Oriental Rug Repair in San Francisco
Most rug damage doesn't require full restoration — it needs a skilled repair done right the first time. Cengiz has been repairing hand-knotted Oriental rugs since 1989. Fringe replacement, selvage re-wrapping, hole patching, moth damage, and water damage. Every project starts with a free inspection and written estimate. Free pickup and delivery throughout the Bay Area.
Common Repairs We Handle
Fringe Repair and Replacement
Fringe is the most vulnerable part of any rug and the most requested repair we do. Torn, knotted, or missing fringe isn't just cosmetic — the fringe is a continuation of the warp threads that hold the rug together. Left unaddressed, fringe damage unravels into the body of the rug. We repair, reweave, or replace fringe to match the original style and construction.
Typical turnaround: 2–5 days. Cost range: $50–$200 depending on length and construction.
Edge and Selvage Wear
The edges of an Oriental rug are wrapped in tight overcast stitching called selvage. When this wears away, the edges begin to unravel and corners start to curl. We re-wrap and restitch damaged edges to match the original construction before the damage reaches the pile.
Typical turnaround: 1–2 weeks. Cost range: $75–$300 depending on edge length.
Holes and Tears
A hole in a hand-knotted rug — whether from pets, furniture legs, or accidents — can be rewoven knot by knot to match the surrounding field. We match fiber type, dye color, and knot count so the repair blends in. Small holes take hours. Larger tears can take days. Most holes can be fixed to the point where you have to look carefully to find the repair.
Typical turnaround: 1–3 weeks depending on size. Cost range: $150–$500 for standard repairs.
Moth Damage
Wool moths create bald patches in the pile, typically in areas that aren't walked on — under furniture, along edges. The damage gets worse over time because the larvae keep eating. We treat active infestations, reweave affected areas, and advise on storage and prevention to stop recurrence.
Typical turnaround: 2–6 weeks depending on extent. Cost: Quoted after inspection.
Emergency Water Damage
If your rug has been flooded, soaked, or caught in a burst pipe — call us immediately. The first 24–48 hours are critical. The longer wet wool sits, the worse the dye bleeding, mildew, and fiber damage gets.
We prioritize emergency cases above routine work. We aim to pick up within 4–8 hours during business hours. We handle stabilization, controlled drying, deep cleaning, decontamination, and documentation for insurance claims. Call (415) 567-1965 as soon as it happens.
How the Repair Process Works
Step 1: Free Inspection
We examine the rug — not just the visible damage but the surrounding fibers, foundation, and structure. A small hole in the pile is sometimes connected to a larger foundation weakness. We document everything before writing an estimate. For large or valuable rugs, we offer free pickup so you don't have to haul it in.
Step 2: Written Estimate
You receive a written estimate covering every aspect of the proposed repair, cost, and projected timeline. We tell you what we can and can't achieve — some repairs are nearly invisible, others will show under close inspection. You know what to expect before we start.
Step 3: The Work
Once authorized, we begin. Fiber and dye are matched to the original as closely as possible. For longer projects, we provide progress updates. Nothing gets rushed.
Step 4: Delivery and Sign-Off
We return the rug, walk you through the completed work, and you inspect it before signing off. If anything isn't right, we address it before you pay.
What's Included
| Included in every repair project | |
|---|---|
| Free initial inspection | ✓ |
| Written estimate before work begins | ✓ |
| Color-matched fiber and dye | ✓ |
| Before and after documentation photos | ✓ |
| Final inspection with you before delivery | ✓ |
| Full insurance coverage during service | ✓ |
| Free pickup and delivery (Bay Area) | ✓ |
Is Repair the Right Choice?
Repair makes sense when the damage is localized, the rug's foundation is still sound, and the repair cost is proportional to the rug's value and importance to you. We'll tell you honestly if we think the damage is too extensive for standard repair — and in those cases, we'll discuss whether full restoration is a better path, or whether the rug isn't worth the investment.
We lose the work when we say that. We say it anyway.
Need More Than a Repair?
For antique or heirloom pieces with extensive damage — multiple holes, significant foundation loss, color fading, or moth damage throughout — a single repair may not be enough. Our rug restoration service covers full reweaving, structural foundation work, color correction, and complete rehabilitation of heirloom pieces. It's a different scope and a different investment. We'll tell you at inspection which service fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my rug is worth repairing?
Send us a photo or bring it in. We'll give you an honest opinion on whether repair makes sense for the piece and the damage. No pressure, no charge for the assessment.
Will the repair be visible?
Our goal is to make repairs invisible or nearly so. For most standard repairs — fringe, small holes, selvage — you have to look carefully to find the work. On rugs with intricate patterns and significant damage, some repairs may show under close inspection. We tell you what to expect before we start.
Do you clean the rug as part of the repair?
Yes. Most repairs include cleaning because we need to work on clean, stable fibers. It's included in the project estimate, not billed separately.
Can you fix a bad repair done by someone else?
Usually yes. We see this fairly often — visible repairs, wrong colors, or previous work that made things worse. We can often undo the bad repair and redo it correctly. Bring it in for an assessment.
What about insurance claims?
We work regularly with homeowner's insurance claims. We provide written damage assessments, before/after documentation, written estimates, and direct coordination with adjusters. Call us as soon as the damage occurs.
Related Services
- Rug Restoration — full rehabilitation for antique and heirloom pieces
- Oriental Rug Cleaning — hand-washed, 9-step process
- Free Pickup & Delivery — throughout the SF Bay Area
- All Services & Pricing
Cengiz Boga has repaired carpets for our company for over 15 years. His professionalism and work ethic is unsurpassed. I have found his repair work to be the best that can be found in the Bay Area and beyond.



