Barely There Carpet: A Guide to Ultra-Low Pile Wall-to-Wall Floor Coverings

What is Barely There Carpet?

Barely there carpet, sometimes referred to as wall-to-wall carpet, is a type of carpet designed to cover the entire floor area of a room from wall-to-wall. The term "barely there" refers to the carpet's very low pile height, meaning the visible tips of the carpet fibers are very short, giving an almost smooth appearance.

Characteristics of Barely There Carpet

Some key characteristics of barely there carpet include:

• Very low pile height, usually 1/8" or less
• Tight, dense construction with a high number of tufts per square inch
• Often made of nylon, polyester, or polypropylene fibers
• Smooth, uniform appearance across the floor
• Can be installed wall-to-wall using tack strips along each wall

The barely visible pile gives barely there carpeting the look of a flat, solid floor covering. The ultra-low profile allows the carpet to hug the floor tightly so there are minimal ripples or indentation from furniture legs.

Advantages of Choosing Barely There Carpet

There are several reasons why homeowners and designers opt for barely there carpet over other flooring options:

• Seamless, smooth appearance for a clean look
• Works well in modern, contemporary room designs
• Easy to vacuum and keep clean since dirt and debris don't get trapped in the pile
• Rolling office chairs or furniture legs won't catch or snag
• Affordable and budget-friendly compared to materials like hardwood or tile

The flat, non-distracting surface also makes barely there carpet popular in offices, restaurants, retail stores, and other commercial spaces.

Popular Styles of Barely There Carpet

While barely there carpet comes in a range of colors and patterns, there are a few specific styles that tend to be most popular for residential and commercial installations:

Berber Carpet

Berber carpet has a recognizable nubby, looped texture but is woven with a very low pile height to achieve that barely there look. Stain-resistant, durable berber makes an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of the home.

Frieze Carpet

Frieze is a type of cut pile carpet with twisted, crinkly fibers. When made with a low pile, frieze barely there carpet offers a modern textural look that helps hide footprints.

Saxony Carpet

Saxony carpets have a very dense, soft pile. Barely there saxony carpet retains the elegant, luxurious appearance of deeper saxony carpets while maintaining an incredibly smooth profile.

Patterned Carpet

Graphic prints and patterns like stripes, geometrics, or irregular solid shapes work beautifully when made with barely there construction. The flat surface perfectly showcases crisp pattern details.

Tips for Selecting Barely There Carpet

If you decide barely there carpet fits the style and functionality needs of your space, here are some recommendations for choosing the best product:

Opt for a Dense, Tight Construction

The density or the number of tufts per square inch should be on the higher side to get that smooth, uniform look. Anything over 3,000 tufts per square inch is a good benchmark.

Pick a Durable Fiber Like Nylon

The constantly exposed fiber tips will experience more friction and wear than a carpet with a plush pile. Select a strong, resilient fiber such as nylon or polyester.

Have It Professionally Installed

Barely there carpet shows every flaw underneath, so take care to properly prep the subfloor. Then have an experienced installer tack it securely along the edges for the best looking, long-lasting results.

Caring for Barely There Carpeting

While the minimal pile doesn't trap much dirt, barely there carpet still requires regular maintenance. Follow these carpet care guidelines:

• Vacuum frequently using a vacuum with adjustable height settings
• Promptly clean up spills by blotting gently with a clean cloth
• Schedule periodic professional steam cleanings to refresh the entire carpet

Check with the carpet manufacturer for their specific recommendations on cleaning products, equipment, and frequency to keep you barely there carpet looking fresh in between professional cleanings.

The Bottom Line

Barely there carpet offers unique advantages over other flooring options, providing a streamlined look perfect for contemporary decor. Just take care when selecting the carpet's fiber, density, construction quality, and installation method to ensure outstanding performance.

With proper selection and care, barely there carpeting can serve as durable, attractive floor covering solution for years before needing replacement.

FAQs

Is barely there carpet durable?

Yes, barely there carpet can be very durable due to its tight, dense construction. It's important to choose a resilient fiber like nylon or polyester. Following proper maintenance and cleaning also preserves longevity.

Does barely there carpet show footprints?

Barely there carpet does a better job hiding footprints and vacuum cleaner marks than deeper pile carpets. However, footsteps may still be faintly visible. Opt for crinkly, textured fibers like frieze to further disguise footsteps.

Can you install barely there carpet on stairs?

In most cases, yes. Nearly any broadloom carpet can be professionally installed on stairs, including barely there styles. Tack strips secure carpet firmly in place to prevent slipping. Low pile mitigates any trip hazards.

Is wall-to-wall carpet affordable?

Generally, yes. Broadloom wall-to-wall carpet tends to be very budget-friendly compared to alternatives like hardwood, tile, or stone. Costs vary by fiber and quality, but even higher end carpets offer value over other floorings.