The durability, density and overall feel of a carpeted floor will come down to its type of carpet pile. With so many different types of carpet pile to choose from, we have put together this detailed guide to get you started.
What is Carpet Pile?
Carpet pile refers to the different ways a carpet’s fibres are interlocked together and secured. With each style of carpet showcasing a different method, each will have its own characteristics, including a unique appearance and texture.
While carpet pile is often overlooked, it is an extremely important part of your overall choice. Understanding what differentiates between each type of carpet, will help you narrow down your choice of carpet pile. For example, for a pile that is particularly close-knit, we produce a dense, hard-wearing carpet. Whereas, a looser pile results in softer more luxurious alternatives.
Types of Carpet
When it comes to different options of carpets, there are many factors that determine their grade and quality. Whilst the type of carpet pile is a considerable feature, other contributing factors include the type of fibre, the carpet’s weight, twist and density.
Different rooms are more suitable for carpets than others, so it is important to understand the different types of flooring for your space.
The Different Options of Carpet Pile
With so many different types of carpet, all with different types of carpet pile, it is easy to become spoilt for choice. Whether you are sourcing flooring for your home or commercial space, it is important to know what’s available and the characteristics that belong to each type of carpet pile.
Looped Carpet Piles
The looped carpet pile is also referred to as an uncut pile. By leaving the entire loop of the yarn intact on the carpet’s surface, this technique produces a highly-durable flooring. In addition, they are easy to clean and particularly resistant to stains.
These types of carpet pile can vary in texture, pattern and length, all depending on what height loops are used. Some styles combine looped and cut fibres to create a varied finish.
Berber Pile Carpet
Carpets of a Berber pile date back to North Africa, over 100 years ago. This style of carpet pile was hand-spun by African tribes creating a durable Berber cloth. Nowadays, it is used to create carpets containing different textures, resulting in a sturdy yet flexible option.
Berber pile is able to be produced in a range of colours and, due to its hard-wearing properties, it is a popular choice for schools and commercial buildings.
Loop Pile Carpet
Loop pile carpets can be one of two types, level loop piles or multi-level loop piles. Both styles are created by weaving together looped yarn. For multi-level loop piles, loops of different lengths are combined to add texture. This sub-category of looped carpet pile again delivers on the durability, while offering a technique that allows for a choice of simplistic or intricate patterns.
Cut Pile
All types of cut carpet piles involve the shearing of exposed fibres. The differences in each carpet within this category come when alternative angles are used to cut the fibres or the threads undergo a different treatment. Varying in length and thickness, what cut pile carpets do share is an easy-to-clean and soft finish.
Saxony Pile Carpet
A longer pile of carpet, the Saxony pile offers a dense cut pile that provides a rich, soft feel. Often compared to velvet piles, it has a similar luxury and is often seen in the same settings. Fibres are twisted and cut to a longer length than other cut-pile carpets, heat is then applied which allows for its structure to remain.
Cut Pile/Twist Pile Carpet
A reliable hard wearing pile is a cut or twist pile carpet. It is no surprise that the cut pile is the most popular carpet type. With a mottled, textured appearance, it is produced by tightly twisting coloured yarn. Its long-lasting characteristics make it perfect for high-traffic areas in a home or even an office. The twist formation ensures the carpet’s pile is tightly secured in place for years to come.
Plush/Velvet Pile
A popular carpet pile for bedrooms, plush or velvet pile is extremely soft and smooth, perfect for keeping bare feet cosy. These carpets are created with densely packed fibres, which are shorter than a Saxony pile. The result is a luxurious carpet that is quite rich; however, the velvet-cut pile is only suitable for low-traffic areas due to its tendency to show footprints and scuffs.
Frieze-Cut Pile
Also known as the California shag, the frieze-cut pile is a highly durable style of carpet that is suitable for commercial spaces that see high traffic. It is created by twisting and kinking long cut-fibres. This method causes carpets with a frieze-cut pile to have an erratic curled appearance.
Shag Pile
A popular choice of carpet pile in the Seventies, shag pile carpets are once again increasing in popularity. In these carpets, the individual fibres are cut in much longer tufts creating a luxurious cut pile option.
