How Thick Is Plush Carpet? 4 Type of carpet thickness explained!

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Author:

Taher Sabahi

Ever since I saw my 3 friends with their new plush carpets, I’ve been eager to get one for myself as well! However, they each have different types and thicknesses of plush carpets.

I’m especially curious about what ultra plush cut pile carpet actually is!😩

I know I know you probably are laughing at me saying who doesn’t know about carpet types in this era! But hey, don’t be judgy alright? I just think that when it’s about the choice for bedrooms, it has to be the best.

How Thick Is Plush Carpet

How Thick Is Plush Carpet?

After some thorough comparison of plush vs. low carpeting, I found carpet manufacturers emphasizing the fact that plush is quite a dense carpet type. Here’s the thing –

“Typically the plush types of carpet thickness can range from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or more than that. But not less. If you are not sure about how to figure out your carpet thickness then follow these steps –

  1. Obtain 1 pile height gauge, 1 notepad, and 1 marker.
  2. Clean the carpet thoroughly.
  3. Place the gauge on the carpet as indicated.
  4. Measure following the method.
  5. Check the measurement on the gauge and take notes.
  6. Repeat the process as many times as needed.”

Now now, no need to panic! I’ve listed out the important parts you need to know about pile carpet tiles. So you can just keep on reading and learn as much as you need.

Shall we start then?

Let’s see what do we have here-

  • Try getting a plush carpet of ideal thickness when buying
  • Differentiate which type of carpet you have and its thickness.
  • Calculate following the steps to find out the thickness of your installed carpet.

How Thick Is Plush Carpet?

Typically 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or more would be the thickness of a plush carpet style.

But as you know right? It isn’t static. There’s always a wide range of carpet options with various color schemes available.

Thickness Of Plush Carpet

In fact, it keeps changing or you may say updating too every now and then. Plush pile carpet, texture carpet, loop pile carpet, or wool carpet. The carpet cushion has quite an impact on its thickness varying for each type and material as well.

I was about to make a mistake by thinking a thicker carpet cushion would cause performance problems. But then I read an article on CarpetCave which spilled the beans for me. After reading their doc I understood how carpet padding also adds up to the thickness discussion.

After that, I made sure to keep my carpet cushion thickness within ½ inch.

I made sure to keep my carpet cushion thickness within ½ inch

If you have enough knowledge about the thickness you’ll be able to deduce whether the plush carpet is good for staircases.

I found some other padding thickness info on SizePedia. Here take a look at the table to gain a better understanding. Which 

padding thickness info on SizePedia

Wait wait, I forgot to ask. Do you know what actually the thickness of a carpet means?🤔 If you don’t, no need to worry. You have me to explain after all. To tell you in simple words –

“The term carpet thickness means the carpet pile height. It is the measure of the carpet fibers from the backing to the top of the pile.”

If that’s clear now you can move on to explore the next steps.

What Is The Ideal Thickness For Plush Carpet?

The ideal thickness for these carpets depends on their intended use and the level of comfort. Let’s say you want your carpet floor to be of optimum comfort underfoot. But you also want the carpet sample to be soil-proof as well as spill-proof.

What Is The Ideal Thickness For Plush Carpet

Considering all these eventually, you may find a new generation of carpeting hard to fit in. But you also don’t like traditional carpeting. 

Now what to do? All these make the thickness decision all the more complicated, doesn’t it? I heard that thicker carpet with thick padding helps with the noise too. Isn’t it great? If you don’t trust me, feel free to see the ss I provided below for ya-

thicker carpet with thick padding helps with the noise

Generally, a plush carpet thickness of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) is ideal for most residential settings. This range provides a balance between comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance.

I think a density of 6 to 8 pounds per cubic foot is ideal. The well-known CarpetCave would agree with me too. In contrast, bedrooms and low-traffic areas can benefit from thicker carpets, up to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm), for added luxury and comfort. You may already know that 

“The carpet industry recommends a maximum thickness of 7/16 inch (about 0.44 inches) for carpet padding”

The soft carpet choice for family rooms is undoubtedly comfier. But you mustn’t forget how diligent you’ll have to be about the maintenance.

Type Of Plush Carpet With Thickness

Cut Pile Plush: Known for its smooth and even surface, this type is soft and velvety.

