Pile simply refers to the surface of a carpet and describes the length and finish of the tufts of yarn threaded through the backing to create the nap. Beyond the simple description of carpets being low (with short tufts) or high pile, there are other pile considerations you might want to bear in mind while you hunt for the perfect floor covering among the carpet stores in Melbourne.
Cutting To The Chase
Generally speaking, the yarn tufts used in most carpets are either cut or looped. Let’s tackle cut piles first. In these carpets, the yarn tufts are threaded through the backing and then cut to the desired height. Cut pile carpets can be textured or plush.
Textured cut pile carpets have fibres cut at different heights to create a slight variation that prevents footprints and tracks from showing up. This is the style of carpet you’re likely to see in rental apartments and new housing. It’s basic, cheap flooring but it can be a little dull.
Plush cut pile is longer, more luxurious and has a softer surface. However, these are harder to clean and can be prone to pile crush, where the fabric becomes dented or worn. Plush cut pile is a great choice for bedrooms and other rooms with less traffic, where comfort and luxury are valued over durability.
Love The Loop
Sometimes known as Berber carpet, a loop pile carpet’s fibres are not cut. Instead, the fibre tufts are threaded through the backing and then looped over. The looped surface is less prone to damage but, as with the textured cut pile finish, these carpets still don’t show vacuum trails or footprints easily. As the looped ends are less delicate, they tend to be more resilient and durable. A short loop pile carpet can be a practical choice for hallways, stairs and busy rooms.
Cut And Loop
There is a pile option that gives you the best of both worlds. A cut loop pile has slightly longer fibres that are cut at the top but benefit from a shorter loop pile layer underneath. Durable, comfortable and with a choice of textured finishes, this option can work in every room and combines comfort and practicality beautifully.
Your choice of pile does have an impact on the finish and durability of your carpet. As well as considering whether the pile is cut or looped, however, rethink whether you want to have a short or long pile. In the past, low-pile carpet has been seen as the classic choice for commercial carpeting, as it’s durable and easy to clean. Recently, however, it has become a more popular choice for home owners seeking a sleek and warm alternative to hard floors. Likewise, commercial operators have begun installing more luxurious, longer pile carpeting to bring a cosier and more luxurious atmosphere to key meeting rooms and customer environments.
Why not come into one of our carpet stores in Bayswater or Blackburn and speak to an adviser who can show you a range of options to suit you?
