Pros and Cons of Frieze Carpet
Will this cut-pile carpet make the cut for your project?
Frieze is a twisted, cut-pile carpet with fibers twisted then cut for a softer feel.
Frieze carpet is highly durable with a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Frieze carpet costs $1 to $8 per square foot.
Look for frieze with 40 to 60 ounces per square yard of face weight for best durability.
This isn’t your parents’ shag carpet. Frieze carpet is a fresh take on a classic, taking the best parts of shag carpeting (like durability and comfort) and updating them with a more modern look. But is frieze right for your living spaces? Consider these frieze carpet pros and cons before deciding on the best carpet for your home.
What Is Frieze Carpet?
Frieze carpet is a type of twisted fiber, cut-pile carpet where each fiber is twisted then cut to create a soft yet durable finish. This style of carpet is an updated take on shag carpet from the 1960s and 1970s, offering similar comfort and durability, plus the ability to hide dirt (but without the dated look).
While frieze carpet is great for high-traffic spaces, keep in mind that those high-pile twists can be more difficult to clean, and you’ll pay slightly more for the higher durability this type of carpet offers compared to other carpet styles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durabe | Higher cost |
| Comfortable | Hard to clean |
| Hides dirt | Limited designs |
Pros of Frieze Carpet
There are many reasons frieze carpet is so popular today. It offers impressive strength and durability considering how soft it feels, and it does a great job of hiding dirt and stains between cleanings. Here’s why frieze carpet might be a good choice for your home:
Durable
Looking to install new carpet in a high-traffic area? Frieze should be on the short list of contenders. Despite the long, soft fibers, the twisting design makes each fiber stronger and more durable. The carpet may look slightly flattened after walking over it, but it easily perks right back up. The high twists don’t fray easily, further lengthening the lifespan of this carpet.
With regular maintenance and a good carpet underlay, your frieze carpet could last 20 years or longer.
Comfortable
Frieze is a good choice if you’re looking to install a comfortable material in bedrooms, a living room, or a den. The longer fiber length and cut-pile design makes frieze feel soft while you walk on it. Fibers are dense and can fall into each other, making the carpet feel especially plush.
Hides Dirt and Imperfections
Here’s another great pro of frieze carpet: It hides dirt, carpet seams, footprints, and other imperfections. As much as we’d all like to have spotless carpets, the reality is that carpet can hold dirt, dust, pet fur, and other debris between vacuuming and shampooing sessions. Luckily, the long, dense fibers hide these imperfections until it’s time to finish your carpet-cleaning chores.
Cons of Frieze Carpet
Frieze has many benefits that make it a versatile option in homes, but it’s not without its drawbacks.
Higher Cost
Frieze carpet costs are around $1 to $8 per square foot, which is slightly higher than other carpet materials like polyester ($1 to $3 per square foot), nylon ($2 to $5 per square foot), or olefin ($1 to $3 per square foot).
While higher face weight on your carpet will add to the cost, it also means the carpet is more durable. Frieze carpet face weight starts around 30 ounces per square yard, but invest in a carpet with 40 to 60 ounces per square yard for longer-lasting carpet.
Difficult to Maintain
It’s great that frieze carpet can hide dirt and debris, but those lusciously soft fibers also make this type of carpet harder to clean and maintain. If you want to properly maintain this carpet, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality vacuum with a beater bar to help loosen dirt and debris from the depths of the carpet.
You’ll need to know how to set the right vacuum height for this type of carpet, too, and make sure to stash towels in any room with frieze so that you can soak up any spills immediately to minimize staining.
Typically, carpets should be steam cleaned every 6 to 12 months. The frequency may be less if the carpet is not used often, but foot traffic, pets, and allergies can affect the carpet. If the carpet receives a great deal of foot traffic or is in a home with multiple pets, quarterly cleaning may be appropriate.
Limited Designs
Frieze often comes in neutral tones and may have a speckled look with different colors in the carpet, but the twisted fibers don’t lend well to applying patterns. If you’re trying to make a bold statement with your carpet, frieze may not be right for you.
Alternatives to Frieze Carpet
If you’re looking for similar carpet options that have a soft feel but offer some durability and longevity, consider these common alternatives to frieze carpet.
| Type of Carpet | Description |
|---|---|
| Frieze | Long, twisted fibers |
| Plush | Dense, short fibers that are uniformly cut |
| Berber | Short, looped fibers |
| Saxony | Medium-length, twisted fibers |
Is Frieze Carpet Right for You?
Frieze carpet is right for you if you need carpet in a high-traffic space, you prioritize comfort, and you don’t mind spending a little more time and money on keeping your high-quality carpet clean and in tip-top shape.
Once you’ve decided on the right carpet for your project, hire a carpet installer near you to get started with refreshing your space. Hiring a pro ensures the job is done correctly, meaning your carpet won’t show seams and will last for many years.
