What are some common carpet pile types? Carpet is one of the most used flooring materials on Earth, and there is a lot to know about the different styles offered.
Thanks to a wide range of options, you can choose almost any color to match your home’s interior style. But in order to get something that’s right for your space, you’ll need to know the various types of carpet available today.
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Carpet Pile Types
One thing you’ll want to know about is the different carpet pile types offered. Carpets are made by looping yarn through a backing material. Although that yarn can be of various materials or qualities with various treatments, what you’ll see first is how it’s looped or cut. The way the loop is cut or not cut is called the carpet’s pile and there are various types including:
Uncut Loop Pile
Uncut carpet pile is also referred to as “loop pile” or “berber” carpet. This type of pile leaves all of the yarn loop intact on the surface of the piece. Because of the looped shape, these carpets are usually easy to clean, durable and can be resistant to stains. These work great in high-traffic areas and are ideal for commercial use.
This style is distinctly dense or low volume, and extremely durable and wear-resistant. The loops can be a snagging danger for pet’s nails.
Saxony Cut Carpet Pile
This pile is comprised of individual cut strands that stand up packed tightly in order to make a fuzzy, plush surface. The fibers are relatively short and create a smooth surface. A drawback to this is that the strands tend to get crushed by vacuums and feet, leaving impressions on the surface of the carpet. Plus, saxony cut carpets can be susceptible to wear-and-tear or stain more easily than other styles.
Frieze Cut Pile Type
This is sometimes also called “twist pile”. This pile consists of medium length individual strands that are a twisted and kinked tightly, making them curl. It’s a durable style that can hide wear and dirt. This is less high density than saxony and has thinner fibers than shag.
Textured Cut Carpet Pile Type
Textured cut pile is also known as “trackless” since you can’t see footprints or other marks on its surface as much as other styles.
