Rugs bring warmth, comfort, and style to any room. But with so many options to choose from, rug shopping can get confusing fast.
You’ve probably seen terms like “pile height” and “pile density” while browsing. So what does pile actually mean when it comes to rugs? And how does pile affect the look and feel of a rug?
As a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I’m going to answer those questions and more in this complete guide to rug pile.
What Is Rug Pile?
Rug pile refers to the visible surface fibers that rise up from the rug’s foundation. It’s essentially the “fur” of the rug.
These fibers are made by knotting wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic yarns to the rug’s foundation (usually wool).
After the rug is removed from the loom, the pile is sheared to create an even surface. So pile height refers to how tall the fibers are after shearing.
That’s the basic overview. But there’s more nuance when it comes to the specifics of pile height, density, and material.
The Importance of Pile Height
Rug pile height can range anywhere from completely flat up to around 2 inches thick. There are a few main categories:
Low Pile: Less than 1⁄4 inch
Medium Pile: 1⁄4 inch – 1⁄2 inch
High Pile: Over 1⁄2 inch
In general, taller piles feel plusher and more luxurious. Shorter piles allow for sharper, more defined rug patterns.
But pile height isn’t purely an aesthetic consideration. It also impacts durability and ease of maintenance.
Low pile rugs are highly durable, easy to clean, and best for high-traffic areas. But the tradeoff is they lack the soft, cushy feel of taller piles.
High pile rugs feel amazing underfoot and provide visual texture. But they show wear more easily, trap debris, and require frequent, careful vacuuming.
Medium pile strikes a nice balance for most living spaces. These rugs combine the easy care of low piles with added softness.
How Pile Density Impacts Rugs
Pile density refers to how many tufts of yarn make up a square inch of rug. Density ranges from loose and shaggy to extremely tight and compact.
Higher density rugs feel thicker, fuller, and plusher. They also better obscure soil and wear. But lower density allows for sharper pattern details in the rug’s design.
In general, density correlates with quality and price. More labor goes into weaving higher density rugs by hand. Mass-produced rugs tend to be lower density with a flat, uniform texture.
Most high-quality handmade rugs fall into a medium density range. This allows for both lushness and visible pattern details.
But specialty rug types can vary more widely in density…
Comparing Pile Types
Beyond basic pile height and density, there are a few main “pile types” seen in different rug varieties.
Cut Pile
The most common construction, cut pile rugs are made by knotting strands of yarn, then cutting the excess fibers. This leaves an array of yarn ends standing upright from the foundation.
Cut piles produce a smooth, velvety texture. And they excel at showing precise pattern details.
Nearly all machine-made rugs feature a cut pile for consistency. Natural fibers like wool and silk are also popular. But polyester and other synthetics allow for vibrant colors and stain resistance.
Loop Pile
As the name suggests, loop pile rugs keep the yarn loops intact rather than shearing them. This creates a knottier, nubblier texture with more dimension.
Dense loop piles are excellent for containing spills and hiding soil. Small loops tend to be scratchy but larger loops feel springy and plush. These rugs suit casual spaces and stand up well to heavy foot traffic.
Berber rugs are a common type of low, tight loop pile rug. Shag rugs feature an extremely long loop pile for maximum coziness.
Cut & Loop Pile
As a hybrid of cut and loop pile construction, these rugs combine both for added visual interest. Typically, cut pile areas make up the background while looped motifs stand out from the surface.
The combo pile maximizes versatility. Cut pile offers pattern clarity. Loops provide durability, dimension, and texture.
Cut and loop construction allows for very ornate, one-of-a-kind pattern designs. It’s common in tribal carpets like Turkish Oushaks or historic Aubussons.
How To Measure Rug Pile Height
If you come across a rug you love, check the pile height before buying. This ensures it suits the planned space and purpose.
Use a ruler, set it on the rug’s flat backing, then stand it upright to measure the fibers’ length. For accuracy, take measurements at several points and average them.
Low piles measure below 1⁄4 inch, mediums 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 inch, and high piles exceed 1⁄2 inch. Compare to the category guidance above.
Also pay attention to density. Higher densities feel fuller and flow into intricate patterns. Lower densities seem flat and reveal more base foundation.
These factors directly impact durability and maintenance needs. So consider them seriously before purchasing any new rug.
Caring For Rugs With Different Pile Types
To maximize lifespan, rugs need proper ongoing care and cleaning suitable for the pile type.
Vacuum frequently to keep soil and dust from settling deep into the fibers. Adjust beater bar height to enter the pile without excess agitation.
Spot clean spills right away with a damp, white cloth. Blot gently and avoid excessive moisture. For stubborn spots, use rug cleaner formulated specifically for that fiber.
Professionally clean every 1-2 years, or whenever it looks dingy. Be sure to ask if they have experience with your rug’s specific materials and construction.
Rotate occasionally to help even out uneven wear patterns. For high pile rugs, consider casters or cups under heavy furniture legs to prevent crushing.
Choosing the optimal rug pile height, density, and material for your space helps ensure it lasts beautifully for years to come. Understanding what pile means for rugs takes the guesswork out of narrowing down that “perfect one” from the endless options on the market.
So don’t be afraid to get hands-on and touch, measure, and inspect pile quality when rug shopping. Feel for that sublime blend of plush comfort, artistry, and durability calling your name! Your home’s floors will thank you for taking the time to discover it.