Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the cowhide rug before purchasing / is it the exact rug?

Yes! All of the rugs on our website with a SKU number have been individually photographed and measured. This is the exact rug you will receive when ordering.

Can I order two of the same rug/pillow?

Because each of our cowhide products are naturally unique and only one exists in nature, it is only possible to order one of each from our site. However, many patterns and variations are similar so you you can browse the site to find something to compliment your purchase or contact our support to help better guide your decision.

How accurate are the colors of the photos?

Our cowhide colors are as accurate as possible! We photograph our cowhides in a professional studio with controlled lighting to ensure you get the best possible representation of the true colors. However, slight variations may occur depending on the lighting conditions in your home. Brighter spaces will showcase the colors closer to the photos, while dimmer settings might make the hide appear a few shades darker.

If you have any doubts on the colors, we recommend looking on a few different screens such as a cell phone, tablet, and computer to truly judge the color of the cowhide you are looking at

How does Cowhides Direct price their cowhides?

Our cowhides are priced based on their size, color, and country of origin. The most obvious price jumps are between Brazilian and cowhides from various parts of Europe. Beyond that, color plays a factor due to the fact that some hides are much more rare than others but keep in mind, color in no way effects quality - it’s just a matter of your personal preference.

How do you measure the size of your cowhides?

As shown in the image, our cowhides are measured from the widest and tallest points on the rug. We provide our customers with square feet, square meters, and numeric dimensions of these rugs so that their is no question about the size of the rug you are getting! actualheight=auto

How do I clean/maintain a cowhide rug?

Cowhides are very easy to clean and maintain. Typically with regular vacuuming and the occasional shake, they are good to go! See our detailed video and cleaning guide on 5 Tips For Cleaning And Care Of Cowhide Rugs for more information.

How long will the cowhide last?

Since they are a natural animal byproduct, cowhides have a very long life span that will last many years and in some cases, over a decade depending on how and where it has been stored and used.

How do cats or dogs treat cowhide? Will they try to eat it?

Typically, dogs and cats do not feel the desire to chew on cowhides. Due to the chromium process used to tan the rugs, it doesn't make for a tasty treat for your furry loved ones.

We do see that dogs and cats love to use them as a bed though!

Can cowhide rugs withstand pet accidents and are they dog-friendly?

As long as you notice the accident within a reasonable time, most stains will come up with a damp rag and mild soap. We also sell a specialty cleaner for cowhide rugs.

How are the cowhides tanned?

Our cowhides are tanned using what is called the chrome tanning process. This causes the back of the hides to have a slight blue grey color. This is the best technique for soft and supple leather. This process is long and strenuous and takes over 8 hours to finish. Our tanneries use only environmentally responsible methods of waste treatment during this process.

Are these real cowhides?

All of the products on our site are 100% real and authentic. If we do have any faux items like our faux fur throws on our site, they are clearly marked for transparency. You can confidently shop with us knowing you're purchasing authentic cowhide items.

Do you offer cowhides with brands?

Absolutely! Branded cowhides carry a unique mark of authenticity, adding to their distinct character. We also refer to rugs of this style as our natural collection. You can typically find these in our Natural Collection section. Please note, while these brands are visible in the photos, they might be a bit subtle due to the patterns of the rugs themselves.

Can I order cowhide samples?

We completely understand your desire to view and feel a sample before making a decision. However, each cowhide rug is unique so if we were to cut a sample piece, it would destroy the rug.

For this reason, we do our best to photograph and color match each rug as accurately as possible so that you see exactly what you get

We also do not offer half hides or scraps

How long will a cowhide rug last?

Cowhide rugs are known for their durability and resilience. Given their natural origin, they are robust and can withstand everyday wear and tear effectively. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your cowhide rug to last for many years, often ranging between 7-12 years or even longer depending on usage and care.

Do I need a rug pad for a cowhide rug?

While cowhide rugs and sheepskins grip most surfaces due to their natural suede backing, especially when clean, rug tape is recommended for high traffic areas or especially slippery floors.

How much do cowhides weigh?

On average our rugs are 8 to 13 pounds depending on the size and density of the rug you selected.

Why are some rugs so much cheaper in clearance section?

Our natural collection rugs, mainly featured on our clearance page, still boast the high quality and meticulous tanning processes of our Brazilian rugs. The key difference is the presence of more natural markings, which are unique to each piece. These markings do not compromise the durability or longevity of the rug in any way and any imperfections are shown in the photos of the rugs if you have any quality concerns.

Do you sell cowhide without the hair?

We currently only sell hides with hair on. If you've seen other cowhides online, they will have hair as well just sometimes not as visible as ours.

What does ethically sourced mean?

Ethically sourced means that our cowhides and sheepskins are obtained in a manner that is conscious of both animal welfare and environmental sustainability. These hides are byproducts of the meat industry, ensuring that no animal is specifically harvested just for its hide. Additionally, the tanneries we work with are stringently regulated, guaranteeing practices that are environmentally sustainable.

What is the hair length on the cowhides?

Almost all of our cowhide rugs come in a standard length which isn't longhair or shaved. On some occasions, there are some rugs that have a winter coat with some longer hair but we do not carry many of these as they are seen as less desirable by most of our customers.

What is the thickness on the cowhide rugs?

