Never in my life have I thought that I’d find myself so clueless about ultra plush cut pile carpet. I always helped out my mother with her tasks, and so I thought I’d be perfectly fine moving out.
But when it came to the part of me choosing the carpet, I found myself in a dilemma.
Which one should I choose? Plush or, low? are plush carpets good for stairs?
And so to find the answer just following my habit I made a whole blog sort of info note. It contains many information about the wide variety of synthetic materials. It also includes information about your cleaning efforts, deep cleaning needs and all.
For starters – “Plush carpets offer the comfiest luxury, which is an ideal consideration for your bedrooms and living spaces. But low-pile carpets, on the contrary, are perfect for high-traffic areas because of their durability and low maintenance features. Besides synthetic fiber tends to leave vacuum marks on your carpet flooring.” – and so on.
Therefore as I’ve already taken the notes, thought I might as well share it with you guys. It will help you get through with your dilemma as well. So, let’s not waste any more time and get started!
Main Insights
Table of Contents
Plush Carpet Vs Low Carpet, Which One Is Better?
Low-pile carpet would be the safest option if it’s for a high-traffic area.
But if you are planning to install a carpet in a low-traffic area of your home then, which one should it be?
Hmm… That’s quite a dilemma, isn’t it?
Let’s see!🧐 There are so many things to consider. But don’t feel lost. I’m here to help, ain’t I?
To begin with, you need to decide whether you are choosing this carpet for low-traffic areas or high traffic. Once you’ve decided that we can move forward.
Why do we need to decide that? Because in these opposite situations, your choice would be opposite too.
Just so you know unlike low-pile, shag carpet fibers are really comfortable underfoot. But, even though it’s a popular style because of its soft texture vacuum cleaner is just the sworn enemy of its appearance. So you see how opposite the situations can be!
For example in each scenario when you know the purpose and the position of your carpet it will be easy to decide –
- Which texture you need
- How comfortable will be the safest
- How durable will the rug turn out to be
- Which maintenance measure will suit you best
- Will the carpet be of ideal use or not
- What’s the price range that suits your budget
Based on the area you’ll be choosing the carpet for, all these features including pile style will differ. Now, let’s see for plush carpet and low pile carpet what the features speak of.
Difference Between Plush Vs. Low Pile Carpet
Prices would be the first and the most visible difference between plush and low pile. But the most consumer also report their difference in stain resistance.
You see… plush carpets are quite prone to easily get water stains if not attended promptly. On the other hand, low-pile carpets come with quite a stain-resistant feature.
If you need a quick first look at the comparative scenario then that’s what coming up next on the discussion table. I had a hunch you’d want that😌
Let’s compare these features side by side for plush and low-pile carpets-
| SL | Features | Plush Carpet | Low Pile Carpet |
| 1. | Texture | Soft and dense | Flat and firm |
| 2. | Comfort | High | Moderate |
| 3. | Durability | Moderate | High |
| 4. | Maintenance | Requires more maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain |
| 5. | Ideal Use | Bedrooms, living rooms | High-traffic areas, offices |
| 6. | Price Range | $2 – $8 per sq. ft. | $1 – $6 per sq. ft. |
As far as it goes for material-
Plush carpets are mostly made of nylon, triexta, polyester, and wool. And, low pile carpets are made of wool, polyester, nylon, and olefin (polypropylene).
For the record, I must tell you that when it’s about pile-based differentiations you’ll find 3 specific types. And you probably know by now what I’m talking about. Still, let me just clear that up.🤓
| SL | Carpet Type | Pile Height |
| 1. | Low-Pile Carpet | Under ¼ In. (Approximately 0.25 In.) |
| 2. | Medium-Pile Carpet | ¼ In. to ½ In. |
| 3. | High-Pile Carpet | ½ In. to ¾ In. |
Now, many of you will mistake high-pile to be the plush and that’s what I’m trying to explain. High-pile carpet and plush carpet aren’t the same thing. High-pile carpet also feels soft underfoot but not as much as plush-type natural fiber carpet.
On the contrary, specific styles of carpet that have a pile height even higher than 3/4 inch are described as plush carpets. If you look for traditional cut pile carpets you’ll find wool carpets mostly.
I can assure you that – “While high-pile carpet can be plush, not all high-pile carpet is necessarily plush carpet.”
And not to brag but in present days as well consumers considered wool plush carpets to be the ideal choice. If you have little kids playing around surely you can choose a plush carpet of wool.
That would be a great choice for family rooms. This type of carpeting allows you to have extra comfort with safety for your kid.
Does plush carpet show footprints? Yeah, you should ask that. Remember, such a big pile height is good for moderate foot traffic only, or, less if possible. Also if you have carpets of solid colors then vacuum tracks on these taller fibers are never gonna leave you alone.
Plush Carpet And Low Carpet Pros And Cons
There are distinct differences between plush and low-pile carpets and distinct pros and cons relating to them too. Take a brief look at that and you’ll understand better.
Here’s a general Idea –
| SL | Carpet Type | Cleaning Frequency | Average Cleaning Cost | Average Lifespan (years) |
| 1. | Plush | 2-4 times / 1 year | $200 – $400 | 8-10 |
| 2. | Low Pile | 1-2 times / 1 year | $100 – $200 | 10-15 |
Plush Carpet Pros
Comfort – These types of carpets are well known among consumers for their extremely comfortable touch, providing a soft and luxurious feel under your foot.
