Rug Pile: A Quick User’s Guide

A rug’s pile refers to the density of fibers. The pile height or thickness of the rug and the length of the fibers in the weave combined determine the pile of a rug. They can range from a flat/short pile or long and shaggy. Pile Height To Consider Pile heights vary: less than 1/4″ (low); 1/4″ to 1/2″ (medium); 1/2″ to 3/4″ (plush); some shags can be even longer. High Traffic Areas Thick pile does not necessarily equate to quality. Some very fine rugs are thin. That said, high-traffic areas can benefit from rugs with some density. Short and Durable Shorter pile rugs will, as a rule, last a...