Cut Pile vs Loop Pile Carpet

Every carpet is either cut pile, loop pile, or a mix of the two. The pile is the yarn that stands up from the backing, and how it is finished changes how the carpet feels, looks and wears. This guide explains cut pile and loop pile carpet, how they compare, and where each works best in your home.

What is cut pile carpet?

In cut pile carpet the tops of the yarn loops are cut, leaving individual tufts that stand upright. The result is soft underfoot and has the classic plush or twist look most people picture for bedrooms. There are two main styles:

• Twist: the yarn is tightly twisted and heat-set so each tuft holds its shape. Twists hide footprints and vacuum marks better than plush, which makes them a practical all-rounder. Examples in our range include Feltex Essington, Redbook Freedom and Victoria Tarja.
• Plush: a denser, smoother cut pile with a velvety finish. It feels luxurious but shows footprints and shading more. Examples include Feltex Hammersmith and Feltex Berkley.

What is loop pile carpet?

In loop pile carpet the yarn is left as uncut loops. Loops are firmer and flatter than cut tufts, and the surface has a woven, textured look that hides marks well. Loop pile comes in a few styles:

• Level loop: all the loops are the same height for a neat, even surface, such as Feltex Spinifex.
• Textured or high-low loop: loops of different heights create pattern and depth. EC Hause and EC Andes Peak are textured tufted loops.
• Berber and sisal looks: chunky loops that mimic natural woven floor coverings, like EC Sirocco and EC Bahamas.
• Commercial loop: low, dense loops built for offices and other busy spaces. Most carpet tiles are loop pile.

Cut and loop combinations

Some carpets combine both, with cut tufts and loops in the same surface to make a sculpted pattern. Victoria Torrent, for example, is a high cut, low loop construction. These styles add texture and pattern while keeping some of the softness of cut pile.

Cut pile vs loop pile at a glance

Which is more durable?

Durability depends on more than the pile. Fibre, density, pile weight and how tightly the yarn is twisted all matter. A dense loop pile is hard-wearing and is the usual choice for commercial spaces, but a tightly twisted cut pile in a strong fibre can also be rated for heavy residential use. The simplest guide is the wear rating on the label: the Feltex Hemisphere twist, for example, is rated Residential Extra Heavy Duty and Stairs. Our guide to flooring for high-traffic areas covers this in more detail.

Choosing by room

• Bedrooms: cut pile twist or plush for softness underfoot. See our best carpet for bedrooms guide.
• Living rooms: either works. A twist is soft and forgiving; a textured loop hides marks in a busy family room.
• Hallways and stairs: choose a carpet rated for stairs. Dense loops and tight twists both work; our best carpet for stairs guide explains what to look for.
• Homes with pets: cut pile is usually the safer choice, as claws can catch in loops. Our pet-friendly carpet guide has more.
• Offices and commercial spaces: low, dense loop pile in broadloom or tiles. See commercial carpet.

Fibre matters too

Cut and loop styles come in every fibre: wool, nylon, triexta, polyester and polypropylene. Fibre decides how the carpet handles stains, crushing and wear, so choose the pile for the look and feel you want, then the fibre for how you live. Our wool vs nylon and nylon vs polyester guides compare the main options.

The best way to decide is to feel both side by side. Browse our residential carpet range, visit a showroom in Penrith, Campbelltown, Hornsby or Logan, or book a free measure and quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between cut pile and loop pile carpet?

Cut pile has the tops of the yarn loops cut so the tufts stand upright, giving a soft feel. Loop pile leaves the loops uncut, giving a firmer, textured surface that hides marks well.

Is loop pile carpet good for pets?

Loop pile can snag on pets’ claws, so many pet owners choose a cut pile twist instead. If you like the loop look, a low, dense loop is less likely to catch than a chunky one.

Which carpet shows footprints less?

Loop pile and textured twists show footprints and vacuum marks less than plush cut pile.

Is cut pile or loop pile better for stairs?

Both can work. Choose a carpet with a stairs wear rating, and a dense construction that will not open up over the stair nosing.

Can you get carpet that is both cut and loop?

Yes. Cut and loop carpets combine cut tufts and loops in the same surface to create sculpted patterns and texture.