Aesthetic Appeal – They add a touch of aesthetic appeal and warmth. Where? To your bedroom or living room or any other low-traffic area where you are planning to install the carpet.
Insulation – Plush carpets offer better thermal insulation, helping to keep rooms warmer. Which makes them the best choice for winter mostly.
Noise Reduction Value (NRV) – Many consumers claim that plush carpets are outstanding sound absorbers and perform well in both airborne and structure-borne noise reduction.😍
Low Carpet Pros
Easy to Clean – Low-pile carpets have shorter fibers, which makes them less prone to trapping dirt. For the same reason, it’s very easy to clean or vacuum. And so you can surely say that
“Low pile carpets are ideal for those who suffer from allergies or prefer low-maintenance flooring.”
Durability and Allergens Reduction – Low-pile carpets are less susceptible to wear and tear over time compared to high-pile carpets. plush carpet wears well? Regular cleaning helps minimize the accumulation of dust, pet dander, or any other allergens. You are aware of that, aren’t you?
Safe Surface Texture – These types of carpets come with a smooth and flat surface that allows toys and chairs to move easily. As a matter of fact, it’s practically perfect for playroom areas where your kids can play.
Thermal Control of Natural Cooling – Suitable for warmer climates with direct sunlight exposure. That’s because the shorter fibers don’t retain much heat and give off a cooler feel underfoot.
Noise Reduction Value (NRV) – Low-pile carpets effectively absorb sound waves, minimizing echo and reverberation. This very feature of quietness makes this carpet suitable to be used for your office or bedrooms.
Plush Carpet Cons
Watermarking – Consumers have many times reported that plush carpets are susceptible to watermarks. Especially if spills or moisture are not cleaned immediately and deeply.
“Watermarks can leave visible stains or discoloration on the carpet surface. Especially if it’s a deep pile carpet, liquid spills can affect your beautiful floor factor in no time.”
Thickness of plush carpet? Quite the thickest. Because of this high pile height and densely packed fibers these types of carpets tend to show footprints and scuffs more visibly than others. It really affects its appearance on the negative side.
Besides heavy furniture or foot traffic can leave lasting impressions on the carpet surface too!
Low Carpet Cons
The smaller fibers appear with a less luxurious look first hand. And that’s, what you’ll be counting as a first con.
It would be less smooth and so less comfort and cozy sensation you’ll feel. The lack of plushness can impact overall comfort especially if you enjoy a softer surface more.
Because of their shorter fibers, low-pile carpets are more prone to flattening, especially in high-traffic areas. Heavy traffic causes it to lose its original texture.
You’ll also find low-pile carpets offering less insulation. They don’t retain warmth as effectively as plush, which may turn out to be a great concern if you live in colder climates.🥶
What? Still not feeling confident enough to decide? Don’t worry. You know I care right? Here, watch these videos as well. Hope that will help you out too –
I believe now your mind is totally clear about what you want and what you need as well. Let me know which one you’ve decided to be your flooring companion. I would loveee… to know!
- I’m gonna go with plush anyway. It’s my favorite.
- I’m gonna take your advice and choose a low pile for the stairs.
- I wanted to use plush but your damn comparison has blown my mind already.
- Not to be rude but that last part is a total waste of time. Mind your own business!
What Are The Typical Price Differences Between Plush And Low Carpet?
The typical price differences between plush and low carpet can highly vary based on your location, material quality, and other factors. And so, if you need an exact idea then consider consulting with a local carpet installer in your area.
Here’s the pricing idea based on my research to give you a general scenario –
The bare minimum cost for plush carpet starts at approximately $800. The national average cost to install plush carpeting is said to be around $1,050 to $2,000.
On the other hand, for low-pile commercial carpet tiles, the replacement will cost you about $2.50 to $6.75 per sq. ft. Installed, with material prices alone ranging from $1 to $3 per sq. ft. Crazy right? Yeah, I can feel you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Plush Carpet Still In Style?
Yes, plush carpets are still in style and very popular as well. If you are a homeowner seeking comfort and luxury in one place plush rug is your thing. Many consumers still find it very appealing in their bedrooms and living rooms.
Is Plush Carpet Worth It?
Yes, a plush carpet is worth it for sure when it comes to the safety of little ones. Comfort and a soft touch while playing around for the little members of your family, plush carpet is definitely worth the investment. It adds a touch of modern vibe with a cozy feel underfoot.
Is Low Pile Carpet Better Than Others?
Yes, low pile carpet is better than others for high-traffic areas such as stairs. Besides its durability and ease of maintenance makes it even better. It would be a practical choice for your family.
What Is Considered A Low Carpet?
A low pile carpet refers to a type of rug that is made with very short fibers tightly packed together. Typically the pile height of low carpet measures around ¼ to ⅜ inches. As a matter of fact, it makes them quite sturdy and easy to clean as well.
Finishing Touch!
Plush is the perfect choice if you are a person of fluffy, cozy, and luxurious elegance lover. And you can compromise with the durability for its looks and feel a bit too.
But if you are not okay with compromising durability and have pets who’d love to play around freely, Low pile height is what you need.
So, before you decide consider all the 6 feature facts carefully. Happy decorating!
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