Textured Plush: Offers a more casual look with slightly twisted fibers to reduce footprints and vacuum marks.

Saxony Plush: Features longer fibers for a more formal appearance, but is prone to showing footprints.

Plush Berber: A loop pile variation that combines plush comfort with durability.

Carpet type Vs Thickness

I went through some documents from popular websites such as Homeguide, JaipurRugs, and MagicRugs, and they totally agree with my hypothesis. Take a look at the table for a quick view alright!

SLType of carpetThickness (In.)Thickness (mm)
1.Cut Pile Plush0.25 – 0.56.35 – 12.7
2.Saxony0.5 – 0.7512.7 – 19.05
3.Textured Plush0.35 – 0.558.89 – 13.97
4.Plush Berber0.3 – 0.67.62 – 15.24

For high-traffic areas, a slightly thinner plush carpet, around 0.4 inches (10.16 mm), may be more practical due to its higher resilience and lower maintenance needs.


I think my discussion so far will help you decide whether your plush carpeting gonna wear well or not. Now that you’ve gone through my explanation what do you think? Also, Which type do you prefer now? If you are not already tired of me speaking would you let me know please!!

  • Yeah, you’re right. I’m tired of your chatter. And didn’t help either.
  • I find textured plush to be just what I need.
  • Thanks for the explanation, you are such a kind soul! I’ll choose plush Berber.
  • No, I wouldn’t. Now would you mind stopping wasting the reader’s time!!

Regardless of what you think of me I care. Therefore I’m here with another option for you. If you find it hard to understand go further with this visual explanation. I hope that will help you get out of the blue about thickness and cleaning too.

Carpets Too Thick to Vacuum

How Do You Measure The Thickness Of Plush Carpet?

To measure your carpet thickness first get the tools you need. And when you have the tools just follow my steps and you’ll be calculating the thickness of your plush carpet in no time.

How Do You Measure The Thickness Of Plush Carpet

Let’s begin –

  1. Get 1 pile height gauge from a nearby flooring store. It should have a flat base and a perpendicular metal rod that does the actual measuring.
  2. Clean your carpet. No dirt or debris should be left stuck on the fibers.
  3. Next, place your gauge’s base on the carpet and place the metal rod on the carpet fibers.
  4. After that, gently press the rod into the carpet fibers until it reaches the carpet backing.
  5. Take a pen and paper. The carpet’s pile height is already measured on the rod which you need to note.
  6. Repeat the process in different parts of your carpet. Take notes each time for accuracy purposes.

And voila! You are all done. Now you know the exact pile height of your plush carpet.✨

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Does Carpet Thickness Affect Comfort?

Thickness affects comfort by enhancing the softer texture of your rug. The thicker the carpet the softer it will feel underfoot. Many even say thicker carpets work as a shock absorber.

Is Thicker Plush Carpet More Durable?

No, thicker plush carpet isn’t more durable mostly. That’s because durability depends highly on which fiber your carpet is made of. You’ll see, that high-density carpets can be durable even if they are not thicker.

Does The Thickness Of The Plush Carpet Impact Its Price?

Yes, the thickness of the plush carpet may impact its price. As thicker carpet requires more material to be made of it can impact the price to complete the full process.

Does Thicker Plush Carpet Wear Better?

No, the thicker plush carpet doesn’t wear better inherently. That’s because how well the carpet will wear depends mostly on its density, construction, and quality of the fibers, not thickness.

What Is The Standard Thickness Of The Carpet?

Usually, ⅜ to ½ inch is the standard thickness of a plush carpet. However, the general rule for carpet thickness is the higher the pile height the thicker the carpet would be.

Finishing Line!

The thickness of your plush carpet flooring should be what meets your needs the best. Mine has the highest pile height. After going through the research on how thick is plush carpet, trust me the exhaustion of cleaning it without knowing is just something else.🥲

So, before buying a new carpet make sure everything is just as you wanted and fits your needs perfectly too. Do not haste through the process. Instead, I would suggest you take time to learn every aspect you need.

Such as do plush carpets show footprints or not. Need to know right? Other than that, happy carpeting to you!🥰

About the author

Writen By

Taher Sabahi

Taher Sabahi is a certified flooring consultant with over 15 years of industry experience. He holds a master’s degree in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design. The Taher Sabahi has a deep passion for helping clients find the perfect floor coverings for their spaces.

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