If the pile is very thick it can flatten or even matt together with continuous use and is therefore unsuitable for high-traffic areas. The maximum recommended pile height for stairs is around 1/2" (1.2 centimetres) and for most rooms around 3/4" (1.9 centimetres).
While rug or carpet pile heights vary, they typically fall into three categories: low (less than ¼ inch), medium (¼ to ½ inch), and high (½ to ¾ inch). Piles longer than ¾ inch aren't quite as common. These types are usually designated as “plush” pile height because the longer the pile gets, the softer the rug feels.
Higher fibers often generate the best long-term performance. These long fibers give the carpet a plush appearance and texture. You could use high pile carpet in low traffic areas. Deep pile carpeting has a luxurious appearance that will enhance the aesthetic of any room.
If you are prone to allergens, or your space is significantly hotter in the summer, it may be worth investing in a low-pile weave. However, if you're considering guest bedroom carpet ideas – or other rooms with less foot traffic, a thicker high pile option may be the best for you.
For typical household carpets, a carpet density value of 3,000 or higher is standard. A value lower than this number should cause pause and might indicate that you should consider a different carpet for your home.
In general, the more dense the carpet the better the quality. Check density by pressing your fingers on the carpet and trying to reach the backing. It will be difficult to reach the backing of a very dense carpet. With the tufts facing outward, bend the carpet into a U shape to see how much of the carpet backing shows.
Additionally, the short fibers distort foot traffic since they are less likely to sink under heavy use than higher pile alternatives. Therefore, the low pile type is naturally chosen by experts if you're seeking hallway carpet ideas that will never go out of style.
Low-pile carpets are recommended in high-traffic areas of the house because they are easier to maintain and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Because of these characteristics, a low-pile carpet is suitable for use in every housing area. Convenience: Low-pile carpets make it easy to transport heavy pieces of furniture.
The best carpet pile for pets
Cut pile carpets are produced by shearing the yarn loops so all of the threads have a flat, upright pile. This gives the carpet a soft, luxurious feel and it often requires less pet odour removal over time.
High-end Carpet Grade
High-end carpets have the highest density rating, with a face weight of 40 to 60 ounces. The fibers are of the best quality, often made from wool or nylon. High-end carpets in high-traffic areas like family rooms and playrooms hold up well.
High-traffic areas, such as your stairs, will benefit from more durable materials and when it comes to finding the best solution, you have several fabrics that are up to the job. The sturdiest carpet material is polyamide or synthetic nylon.
Not all expensive carpets are worth the price. You can get excellent quality from low-end carpets. You can also get really poor quality from high-end carpets. So, when you are comparing cheap carpets with more expensive options, you need to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples.
High pile – 13mm to 19mm
Featuring luxurious longer fibres, high pile, or shag pile carpets are best suited to low traffic rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms. This is because the high pile is slightly more difficult to vacuum but substantially cosier.
Nylon is the most durable option for pet-friendly carpets due to its strength and resistance to wear and tear. It also won't pull every time pets scratch it. Polyester is another durable option that is resistant to stains and fading.
Construction and Color: Consider a low pile style with a textured look. Generally speaking, low, cut pile carpet is ideal for pets as it is less likely to be damaged by pet nails snagging the carpet.
Of these three, wool is going to be the softest option. Wool is also a durable fiber, so it's a great choice for high-traffic areas of your home. If you have pets or children, wool carpet is also a good option because it's resistant to stains and easy to clean.
You're interested in carpet for its warmth and comfort. High pile is known for the cozy home atmosphere it helps create. You don't want your carpet to become flattened over time. Despite its taller loops, high pile carpet is less likely to flatten than low carpet options.
Low pile Nylon carpets are an especially good choice when it comes to allergies because they are even easier to keep clean and free of irritants.
Natural materials. Perhaps the most on-trend, and definitely most popular carpet trend, is natural fiber rugs, materials like jute, sisal and seagrass. Jute rugs grace the floors or so many homes due to their hardwearing nature and versatility, so just take it a step further and go wall to wall with it.
Cut-Loop Pile
Cut and Loop pile combines cut and uncut tufts to create a patterned surface that hides wear. It's a good choice for family rooms and other high-traffic areas. This is a combination of loop-pile and cut-pile carpets. The combination of large islands of cut tufts and lower loop tufts hides wear well.
Whether you opt for a subtle pattern or a bold statement piece, these carpets add visual interest to any room and help to tie a space together. Neutral Colors – Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, and taupe, are still a popular choice in 2023. These colors are versatile, timeless, and work well with any decor style.
But homeowners can also find carpet deals during the offseason, too. Retailers tend to advertise sales in late spring and early winter. Carpet retailers and installers see an uptick at those times because people prepare for hosting during the holidays or put their recent tax refund toward the project.
Nylon is generally known for being the most durable type of carpet for residential use. These carpets are good for use in places with heavy foot traffic and for households with kids and pets. Some carpet manufacturers treat their nylon carpet with a protective coating, which helps it to be more stain-resistant, too.
Nylon is the most durable and stain-resistant carpet fiber available when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Because of its durability, nylon carpet is perfect for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and stairs.