Is Plush Pile Carpet Right for You?
We understand that you’re not a carpet expert — after all, most carpet is only replaced every ten years or so, so it’s not a topic you have to think about very often. But don’t worry. You don’t have to be an expert, because we are! And we’re here to help you learn everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision about your next carpet.
Today we are talking about plush carpet. Plush is also called Saxony carpet, but there’s not a significant difference other than the name. Carpets can be divided into two main styles: closed-loop and cut-pile. Plush is the most common example of cut-pile carpet.
What is Plush Carpet?
Plush carpet is a style of cut-pile carpet where each of the yarns in the pile is cut to precisely the same length. The yarns are also packed very closely together, resulting in a smooth, almost velvety surface for a very soft, formal look.
The pile is usually short, but the densely packed nature of the yarns gives the feel of a much thicker, softer carpet. Some outlets will refer to Saxony carpet as a plush pile with a higher pile height and some extra twist in the yarns, but there’s no clear dividing line between Saxony and plush, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
The Pros of Plush Pile
Plush pile carpet is a classic look, making it extremely popular in residential spaces everywhere. It can look great in both formal and casual settings and can be very durable and long-lasting, as long as it’s cared for properly.
Plush pile carpet is also available in some beautiful colors. Since the yarns are packed so tightly together, colors are more smooth and uniform. If you outfit a bedroom in navy blue, for example, you’ll give the impression of a deep sea of blue flooring that makes your room look majestic and beautiful.
One thing to keep in mind is that plush pile or Saxony carpet comes in two varieties: “straight” and “textured.” Straight plush pile means that all the fibers lie in the same direction for the smoothest, most velvety effect. It also means that like a velvet or suede couch, the carpet looks lighter or darker if you sweep your hand across it in a certain direction. The carpet will show footprints, vacuum tracks, and drag marks fairly prominently.
The strands of textured plush pile are kinked and twisted in different directions, so the visible marks are mitigated somewhat — although they’ll still be more visible than if you went with a closed-loop carpet. Textured plush pile doesn’t have quite the same smooth appearance though.
The Cons of Plush Pile
For some people, the ability to see vacuum tracks and footprints is a con to plush pile, since they feel that it detracts from the elegant appearance of a carpeted floor. If you want to install carpet in a high-traffic area or are especially sensitive to the look of your carpet, plush pile might not be the best choice.
Plush pile also isn’t quite as durable as a closed-loop or Berber style. This is true of all cut-pile styles — what you gain in softness, you lose in durability, since the exposed ends of the yarns are more susceptible to wear and damage. If you want to carpet a heavily trafficked area like a hallway or an area where people are likely to wear shoes (which we don’t recommend), then Berber is probably a better choice.
Finally, plush pile can be more difficult to keep clean. Since the yarns are packed closely together, they can trap dirt and absorb liquid like a sponge. In a master bedroom — where you’re usually barefoot and food and drink are rarely spilled — this isn’t a concern. In a kid’s room, living room, or anywhere that pets frequent, plush pile is more challenging to keep clean.
What Materials Are Available?
Since plush pile is simply a style of carpet, it’s available in an enormous variety of materials and colors. You can get plush pile in nylon, triexta, polyester, and even wool! The durability and luxury of the carpet will depend on the type of fiber, the density of the carpet (how many fibers are packed together), the twist of each yarn, and other factors.
Luckily for you, you don’t need to know much about those specific factors to decide which carpet you want. Just come on by! We have a wide variety of carpets including plush pile, so you can stop by our showroom and feel what they’re like for yourself before you make a decision. And if you don’t like anything we carry, check back soon! We’re constantly updating and rotating our inventory. We are confident we can help you find something that you and your family will love.