Our rugs typically range between 1/8 and 1/4 in thickness. We ensure that we don't sell thin hides as they can curl and pose tripping hazards. A high-quality cowhide rug, like the ones we offer, should feel soft, floppy, and have consistent thickness throughout

Where are the cheapest rugs?

If you're looking for the most affordable cowhide rugs, our clearance section is a great place to start. You can easily find the lowest-priced rugs by organizing the clearance items by price from low to high.

Are the rugs from the USA?

Our cowhide rugs are sourced from Brazil and Europe, regions renowned for their soft and supple hides. While the hides are not originating from the USA, they are warehoused here, ensuring that your order ships swiftly within 24-48 hours.

Are the white cowhides really white?

True white in cowhides is a rarity and typically leans more towards off-white. While we do have cowhides that are lighter in shade, it's important to note that they might not be pure white. Colors like champagne or cream are slightly deeper shades. Due to their rarity, our whiter cowhides are marked as white and priced a bit higher. We're happy to help you find the closest match to what you're looking for!

What are the biggest/smallest cowhide sizes?

Cowhides vary in size starting at 2 feet by three feet, all the way up to 9 foot by 9 foot. In each collection on our site you can filter by size

Can a cowhide rug be placed under furniture or layered with other rugs?

Under furniture:Yes, cowhide rugs are durable and can be placed under furniture like coffee tables, beds, sofas, and more. This adds a touch of texture and natural beauty to your space. Layering:Yes, cowhide rugs are perfect for layering with other rugs. Jute and sisal rugs are popular choices for the base layer, while patterned rugs offer a bold statement. Experiment with different textures and colors to create a unique and personalized look.

How do I fix my cowhide rug that is curling on the edges?

While this is uncommon, it can happen occasionally. One effective way to remedy this is to use a slightly damp cloth placed over the curled area, and then gently iron over the cloth. This should help the rug lay flat again.

Do you offer wholesale/ trade discount accounts?

We do offer trade pricing. To get started, please apply through our Apply for wholesale accountlink located at the bottom of our website. The application process is straightforward, and we typically approve qualified applicants within 24-48 hours.

How soon will I get my order?

Orders received will take 24-48 hours to process and ship. Once your order has shipped, you will be given a tracking number to see the status of your orders.

Which shipping carrier do you use?

Generally, we will ship your order out via UPS. However, there are some cases in which we will use USPS. However, are unable to ship to PO boxes.

Orders are shipped from our warehouse in Florida.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes we do ship to all countries.

Shipping charges for international orders are calculated at checkout and can vary from country to country. We do not charge any additional fee for international shipments beyond shipping charges.

However, Cowhides Direct is not responsible for any duties and acceptance fees in your country.

How long does furniture take to arrive?

Each furniture piece that we sell is handcrafted with utmost precision, and the delivery timeframe can vary quite a bit. However, it usually ranges between 4-12 weeks depending on the order.

Do you offer expedited shipping?

We do offer expedited shipping options for non-furniture items which you can choose from at checkout. Orders that are placed before 1pm EST will go out the same day.

What is your return policy?

You have up to 30 days to return or exchange your order (excluding furniture items). We are also able to provide you a shipping label that will be deducted from your refund amount. For more information, please see Store Policies

How can I place a return/exchange?

You can file a return using our automated return system by clicking Returns & Exchanges

Am I able to exchange my order?

All non-furniture orders are eligible for exchange for up to 30 days after the date they have been delivered.

To file for an exchange, please use our automated system located on our Returns & Exchanges page.

What are the shipping costs?

For orders within the USA, any order under $199 has a shipping fee of just $14.99. For orders over $199, we offer free shipping. For international orders, the shipping price is quoted at checkout.

When will I get my refund on my order?

Processing time for refunds is generally 5-7 business days from the time that the return is received at our warehouse.

Do I get to keep free promotional items if I return my order?

If you used a code to receive a free promotional item, both the purchased item and any free promotional items need to be sent back or we would have to charge for the free gift that you received.

What payment options does Cowhides Direct offer?

Cowhides Direct accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) as payment as well as Paypal, Afterpay, Synchrony Finance, and Sezzle. We also accept e-checks. For more information on our payment policy, please see

Do you offer financing?

Certainly! For orders $1000 and under, we offer convenient payment methods at checkout that allow you to spread your payments over a few months with no interest. Payment plans are offered by Afterpay and Sezzle.

For larger orders, we have a specialized financing program designed to assist you. We have partnered with Synchrony Bank to allow special financing for larger purchases over $1000.

Do you offer gift cards?

Absolutely! You can get a gift card for yourself or a loved one for various amounts starting from $50. You can purchase a gift card here

Do you charge sales tax?

Cowhides Direct is required to charge sales tax in several states. To see the list of states we charge sales tax, please visit: Payment Methods

Why won't my credit card work?

If you're having trouble withy our credit card not going through, sometimes it could be due to an address mismatch or sometimes for security reasons, your bank may need your confirmation for certain transactions. We recommend calling the number on the back of your credit card to let them know you're trying to make this purchase. If you think this error is on our side, please contact our customer support at 800-651-2747 or chat with our live support.

Can I combine multiple promotions for free items or discounts on my rug order?

Unfortunately, combining promotions for free items or discounts is not possible. While we'd love to offer more than one free item per order, our current sale limits it to one per customer. Additionally, we don't allow the stacking of different promotions for the same order, making it one per order as well.

We understand this may not be the answer you hoped for, but we hope you'll still be able to find the perfect rug at a great price!