Berber Carpet 101

6/2/21

Berber Carpet 101 Pros and Cons

You have probably heard of Berber carpet, but do you really know what it is? In today’s lesson we will teach you everything you need to know about this classic floor covering.

A Colorful History

Berber carpet gets its name from the traditional hand-woven carpets made by the Berber tribe of North Africa. The technique dates back several millennia and utilizes a distinct knot which is very similar to the knot of modern Berbers. Traditional Berber material is very colorful and is used for cloaks, carpets, and rugs.

Durable

Modern industrialized Berber carpet features loops made from fibers such as olefin, nylon or wool that are sewn, or tufted, into the carpet’s backing. Unlike traditional pile carpet, the loops are typically left uncut, and it is this looped construction that makes Berber carpet extremely durable and a great choice for basements, steps, family rooms and other high traffic areas.

Hides Dirt and Stays Beautiful

Berber’s ability to hide dirt is one of its greatest advantages! Many styles are multicolored or contain small flecks of darker or lighter color creating a camouflage that a solid color carpet cannot provide. This keeps it looking new and beautiful longer. But although the dirt may be hard to see, it is still advisable to vacuum regularly with the right type of vacuum and use a professional carpet cleaner annually.

Easy Maintenance

For ease of maintenance Berber is a great option. Spills tend to puddle on the surface due to the looped construction, enabling easy clean up and they can often take a lot of wear and tear on heavy traffic areas. The loop construction gives the fibers more support vs. a cut loop carpet which will crush both from furniture and foot traffic.

Berber and Allergies

Berber made from wool is one of the best carpets for allergy, asthma, and eczema sufferers because it has natural hypoallergenic properties, and absorbs common airborne contaminants, like cooking fumes, deodorants, cleaning chemicals and smoke.

Affordable Option

The cost of Berber can also be a pro of this popular style. It can be less expensive than other residential carpet styles, depending on the quality of the fiber and weave. Berber carpeting is available at many different price points, making it easy to find the right style for your budget.

Not Always Soft

Berber carpet is not always the softest option when it comes to carpeting, but this depends on the fibers it is made from. Luckily, there are now soft-fiber Berber carpets available, but you might need to check out a few options to find the one that feels the best to you.

Snagging

You will also want to consider the possibility of snagging with Berber. Loop construction can catch high heels or pet nails and snag the carpet. It is not always easy to do, but it can happen. If it does, just clip the sprout of pulled carpet so that it does not run.

Have more questions about Berber or want to see if it is right for your home? Our Flooring Experts can help you in selecting the perfect carpet for your home. Stop by one of our showrooms or schedule an in-home shopping consultation today!