What is Low Pile Carpet?

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what is low pile carpet

There are three carpet piles: low, medium, and high.

Low carpet pile is one of the best choices for busy families with kids and pets. It’s durable, easy to clean, and holds up to a lot of foot traffic.

If you’re wondering what is low pile carpet and the advantages of having it, here’s what you need to know. Low carpet pile is very dense and short. You can probably tell if your carpet is low pile by looking at it. If the individual fibers look and feel very short, it’s a low pile. If you want to be certain, simply measure it – low pile carpet fibers are no higher than ¼ inch.

What are the Types of Low Pile Carpet?

You can find low pile carpets in synthetic material, natural material, and a combination of both. As a general rule of thumb, synthetic carpets will better withhold stains and foot traffic but aren’t quite as soft as natural materials such as wool.

Here are the main types of low pile carpet:

Nylon – Nylon is synthetic and is the most common carpet material. Nylon is incredibly tough and stain-resistant.

Wool – Wool is a natural material, very soft on the feet. And while wool can stand up to heavy traffic, it doesn’t do as well with stains or cleaners.

Polyester – Polyester is a synthetic material similar to nylon. Polyester carpets are readily available but don’t last as long as nylon.

Triexta – Triexta is a synthetic carpet and one of the best carpet choices for families with pets. It repels water and is very durable.

Olefin – Olefin is a synthetic fiber that produces durable carpet. However, it doesn’t hold up as well as the other synthetic options, so it’s usually much less expensive.

Low Carpet Pile Styles

Low carpet pile comes in three main styles: Berber (loop), cut pile, and pattern.

Berber carpet is dense with a loop pattern at the top. It holds up very well to traffic and is a popular style choice. Berber comes in a solid color or multicolored carpet.

Cut pile looks a bit shaggy. It’s generally much softer than the other options.

Patterned carpet has both loop and cut pile fibers in it. By combining these styles, the manufacturer can create intricate patterns.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Low Pile Carpet

If you’re wondering if low pile carpet is right for you, there are a lot of advantages. (And a couple of disadvantages.)

Pros of low pile carpet:

  • Comes in many types
  • Affordable
  • Great for kids and pets
  • Can find it in any color
  • Easier to clean and maintain than other carpet piles
  • Better for people with allergies

Cons of low pile carpet:

  • Not as soft as high pile carpet
  • Has a much different look than medium/high pile carpet

Frequently Asked Questions

faq what is low pile carpet

How thick is low pile carpet?

You can find low pile carpets at various thicknesses. The thickness will ultimately come down to the style you like (loop, cut pile, or pattern) and the price point of the carpet. Higher-end carpets will generally have more fibers. The height of the fibers in a low pile carpet is ¼ inch tall or less.

What is flat fiber carpet?

Flat fiber carpet is simply another way to say low pile. With this type of carpet, the length of the fibers is less than a ¼ inch. And even within this style, you can find a lot of variation in how different carpet brands and types of flat fiber carpet look.

Is low pile carpet cheaper than high pile carpet?

In general, low pile carpet is the least expensive among the varying carpet fibers. However, the material of the carpet and brand still determine the price.

Final Thoughts

Low pile carpet is defined as carpet with shorter individual fibers. And there are a lot of benefits to getting it.

Low pile carpet handles heavy foot traffic better than any other type, is easier to clean, and comes in several different styles. If you have kids or pets, it’s an excellent choice for your home.

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AUTHOR

Katie Barton lives with her husband and three daughters in an 1800’s style log cabin in southern Ohio. She thinks cleaning is relaxing and is considered the organizing go-to person by her family and friends. She runs the blog Cabin Lane where she shares about cleaning, decluttering, and minimalism. See full biography here.

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