Understanding the Types of Carpet Flooring: Cut Pile, Loop Pile, and Beyond

Carpet remains one of the most popular flooring choices for homes across Maplewood, MN, and Western Wisconsin, cherished for its warmth, comfort, and noise reduction capabilities. However, when you start shopping, the variety of textures and styles can be overwhelming. 

 

Understanding the different types of carpet flooring is crucial, as the construction of the carpet determines its durability, how it resists crushing and matting, and how easy it is to clean. At Erskine Floors & Interiors, we’re here to demystify the choices and help you find the perfect plush, practical, or durable carpet for your home.

 

The Two Foundational Types of Carpet Flooring

 

All carpet textures originate from two fundamental construction methods: loop pile and cut pile.

 

Loop Pile Carpet: The Durable Workhorse

 

In loop pile carpet, the yarn is stitched into the backing and remains intact, creating loops on the surface. Because the fiber ends are tucked away, loop pile is inherently stronger and more resistant to crushing.

 

Level Loop

 

• Construction: Loops are all of the same height.
• Benefits: This is the most durable type of carpet and is incredibly easy to clean. It resists matting and wear-through exceptionally well.
• Best For: High-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, and playrooms. It’s also often used in commercial settings.

 

Berber

 

• Construction: Traditionally made with large, thick yarn loops. Modern Berber often features loops of varied height and multi-tonal flecks.
• Benefits: Highly durable and hides soil well due to its patterned look. It provides a casual, natural, and rugged aesthetic.
• Best For: Family rooms, basements, and any high-traffic area where durability is the priority.

 

Cut Pile Carpet: The Comfort King

 

Cut pile carpet is made by cutting the tops of the loops, allowing the fibers to stand up straight. This exposed fiber end gives cut pile its characteristic softness and plush feel, but it is also more prone to showing footprints and traffic patterns.

 

Plush/Velvet

 

• Construction: Dense, short fibers that are cut evenly and sanded smooth.
• Benefits: Offers the most formal and luxurious look, with a soft, velvety texture.
• Best For: Formal living rooms and master bedrooms where traffic is light and comfort is paramount.

 

Textured/Saxony 

 

• Construction: This is the most common residential cut pile. The fibers are twisted and heat-set at different angles.
• Benefits: The uneven surface pattern effectively hides footprints and vacuum marks, offering a great blend of softness and practicality.
• Best For: General use in bedrooms and living areas.

 

Frieze (Twist)

 

• Construction: Features long, highly twisted fibers that curl over.
• Benefits: Its informal, shaggy look is very good at hiding soil and resisting traffic matting for a cut pile. The heavy twist helps the fibers spring back.
• Best For: Heavily used family rooms and casual spaces.

 

Combining Styles: The Hybrid Carpet

 

Some of the most popular types of carpet flooring cleverly combine both loop and cut fibers to create sculptured patterns and dynamic designs.

 

Cut-and-Loop

 

• Construction: Uses a mix of cut and looped fibers, often creating geometric, linear, or checkered patterns.
• Benefits: Adds visual interest and depth to the floor, providing a medium softness and durability level. The pattern helps camouflage soil and wear.
• Best For: Areas where you want visual texture and moderate foot traffic.

 

Choosing the right texture is just as important as choosing the color. By understanding the core types of carpet flooring, you can confidently select a carpet that not only looks beautiful but is engineered to last within your specific application.

 

Enjoy the Plush, Warmth of Comfort Underneath Your Feet with Erskine Floors & Interiors 

 

Whether you are seeking the ultimate plush comfort of a textured cut pile or the unmatched durability of a level loop, Erskine Floors & Interiors has the perfect solution. For almost 40 years, we have built a reputation based on quality materials, professional installation, and personalized customer service for all types of residential and commercial projects.

 

Call us or Visit us at our showroom location in Maplewood, MN, servicing the areas of Western Wisconsin, and let us help you explore the ideal types of carpet flooring for your home.