Braided Rugs, History In The Making
Crafting a quality braided rug is an art form and a uniquely American one at that. The tradition of handmade braided rugs started in New England during the Colonial period and continues today with family-owned Rhody Rug, Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island.
Rhody Rug President Ronnie Agrela is a first generation Portuguese immigrant, who came to America at age 14. Owner of Rhody Rug since 1987, Ronnie has been in the rug-making business for more than 50 years, and he has a combined near-century’s worth of experience with his company’s CFO, brother-in-law Manny Martins.
Both Ronnie and Manny are involved at all levels of the family business. Their enthusiasm for rug making and lifelong dedication to the craft are evident in every aspect from design, manufacturing and quality control to inventory management and fulfillment.
Rhody Rug and Plow & Hearth have a long history of solid partnership, dating back to the 1990s. Rhody Rug creates unique designs and color combinations exclusively for Plow & Hearth and is a recipient of our Vendor of the Year Award.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts: Hallmarks Of A Quality Braid
All stuff and no fluff” is Ronnie’s motto. When it comes to braided rugs, Rhody Rug true flat braids are superior to their flimsy tubular counterparts, which often feature shoddy fibers, paper cores and more filler than surface yarns.
Rhody Rug true flat braids feature a knit tube inner that forms a cushion within the braid, offering longevity, softness underfoot and flexibility without distortion. The rugs lay flat and don’t curl. Their seamless construction ensures no weak spots.
Rhody Rug hand-stitches their rugs together with Clearlon® T-50, a high-quality nylon monofilament thread that exceeds industry standards and offers exceptional strength and durability.
Rhody Rug braids have a real heft and fullness to them. You can see and feel the difference in their quality construction and materials.
Made in America, Down To The Last Thread
Every Rhody Rug is 100% American made. All materials – every thread and fiber – are sourced from American suppliers and manufacturers. Each braided rug is quality-crafted in the Rhode Island facility. With just 20 employees in the family-run business, Ronnie and Manny are often seen crafting the rugs themselves.
Rhody Rug is truly a hands-on company and a real American success story. Ronnie, Manny and their entire team take great pride in the tradition of braided rugs and it’s evident in every rug they make.
