Cut Pile vs. Loop Pile Carpet: Everything You Need to Know

Cut pile vs. loop pile carpet: is one better than the other? Is one more comfortable than the other? Is one more durable than the other? 

Don’t worry, friend. We’re here to give you all the info you need on these different types of carpets. Specifically, we’re here to explain all there is to know about cut pile carpet and loop pile carpet! 

In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll show you:

1. Everything you need to know about carpet construction
2. The different types of cut carpets and loop carpets you can buy
3. The pros and cons of cut pile carpets vs. loop pile carpets 

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about both cut pile carpets and loop carpets—particularly, which one is right for you! Sound good? Let’s get started!

What is a Carpet Pile?

Carpet pile refers to the exposed surface of a carpet, consisting of yarn tufts attached to the backing. The pile is essentially what you see and feel when you look at or walk on a carpet. There are different types of carpet piles because they serve various purposes and preferences regarding aesthetics, comfort, and durability.

The three main types of carpet pile are:

1. Cut pile carpet: The yarn loops are cut at the tips, creating a soft, plush surface. This type is known for its comfort and luxurious appearance.
2. Loop pile carpet: The yarn forms complete, uncut loops. This style is typically more durable and easier to clean.
3. Cut-and-loop carpet: This type of carpet uses a combination of cut and looped fibers, allowing for more intricate patterns and textures.

These different types are created through variations in the manufacturing process:

The yarn is looped through the backing material for cut pile carpets and then cut at a specific height. The cut ends are then twisted to create tufts, which gives the carpet its soft, uniform texture.

Loop pile carpets are made by looping the yarn through the backing and leaving the loops intact. This creates a more durable surface that’s often used in high-traffic areas.

Cut-and-loop carpets combine both techniques, allowing for more complex designs and textures.

The pile height also varies, categorized as follows:

1. Deep (or high) pile: Longest, most comfortable, but potentially less durable fibers.
2. Low pile: Shortest fibers, most durable but potentially less comfortable.
3. Medium pile: A balance between comfort and durability.

What is Cut Pile Carpet Good For?

Cut pile carpet is ideal for areas where comfort and aesthetics are prioritized. Due to its soft, luxurious feel underfoot, it’s excellent for bedrooms, living rooms, and formal spaces. The cut fibers create a plush surface that’s inviting and cozy, making it perfect for areas where people often sit or lie on the floor. 

It’s also good at hiding footprints and vacuum marks, maintaining a neat appearance. While not as durable as loop piles, high-quality cut pile carpets can withstand moderate traffic. They’re particularly suitable for homeowners who prefer a more traditional, elegant look and feel in their interior spaces.

What is Loop Pile Carpet Good For?

Loop pile carpets are excellent for high-traffic areas and spaces that require durability and easy maintenance. They’re ideal for hallways, family rooms, offices, and commercial settings. The uncut loops resist crushing and matting, making them more resilient to heavy foot traffic and furniture impressions. 

Loop pile carpets are also easier to clean, as dirt and debris don’t get trapped as easily between the fibers. They’re great for homes with pets, as they’re less likely to snag on claws. While generally less plush than cut piles, loop carpets offer a clean, tailored appearance and can come in various textures and patterns, making them versatile for casual and formal settings.

What Different Types of Cut Pile Carpet Exist?

When we talk about cut pile carpets and compare cut pile vs. loop pile products, we’re not just talking about one uniform type of carpet. Rather, we’re talking about many different carpets—all of which just happen to be cut piles. Here are the different types of cut pile carpets:

Saxony

Saxony is one of the most commonly available types of carpet on the market. 

This material has a medium pile height and can be tufted in the same direction. It creates a subtle color difference when you brush your hand over it or in different directions to hide footprints and vacuum marks.

Frieze

The Frieze carpet has a deep pile of twisted fibers. Its texture is almost unbelievably comfortable, but it can also be steeper in price than Saxony carpet (and it’s harder to clean).

Plush

Plush carpet comes in all pile heights but generally has a slightly less uniform appearance than Saxony carpet. 

Plush carpet is your best flooring choice if you want to balance durability with comfort. 

Plush carpet’s existence is one reason people have difficulty choosing between carpet or hardwood in the bedroom. Hardwood is beautiful, but plush carpet is so snug, cozy, and luxurious that it’s hard to ignore (learn all the differences between carpet vs. hardwood here, if you’re interested). 

Twist Pile Carpet?

There is no trickery here: a twist pile carpet is simply any cut pile carpet with twisted fibers rather than staying straight. So, many cut pile carpets are also twist pile carpets—frieze, for example.

What Different Types of Loop Pile Carpets Exist?

Okay, onto the different types of loop pile carpet!

Berber

Modern Berber is a common version of loop pile carpet, and it’s well-loved for its outstanding durability and easy maintenance. Its low pile and tightly woven appearance give it a rougher texture than most other carpets.

As such, the main downside of the Berber carpet is that it’s not particularly comfortable (compared to other carpets, at least).

Sidenote: modern Berber carpets are very different from hand-woven, traditional Berber carpets from North Africa.

Sisal

Sisal carpet is an oddity because it’s exclusively made from fibers from sisal plants, which are indigenous to Mexico. This loop pile carpet is made in the same style as Berber carpet, except the fibers are thicker, giving the carpet an almost coarse texture.

Level Loop Pile

Level loop pile carpet is similar to Berber carpet in that the pile is tightly woven and uniform in height. It’s remarkably easy to clean and great for commercial spaces with much foot traffic.

Multi-Level Loop Pile (aka Textured Loop Carpet)

Multi-level loop carpets, sometimes called textured loop carpets, combine two or more loop pile heights to create a more varied feel and, in some cases, intricate patterns (hence, “textured” loop carpets). Despite their non-uniform appearance, these loop pile carpets retain their durability because of their tight weave. 

Cut Pile vs. Loop Pile Carpet: Which is Better?

The debate between cut pile and loop pile carpets isn’t about determining a clear winner but rather about matching the right carpet to specific needs and preferences.

Cut pile carpets excel in comfort and aesthetics. They’re softer underfoot and provide a luxurious, plush feel, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and areas where comfort is paramount. A cut pile is often the better choice if you prioritize creating a cozy, inviting space.

Loop pile carpets, on the other hand, shine in durability and ease of maintenance. They’re more resistant to crushing, matting, and wear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, family rooms, and commercial spaces. If longevity and practicality are your main concerns, the loop pile typically has the edge.

However, it’s important to note that quality matters more than pile type alone. A high-quality cut pile carpet can outlast a low-quality loop pile and vice versa. Factors like fiber material, density, and overall construction play crucial roles in a carpet’s performance.

There’s no significant price difference between cut and loop pile carpets. Materials, brand, and overall quality influence cost.

Cut-and-loop (sculpted) carpets offer an interesting alternative for those seeking a balance or unique designs. These combine pile types to create intricate patterns and textures, though often at a higher price point.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, the room’s function, and personal preferences.