What Is Berber Carpet?
Berber is a type of carpet made of tiny loops woven together. The first Berber-style carpets date back to the Stone Age, where the carpet got its name from the “Berber Tribe” of North Africa. Today, Berber is popular in high-traffic areas and offices.
Pros:
- Durable: Due to their tight loop pile, Berber carpets are more durable than other residential types of carpet.
- Available in different materials: Berber carpets are made from nylon, polypropylene, and wool. The right material depends on your needs and budget.
- Low maintenance: Since the carpet has a loop style, it’s easy to keep it clean. Spills don’t soak into the fibers. Instead, they sit on the surface.
- Inexpensive: Since Berber carpets are easier to manufacture, they’re cheaper than other types. It’s worth noting that the price varies depending on the type of fiber.
Cons:
- Snagging or running: If you have pets, you may have to deal with snags. Cats like scratching the texture of looped carpets. Snagging and running tend to appear on the carpet’s edges.
- Coarse texture: Since they feature a loop style, Berber carpets aren’t as soft as cut-pile carpets.
Berber carpets are common as they blend with different decor designs. Besides offices and basement floors, Berber is becoming mainstream in various residential rooms. There are two types of Berber carpets—modern and traditional.
- Modern Berber carpets feature a loop style resembling handmade knots. They’re available in both natural and synthetic fibers like polypropylene.
- Traditional Berber carpets consist of natural fiber materials like wool. They feature colored geometric patterns.
Common Berber Carpet Materials
1. Wool
Wool is a natural fiber, but it’s more expensive than other materials. Wool Berber carpet price ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot.
2. Polypropylene
Most manufacturers sell Berber carpets made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is mainstream since it’s inexpensive yet durable. Though its pile may flatten over time, it’s an inexpensive and low-maintenance option.
3. Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic carpet fiber that’s durable and easy to clean. Berber carpets made of nylon have a mid-range price tag. Nylon Berber carpets are ideal for high-traffic areas like stairs or hallways and last longer then polypropylene.
4. Polyester/ Olefin
Polyester Berber carpets cost around $1 and $2 per square foot. While this might sound like a good bargain, the carpet fiber is not popular since it wears fast in high-traffic areas and pills. Polyester carpet flattens and forms fluff balls on the surface, making it look old.
Berber vs. Frieze Carpets
Berber carpets are more common in contemporary decor designs. Frieze is better at concealing footprints or vacuum lines. It’s a bit more shaggy, and its fibers are independent, so they can bend in different directions. Berber is tighter and more uniform since it’s a looped type.
Frieze has more twists to enhance durability. Berber carpets feel less soft but are ideal for high foot-traffic areas. Since they’re a cut-pile carpet, Frieze will feel softer than a looped type.
The downside to Frieze carpets is they don’t come in different sculptured patterns. They also cost more but last longer. Both carpet types are made of wool, olefin, or nylon.
Berber vs. Saxony Carpets
Saxony carpets have a straight-cut pile texture and are available in wool blends or synthetic fibers. There are two types of Saxony carpets—straight and textured.
Textured Saxony carpets are newer in the market. They resemble the straight type but feature fibers twisted in different directions. Both have a retro look and are durable under proper maintenance.
Saxony is suitable for low-traffic areas but doesn’t need much care. Unlike Berber Carpets, it doesn’t hide dirt and stains.
Berber Carpet vs. Wood Flooring
Berber carpets are durable, depending on the fiber. But even though Berber is one of the most durable carpets, well-maintained hardwoods will last much longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Are Berber carpets challenging to vacuum?
Berber carpets have loops sewn into them. Too much vacuum power may ruin the carpet. Using a steam vacuum cleaner may cause a lot of damage. Instead, use a canister or an upright vacuum cleaner. An upright vacuum is safer since it uses less power. It’s best to leave the cleaning to a professional.
Is Berber carpeting good for pets?
Berber carpets have a tight, looped pile. For this reason, they’re considered pet-proof. Berber carpets have a solid resistance against shedding and stains. However, the loops may loosen up if your pet likes scratching on textured surfaces.
Is Berber carpet out of style?
Berber carpets were mainstream in the 90s. They got outdated and are now known as looped-style carpets. Looped-style carpets are popular as they now come in many designs and patterns.