When it comes to carpet, there are a lot of choices to make. What color should you choose? What style? What type of fiber? And, of course, what pile height? If you're not familiar with the term, "pile height" refers to the height of the individual fibers that make up the carpet. Pile height is an important consideration when choosing carpet because it can affect everything from durability to comfort. Let's break down everything you need to know about carpet pile height so that you can make the best decision for your home.
What is Pile Height?
As we mentioned above, carpet pile height refers to the height of the individual fibers that make up the carpet. The vast majority of carpets on the market have a loop or cut pile. Loop piles are made up of loops of yarn that all stand up straight, while cut piles are made up of individual strands of yarn that have been cut at different lengths. The two main types of cut piles are textured and smooth. Smooth cut piles have a more formal look and feel, while textured cut piles are more casual.
Pile height is measured in inches and can range from ½ inch all the way up to 2 inches. Low-pile carpets (½ to ¾ inch) are best for high-traffic areas because they're more resistant to crushing and matting. Medium-pile carpets (¾ to 1 inch) are a good middle-of-the-road option that offer both comfort and durability. High-pile carpets (1 to 2 inches) are the softest and most plush option but aren't as durable as low- or medium-pile options.
How Does Pile Height Affect Durability?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing carpet is how durable it will be. After all, no one wants to have to replace their carpet every few years! In general, low-pile carpets are more durable than high-pile carpets because they're less likely to show crushing and matting. If you have pets or small children, low-pile or medium-pile options may be best because they'll be able to withstand more wear and tear.
How Does Pile Height Affect Comfort?
Comfort is another important consideration when choosing carpet. If you plan on spending a lot of time sitting or lying on your floor (for example, in a living room or bedroom), you'll want to opt for a higher-pile option for maximum comfort. Low- and medium-pile carpets can still be comfortable, but they won't be as plush as high-pile options.
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I generally recommend a pile height of less than 3/4″ to help reduce the chance of matting and crushing of the pile. Why? A shorter Pile-Height makes for a much more durable carpet, it makes the carpet much easier to clean and makes the carpet more stain resistant and less prone to matting and crushing of the pile.