In the vocabulary of carpeting, carpet pile is a specific term that you will hear quite often.
It’s beneficial to be familiar with this term, as it plays a big part in describing your carpet’s construction.
We’re here to tell you what is means.
Carpet Pile Defined
According to the WFCA, carpet pile is “the visible wear surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop and/or cut configuration.”
You may also hear carpet pile called the “face” or “nap” of the carpet as well. Carpet’s pile is measured from the backing surface to the top of the pile itself. This does not include the thickness of the backing.
There are two different types of carpet pile known as cut pile and looped pile. Depending on what type of carpet you select will affect the look of the carpet pile. To make things easier, let’s break both of them down.
Looped Carpet Pile
When carpet is constructed, the carpet fiber starts off with a woven looped look. Looping occurs as the yarn is fed in and out of the carpet backing. If the manufacturer decides to leave the carpet in it’s woven form, you then get a variety of looped carpet styles.
Not all loops are the same size. There are a few subclasses of looped carpeting including:
- Level Loop
- Textured Loop
- Multi-Level Loop
- Special Loop (specifically Berber Carpet)
You may also hear looped carpet referred to as “round wire” as well. Many looped pile carpets make great options for high traffic areas, but you may want to look for something else if you have pets. Pets tend to get their nails snagged in the loops, resulting is damage to either your pet or the carpet’s construction.
Cut Pile Carpet
Just as the name implies, cut pile is created by cutting the loops after construction. These types of carpet are the ones you’ll see in most residential areas today.
Most cut pile carpets are commonly made into plush carpet, but they can be made into other carpet styles like saxony. Give the carpet fibers a couple twists during construction, and you’ll get what is known as frieze carpet.
Newer generation cut carpet pile resist stains well and are less likely to wear out in high traffic. For anyone who likes to lounge around on the floor, a cut pile carpet will make a great choice.
Cut and Loop Carpet
Some carpet pile may consist of loops and cut loops at the same time. As a result, cool patterned carpet designs are created that many homeowners enjoy.
Be sure to ask your local carpet dealer about cut and loop carpet if you’re interested.
Explore Carpet Pile with The Carpet Guys!
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Booking a free carpet estimate with us allows you to see multiple styles of carpet right in your own home. We bring our store straight to your door.
In addition to the multiple samples we bring, you’ll also receive many benefits including:
- Next-day carpet installation
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