Textured Cut
When a carpet is produced with fibres of uneven lengths, it is referred to as a textured cut. This general category of cut-pile carpets can be classified further, depending on whether or not the fibres undergo a steam treatment. Doing so sees the fibres twisted and curled by the heat enabling the individual strands of fibre to have a permanent kink. Textured piles that have undergone this process are known as ‘trackless’ – footprints and other marks are not visible within the pile. These spiralled strands of fibre reflect light differently from those which are straight. What this means is that squashed fibres are not as noticeable, making textured, ‘trackless’ piles suitable for medium-high levels of traffic.
Cut and Loop Pile
Texture is created with a mix of cut fibres and looped fibres within cut and loop piles. The combination of the two types of piles allows patterns to be created within the textured carpet. Moreover, it also allows for carpets to contain a multitude of colours, further accentuating the texture of the carpet.
Sculpted Pile
Another textured carpet pile that consists of both cut and looped fibres are sculpted carpets. The variations of height between the different strands of cut and looped fibres allow for geometric patterns to be incorporated into the carpet’s design. By adding a mix of lengths, a sculpted pile carpet is able to achieve a three-dimensional texture.
Woven Carpet
The crème-de-la-crème of types of carpet is woven carpets. The pile on these carpets produces a most luxurious finish, which lends itself perfectly to producing patterns and prestigious projects. It is worth noting that woven carpets have a higher price tag due to their complex manufacturing process. There are three types of woven carpet piles to choose from.
Axminster
The Axminster pile is known for its velvety finish that is created from the U-shaped tufts created with its pile. These tufts are created when the carpet is attached to its backing, all of which takes place when it is woven and cut to length. The fibre is strengthened within this process, increasing its durability.
By using such a traditional method, it is possible for intricate designs to be created, incorporating a range of colours. All in all, the Axminster pile allows woven carpets to be extremely versatile.
Wilton
Wilton carpet is created using the oldest carpet weaving method, consequently, setting this type of carpet apart from others in durability, quality and luxury. While the Wilton pile is made from a continuous woven fibre, similar to the Axminster pile, the fibre is able to be cut into a textured cut and loop effect.
Flat Weave
A flat weave woven carpet is created using the same method as Axminster and Wilton carpets; however, the process is applied over a wider area. When the fibre is looped in this way, a flatter woven finish is created, resulting in a more textured effect.
Options of Carpet Fibres
When it comes to carpet and the different types of carpet pile, you also have a decision to make about your carpet fibres. There are six common types of carpet fibres, each with a unique look, feel and quality standard. The range of carpet fibres on offer will allow everyone to have a choice of carpet that suits their needs and budget.
Popular types of carpet fibres include:
- Nylon – Often the most popular choice, this durable fibre is resistant to wear and tear with stain repelling properties. It can be dyed to achieve a wide range of colours; however, it can fade in direct sunlight.
- Polypropylene (Olefin) – While it is less resilient and coarser when compared to nylon, olefin offers bold colours that are less prone to fading. Other benefits include its resistance to mould and mildew, allowing this carpet to be used outdoors.
- Polyester – A cost-effective carpet fibre, polyester is becoming increasingly more popular. While it will struggle to withstand highly trafficked spaces, it is considerably softer if paired with a thicker cut-pile.
- Wool – A luxurious carpet fibre, wool is the sole natural fibre in carpet production. Due to this, it is expensive but does offer a soft, durable and stain-resistant carpet. It is worth bearing in mind that wool fibre can fade.
- Acrylic – Replicating the feel and appearance of wool fibre but without the expense, acrylic fibre is a less common choice of carpet fibre. Acrylic fibre is known as being a conductor of static electricity; however, it is also known for its mould and mildew resistance.
- Blends – It is also common to have a carpet that is made from a mix of the above fibres. Popular combinations involve olefin and nylon as well as wool and nylon. A blend is used to help improve the carpet’s quality.
Deliver Every Carpet Pile With Care
Loop, cut, twist, Saxony, and Berber carpets all need careful handling once they leave the supplier. For flooring retailers, reliable distribution helps protect both your stock and your customer experience.
ADP Distribution carries carpet products between manufacturers, warehouses, stores, and client addresses throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Our team also provides warehousing, fulfilment and bespoke swatch samples, giving you a flexible logistics solution that supports everything from retail replenishment to direct customer delivery.
