customer be disappointed when their order arrives,” Weldon adds.
Rhody Rug’s commitment to excellence stands in stark contrast to some of its competitors—both domestic and international—who often cut corners. Weldon shared a comparison between a Rhody Rug product and an imported lookalike, noting that the imported rug had visible flaws in stitching, poor pattern alignment, and even a paper-like filling that led to curling and short product lifespan.
Rhody Rug uses several colors of yarn that are intertwined by machines and professionals maintaining throughout the process. Their rugs are twice as thick (Rhody Rug has half-inch thick rugs, as opposed to a quarter-inch size for the other sample rug), use a yarn that can withhold curling while staying dry. That enables their rugs and other products to remain intact and last longer, Scott said.
“Our rugs are twice as thick as many imports,” Weldon explains. “Ours are about half an inch thick, made with high-quality yarn that resists curling and stays dry. The difference in materials and craftsmanship is immediately noticeable.”
His reaction to seeing what his competition offers was disbelief.
“When I opened the packages, I was appalled at what I saw. Right away, I could see numerous mistakes and how the lack of attention to detail was evident. If I was a customer, then I would not be happy with what I purchased,” he said.
The manufacturing process is a blend of modern machinery and hands-on expertise. Multiple spools of yarn are woven into braids that are then sewn together—partially by hand, partially by commercial sewing machines—to form the final rug. To assist with handling, rugs are laid on air table surfaces (similar to air hockey tables), making it easier for staff to move heavier pieces through the production line. From there, they are checked for any issues before being packaged and shipped out either across the street or across the nation. While some orders are local, the majority are sent across the country.
Before shipping, each rug is packaged using thick plastic for added protection, and copper ties are used instead of standard plastic ones to ensure the rugs stay secure in transit.
“It’s the little things we do that make a big difference,” Weldon says.
In addition to rugs, the company also manufactures accessories like baskets, chair pads and stair treads, all designed with the same attention to detail and longevity. Rhody Rug continues to innovate, with new styles in development—including a modern collection Weldon believes will be a big hit with design-forward consumers.
Orders typically ship via FedEx, UPS, or USPS and usually arrive within a week. Local customers are also welcome to visit the Rhody Rug showroom, which features discontinued styles, one-of-a-kind items, and occasional blowout sales offering significant savings.
For those curious about how these rugs are made, Rhody Rug offers guided plant tours, which usually last about an hour but often extend with Q&A sessions. Visitors frequently comment on the cleanliness and organization of the facility—something Weldon and his team take immense pride in maintaining.
“People are always surprised by how immaculate our plant is,” Weldon says. “It reflects the pride we take in everything we do.”
For more information about Rhody Rug, call 401-728-5903 during business hours or visit www.rhodyrug.com to learn more about the company’s history, products, and commitment to American manufacturing.
