Carpet Finished Pile Thickness

Understanding the pros and cons of different types of carpet pile and different pile heights helps you choose the best fit.

Carpet finished pile thickness.

Thick pile does not necessarily equate to quality. Made in variations of thick and thin as. Carpet density is basically a combination of height and thickness. Thinner loop and cut pile carpets require a more stable pad that offers less flexibility and give than other types of carpet.

Just as a lawn is more luxuriant if the grasses are thick underfoot a carpet with higher pile density will feel plusher and will hold up better with wear. Carpet pile height represents the length of the visible pieces of yarn on the rug. For optimal performance in normal household conditions a density value of 3 000 or higher is ideal. Carpet pile and carpet types are explained here such as cut pile plush pile saxony cut pile twist frieze level loop pile multi level loop pile sisal berber level cut and loop pile and textured cut and loop pile.

Thicker shorter pile will last much longer. Stairs are well trafficked and feet will always fall in the same areas so keep pile height here to 1 2. Commercial carpet pile thickness. Some very fine rugs are thin.

Keep carpet pile height to 3 4 or less. A soft velvet appearance and even upright finish that make for a formal look. Learn what to look for when buying carpet to find the best carpet for pets stairs bedrooms high traffic areas living rooms and other rooms in a home. Shorter pile rugs will as a rule last a bit longer than longer piles.

High pile thick carpet takes a longer time to dry out should it get wet the lower the pile the faster the drying process. Carpet pile height can range from low to high including plush carpet that s extra high. Homeadvisor s best carpet guide gives tips on how to choose carpets by type material fibers nylon thickness low pile plush durability softness and more. That said high traffic areas can benefit from rugs with some density.

Remember that a taller pile is not better than a thicker pile. On stairs i recommend a carpet pile height of 1 2 or less and a carpet padding thickness of 7 16 or less and a pile density rating of at least 8 pounds. Minimum density values. Carpet is usually made of fiber loops that can be left as is cut or combined loop and pile cut pile carpeting tends to be more durable and easier to extract water from should the need arise.

Get to know the basics below to decide which options are best for your home and lifestyle. Together they are key factors in your carpet s look and feel and they also influence its resilience and durability.