What Is Pile Height in Carpet?

Definitions

• The pile of a carpet is the yarn that rises above the carpet backing, according to the World Floor Covering Association. Pile height measures the yarn from the top surface of the backing to the top of the tufts or loops of pile. The height does not include the backing itself.

Types of Pile

• Most carpets fall into the categories of cut pile, loop pile or a mixture of the two. Loop carpets have uncut pile, either all of one height or more than one height. Berber carpet, for example, has loop pile in heavy yarn with one or more pile heights, and sculptured carpets combine varying loop levels. Carpets with cut pile vary in pile height and in how much the manufacturer twists the yarn. Plush carpet has cut yarn in one height, for example, while frieze carpets have more twists. Shag carpet has long, twisted yarns all the same length. Saxony carpet has heavy yarn and extreme twisting to keep the tufts separate, the opposite of plush. Some carpets also combine cut tufts and loops to create special textures.

Style, Use and Pile

• Some types of pile are appropriate for formal rooms, and other types are generally more informal and durable. Smooth-surface saxony or velvety plush carpets go with formal decor and less-used rooms, such as the formal living room. Long-pile plush shows more shading and matting than shorter plush, although both types shade with foot traffic. Shag carpets usually go well with informal decor. Frieze or textured carpets are suited to less formal rooms and areas of heavy use. A combination of cut pile and loops is durable and works in many types of rooms. Both single- and multiple-level looped carpets are appropriate for casual rooms with high use, such as family rooms.

Factors Affecting Wear

• Although a carpet with long pile has the look of luxury, other factors also impact how long a carpet lasts, according to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension. The choice of wool, polyester or nylon fiber affects wear, as does the quality of the carpet pad. A higher-density carpet, which has more turfs in 1 square inch, lasts longer. Deep-pile carpets must be especially dense to prevent matting. The face weight, or quantity of yarn used in an area of carpet, is also important to durability. Similarly, a tighter twist to the carpet yarn and chemical finishes to prevent staining and static can prolong the useful life of carpeting.