Carpet pile choices for your home

Choosing carpet is not just a matter of deciding which colour you like. It's important to look into the various piles available, and the durability and appearance of each, before making a final decision on what's best for your home.

Loop pile carpet

A loop-pile carpet is made up of a series of loops. "The raising and lowering of the height of each loop generates a textured carpet," says Justin Mace from Carpetworld.

"So most of the textured carpets you see, with the big rib and the small rib next to it, are loop pile. You get a lot of flexibility with the design and the finish with this type of carpet."

Cut-pile carpet

Cut-pile carpet is essentially loop-pile carpet with the tops of the loops cut off. This type of carpet has more of a 'velour' finish. "All your twist piles and plush piles are considered cut piles because they have the absence of the loop," says Justin.

"The plush pile is a straight tufted carpet so it has that velour look. A twist pile is the same, but when it's tufted or stitched the yarn is twisted, so when the top of the yarn 'blossoms' it diffuses the light and tends to hide any shading."

There is also such a thing as cut-and-loop carpet, which combines both cut and loop piles. The taller loops are cut and the shorter ones left uncut, creating an attractive sculptured pattern.

Twist pile carpet

When it comes to durability, Justin believes that in a residential situation twist pile (cut pile) is the best choice. "We probably sell more plush pile than twist pile, but I think when it comes down to it, the twist pile is probably more durable simply because it tends to hide marks in traffic areas a bit more."

Loop-pile carpet isn't as effective at hiding stains as cut-pile, but if you are intent on using loop-pile carpet in your home, it's better to go for a darker colour as it will hide marks better.

Cut-and-loop carpet is able to hide soil and wear reasonably well, due to the texture and the often subtle, variegated colours.

Which carpet pile should I choose?

When choosing carpet it's also important to ask about the yarn system. "The denser the yarn system the more durable the carpet will be," says Justin. "A lot of people go for soft-feeling carpet but don't realise that a soft carpet may not wear that well underfoot."

Contact a carpet expert in your area to find out what carpet pile is right for you: