Pile Types Of Carpet: Options, Prices, Installation Cost and Best Brands

Carpet pile refers to the fabric loops or strands that make up the surface of carpeting. The type of pile significantly impacts a carpet’s appearance, durability, texture, and maintenance requirements. Understanding different pile types is essential for selecting the right carpet for your specific needs and budget. This comprehensive guide explores the main carpet pile types available on the market, their associated costs, installation considerations, and recommended brands to help you make an informed decision for your home or commercial space.

Carpet pile is categorized by how the fibers are attached to the backing and how they’re cut (or not cut). The three primary pile types are cut pile, loop pile, and cut-and-loop pile, each offering different aesthetic and functional benefits.

The pile height (or length of the fibers) is another important consideration, with options ranging from low and dense to high and plush. Pile density refers to how closely packed the fibers are, which affects durability and comfort. These characteristics work together to determine how a carpet looks, feels, and performs in different environments.

Cut Pile Carpet Options

Cut pile carpets have yarn tufts that are cut at the ends, creating a soft, plush surface. They’re generally more formal in appearance and offer excellent comfort underfoot. Here are the main types of cut pile carpets:

Saxony

Saxony carpets feature densely packed, cut fibers of even height that stand straight up. They create a formal, velvet-like surface with a slight sheen when light reflects off the strands. Saxony is ideal for formal living rooms and master bedrooms but shows footprints and vacuum marks easily.

Plush

Similar to saxony but with an even more luxurious, velvet-like appearance. Plush carpets have shorter, densely packed fibers that create a smooth, uniform surface. While elegant, they tend to show footprints and vacuum marks even more readily than saxony.

Textured

Textured cut pile has fibers of uneven heights that reflect light differently, helping to hide footprints and vacuum marks. This versatile option works well in high-traffic areas and is one of the most popular residential carpet choices due to its practical, casual appearance.

Frieze

Frieze (pronounced “free-zay”) carpets have long fibers that are tightly twisted and curl in different directions. This creates a casual, “shaggy” appearance that hides footprints excellently. Frieze is extremely durable and perfect for high-traffic areas and active households.

Cable

Cable carpets feature long, thick fibers that create a cozy, comfortable surface. While luxuriously soft underfoot, they’re less durable than other cut pile types and best suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.

Loop Pile Carpet Options

Loop pile carpets have yarn that forms complete loops, with the fiber tips woven back into the backing. These carpets tend to be more durable and stain-resistant than cut pile options, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Berber

The most common loop pile carpet, Berber features thick, uncut loops that create a distinctive nubby texture. Traditionally flecked with darker colors, modern Berbers come in various colors and patterns. They’re extremely durable, hide dirt well, and resist staining, making them popular for family rooms, offices, and basements.

Level Loop

Level loop carpets have loops of uniform height, creating a smooth, consistent surface. They’re less textured than Berber and provide excellent durability in high-traffic commercial environments. The tight, low loops resist crushing and are easy to clean.

Multi-Level Loop

These carpets feature loops of varying heights to create patterns or textured appearances. The varied surface helps hide dirt and footprints while providing visual interest. They offer a good balance of durability and style for both residential and commercial applications.

Cut and Loop Pile Carpet

Cut and loop (or patterned) carpets combine both cut and looped fibers to create distinctive patterns and textures. This versatile style allows for unique designs ranging from subtle textures to bold geometric patterns. They hide dirt and footprints effectively while adding visual interest to a room.

This style has gained popularity for its ability to create defined patterns without using different colored yarns. The height differences between cut and looped fibers create shadows that form the visual pattern.

Pile Type	Durability	Maintenance	Best For
Saxony	Moderate	Higher	Formal living spaces
Frieze	High	Lower	High-traffic family areas
Berber	Very High	Lower	Family rooms, basements
Cut-and-Loop	High	Moderate	Versatile, pattern-focused areas

Price Comparison of Different Pile Types

Carpet prices vary widely based on pile type, fiber material, and quality. On average, carpet costs range from $2 to $15 per square foot, with installation adding another $1 to $2 per square foot. Here’s how different pile types compare:

• Loop Pile (Berber): $1-$8 per square foot. Basic Berber carpets are among the most affordable options, while premium wool Berbers can be considerably more expensive.
• Textured Cut Pile: $2-$5 per square foot. This mid-range option offers good value for durability.
• Plush/Saxony: $3-$10 per square foot. The formal appearance comes with a higher price tag.
• Frieze: $2-$8 per square foot. Prices vary widely based on materials and quality.
• Cut-and-Loop: $3-$12 per square foot. The complexity of patterns often increases cost.

Fiber material significantly impacts price regardless of pile type. Nylon carpets typically cost more than polyester or olefin (polypropylene) but offer better durability. Wool represents the premium end of the market at $10-$25 per square foot.

Installation Costs and Considerations

Professional carpet installation typically costs $1-$2 per square foot, with the national average around $1,700 for a standard home. Total installation costs are affected by factors beyond just the carpet’s pile type, including:

• Room size and shape complexity
• Furniture removal and replacement
• Old flooring removal and disposal ($1-$4 per square foot additional)
• Subfloor preparation ($1-$2 per square foot if needed)
• Padding quality ($0.30-$1 per square foot)
• Stairs installation ($3-$10 per stair)

Some pile types require special installation considerations. Pattern matching for cut-and-loop carpets may require additional material (10-15% more) and skilled labor, potentially increasing costs. Loop pile carpets generally install without special requirements, while plush carpets may need careful seam placement to avoid visibility.

Best Carpet Brands by Pile Type

The leading carpet manufacturers offer various pile types across different price points and quality levels. Here are some of the most reliable brands based on performance, warranty, and customer satisfaction:

Premium Brands

• Karastan: Excels in luxurious Saxony and plush carpets with exceptional craftsmanship
• Mohawk SmartStrand: Offers innovative fibers across all pile types with superior stain resistance
• Shaw Flooring: Known for high-quality Frieze and cut-and-loop carpets with excellent warranties
• Stainmaster: Specializes in durable nylon carpets across multiple pile types

Mid-Range Brands

• Dream Weaver: Offers good value in textured and frieze carpets
• Phenix: Strong options in Berber and level loop designs
• Dixie Home: Quality cut pile carpets at reasonable prices

Budget-Friendly Brands

• Beaulieu: Affordable options across all pile types
• Home Decorators Collection: Home Depot’s house brand offers decent quality at competitive prices
• TrafficMaster: Budget-friendly loop pile options for high-traffic areas

For specific pile types, certain brands stand out: Shaw and Mohawk lead in frieze carpets, Karastan and Stainmaster excel in plush/saxony, while Mohawk and Beaulieu offer strong Berber options.

Choosing the Right Pile Type for Your Needs

When selecting the optimal carpet pile for your space, consider these key factors:

Traffic Patterns

High-traffic areas benefit from loop pile or frieze carpets that resist crushing and hide dirt. For lower-traffic formal spaces like dining rooms or master bedrooms, plush or saxony piles offer a luxurious feel.

Household Composition

Homes with children and pets generally do better with durable, stain-resistant options like Berber or textured cut pile. Loop piles may snag with pet claws, so frieze carpets might be a better alternative for pet owners.

Maintenance Preferences

Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Loop piles typically require less regular maintenance than high-pile cut carpets. Darker colors and patterns hide soil better but may show lint more prominently.

Room Function

Match the pile type to the room’s purpose. Bedrooms benefit from the comfort of plush or frieze carpets, while family rooms and stairs need the durability of textured cut pile or Berber. Home offices often work well with low-profile loop carpets that accommodate chair movement.