Understanding Carpet Pile: Plush, Shag, Frieze and Berber

Installing new carpet is one of the best ways to quickly improve the look and comfort of the rooms in your home. Before you head to our showroom, it’s a good idea to review some carpet basics so that you have a better understanding about which type will work well for your household conditions and suit your performance needs.

One way that carpet is classified is by the different pile types, which means the way the carpet fibers are put together. Pile determines a lot about the way the carpet will wear over time and feel underfoot. Different pile types are recommended for different environments, so keep reading to find out whether you want to look at plush, shag, frieze or berber.

Understanding Plush Carpet

A plush carpet pile is a type of cut pile in which the fibers are looped through the carpet backing and then cut. Plush carpets have fibers that are packed tightly together and provide a comfortable surface for walking. It is the most luxurious feeling of the carpet options, with better quality providing additional comfort. On the downside, plush carpets can show footprints and vacuum tracks more readily. As a result, plush carpeting is not recommended for high traffic areas and highly active households, but more reserved for bedrooms, formal rooms, and lower daily use areas.

Understanding Shag Carpet

There’s no need to cringe when you see or hear the term “shag” carpet! We aren’t talking about the type of shag carpet that your dear Grandma may have had in her basement rec room, although the construction is the same. Fibers are looped through the carpet backing and then cut, but at a much longer length than other types of cut pile options.

Today’s shag carpets are stylish and bring an air of luxury to homes but be aware that the long fibers can be difficult to keep clean. Consider a shag carpet in a low-traffic area, like a bedroom, or elect to go with a shag area rug instead, preferably one that can be taken and shaken outside.

Understanding Frieze Carpet

Another type of cut pile carpet is Frieze, which is similar to plush carpet, except that carpet fibers are twisted together, to create a more textured appearance. The result is an interesting look, and an enhanced tolerance for traffic and wear. If you have a busy household with a lot of people or pets, Frieze might just meet your needs.

Understanding Berber Carpet

Popular in high-traffic areas such as family rooms and hallways, berber is one type of loop pile carpet. Rather than cut fibers, loop pile carpet fibers are left uncut, which makes for a more durable surface.

Loop pile carpets can be level loop, in which all the loops are a uniform length, or multi-level, which incorporates loops of different lengths. Both types are great options, with multi-level having a slight aesthetic advantage. On the downside, loop pile carpets can respond poorly to snags and pulls, especially where pets are concerned. If you have four-legged family members, consider another type of carpet or keep their nails trimmed to a conservative length.

When you’re ready to talk carpeting, visit our helpful staff at ICC Floors Plus. We can help you narrow down your choices, make suggestions about colors and even give you samples to take home before you commit. We can also help arrange for professional measurements and installation so you will be able to just relax and enjoy your cozy, updated space.