What are pole marks in carpet?

Is This Line a Fault? Rest Assured, It’s Temporary.

Many customers worry that lines in their new carpet are manufacturing defects or fitting errors. In most cases, these lines are harmless pole marks caused during transit or storage, not faults. The image above shows a classic example: a straight line 12-18 inches from the carpet’s end, created by pressure from the cardboard tube when rolled.

Why Do Pole Marks Happen?

When carpets are rolled onto tubes for delivery, the leading edge presses into the pile, flattening fibres temporarily. This leaves a visible line across the width of the carpet. While alarming at first, especially after investing in a new floor, pole marks are not permanent and will fade naturally within weeks. Regular vacuuming and foot traffic help the pile recover.

Why Can’t We Prevent Pole Marks Altogether?

Adding extra carpet length to "cut out" the mark isn’t practical due to cost, and past attempts (like protective feeder paper) have had limited success. While frustrating, these marks are an unavoidable part of the process. The good news? They’ll vanish with time.

What Should You Do?

• Don’t panic! Allow 4-6 weeks for the pile to bounce back naturally, although most pole marks disappear much sooner.
• Vacuum regularly (avoid heavy settings initially).
• Contact Us if marks persist beyond 8 weeks—we’ll help troubleshoot.

Still Concerned?

If you’re unsure about a mark, send us a photo, and our team will confirm whether it’s a pole mark or requires further action.