The pile is the surface layer of a carpet, so it is the part you see and feel daily. The carpet weaving process involves looping the fibers back and forth through the backing, so the pile is determined by whether these fibers have been clipped or left in their looped form. Your carpet's pile significantly impacts its appearance, comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Cut pile is the most popular carpet style and is created when the fiber loops are cut, hence the name. When cut, the result is an upright pile, and the ends of the carpet fibers are exposed. Cut pile carpets come in various lengths, thicknesses, and colors and are typically made out of polyester and wool.
Cut pile also contains a twist that helps it stand up and resist matting and crushing, which is one of its advantages. Another advantage is that they're softer underfoot than loop carpets, making them an excellent choice for most of your home. However, cut pile can be more challenging to clean and maintain since the loose fibers allow dirt and liquids to spread into the carpet.
The most popular cut pile styles are Frieze, sometimes called the “modern-day shag carpet," and Saxony, the most traditional cut pile carpet. Cut pile is less resistant to crushing than other types of carpet.
Saxony comes to mind for most people when they think of carpet. It's the most traditional cut-pile carpet, with fibers standing straight up and cut into even lengths.
Saxonies consist of two or more fibers twisted together in a yarn. The soft texture works well in both formal and informal areas but will show every footprint and vacuum-cleaner mark. These carpets have medium durability.
Textures are very popular carpets and work especially well in informal areas (such as family rooms and children’s bedrooms) because of their soft feel and multi-colored look that disguises tracks and footprints. Textures are tightly twisted and offer medium durability.
Softer and more level than textures, velvets/plushes are lightly twisted and have a uniform color. Ideal for formal areas such as formal living rooms and master bedrooms because of its luxurious appearance, velvets/plush pile carpeting shows every footprint and vacuum-cleaner mark.