Will that be loop pile carpet or cut pile carpet?

Picture this… After weighing up all the options, you’ve finally decided that carpet is perfect for your needs. You’ve debated about the pros and cons of every colour choice and have measured and remeasured every space – time and time again. You feel prepared and ready to make a confident and assured decision when you walk through the doors of your local Parrys store. There is nothing to stop you now and without a doubt, you’ll be seeing carpet down in your house by the end of the week…

Then, one simple question makes your heart sink – “Will that be loop or cut pile carpet?” Suddenly you begin to question everything, “I didn’t know about this…what on earth are they talking about? When was this a thing, is this a thing, do I need to choose a different flooring?”

And just like that, your visions of being a carpet champion have been well and truly floored (pun intended).

Don’t panic, Parrys can help.

Without doubt, one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘What’s the difference and which is better – Loop or cut pile?’ We are actually surprised when the question doesn’t get asked as it is a very important decision when choosing your carpet. Therefore, to help you become the carpet champion we know you can be – read on.

Whilst the choice is ultimately dependant on your situation, it is important that we start with the basics – what is carpet pile?
Pile is the part of the carpet that you come into contact with, you know, the outward/upward facing part. Made up of fibres in tufts, loops, or strands, the pile of a carpet is its most defining characteristic.
Now, with the basics out of the way, we can look at the first option of what is loop pile carpet?
As the name implies, loop pile (or round wire) carpet features loops of yarn constructed tightly and closely together so that the loops stand and form a level surface for the carpet. When a carpet maker wants to create textured patterns, they often use loops at varying heights to construct the design. This type of carpet is low maintenance, hard wearing and very versatile, which means it is often used in commercial spaces and high traffic areas.

One thing to keep in mind is that if the loops get caught or pulled, they can actually unravel the carpet. This means that loop pile carpet is not really ideal for pets with long claws, and you also have to take care when dragging things over the carpet in order to avoid unravelling it.
So now you know all about loop, let’s talk about is cut pile carpet.

Cut pile carpets are achieved by cutting the tops of the loops, so the pile stands upright with an even smooth surface that produces a luxurious and formal look. It makes sense that cut pile is a popular choice with homeowners as it tends to provide a softer and more plush feeling underfoot. Less resilient than loop, cut pile can ‘blossom’ over time – This is when the cut ends begin to unravel which can make the carpet look aged and frayed.

So, there you have it – a quick beginners guide to cut and loop pile. These are the two main carpet styles, and while we don’t want to confuse the matter further, if you are set on becoming the ‘Carpet Champion of Champions’ you can look at a variance of other styles including cut pile twist, cut pile plush, level loop pile, loop & cut pile and sisal.

However, that may be for a different time, so here is some further reading if you require (Parrys carpet-styles). Even better, come and discuss your new-found knowledge with the team at Parrys and chances are you’ll have that carpet in before-you-know-it after all.

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