Is Berber Carpet Outdated?

Berber carpet is one of those terms that may be a part of your vocabulary, yet you really aren’t sure what it means. Berber carpet is synonymous with a popular flooring choice for both residential and commercial because of its durability and classic good looks.

Its history dates back to ancient times. Berber carpet comes from northwestern Africa, from people known as the Berber tribe. Our Berber carpets of today didn’t actually start out as flooring. Instead, the Berber tribe made cloaks of wool with the same characteristics as today’s carpets, with the recognized loops in tight formation.

And that’s where Berber carpet stands today. Berber carpet is also known as loop style carpeting because of the way the fibers are woven together with short, thick loops in a tight design.

Popular in the 80s and 90s, it was typically used in low maintenance, high traffic areas because it held up well.

How today’s Berber carpet differs from past materials 

The first Berber carpet originally came from Africa. It was made from wool and had flecks of color that resembled dirt. Because this came from a natural resource, color variances were accepted as a part of the product.

That look was often mimicked as it transferred to modern manufacturing.

The first machine woven Berber carpet was created from olefin. Olefin is a petroleum by-product that is difficult to keep clean because of the oils within the fibers. Those oils actually pulled dirt down and trapped it into the fibers.

Eventually, the most durable Berber carpet was made from nylon. It’s much easier to clean, and stands up in high traffic situations. While the original Berber designs came in varying shades of cream and beige, you’ll find a wide array of colors and designs with modern Berber. Styles vary greatly to match any preference in home decor.

Why you should consider Berber carpet for your next remodel 

Is Berber Carpet Outdated?Today’s modern Berber carpet styles provide a host of color backgrounds with darker flecks weaved in. This gives you an advantage of having carpet that stands the test of time, and hides dirt well.

Whether you grew up with Berber carpet, or are looking for a great addition to your high traffic areas, Berber carpet is a welcome addition to any home for several reasons:

Durability – Berber carpet is often moved to the front of the wish list when durability tops the list of expectations. The loop piles are woven closely together, making it difficult to snap or pull with most activities. It continues to look good no matter what’s involved in your daily routine. That’s what gives Berber carpet an advantage in family rooms, basements, and even home offices. You won’t have to worry about it leaving marks after you walk out.

Stain-resistance – From coffee and tea, to wine and juice, accidents happen, especially in busy areas. Berber carpet’s tight weave leaves the spill on the surface longer, giving you a chance to quickly clean it and have it disappear for good. It also leaves dirt sitting on top of the surface rather than falling down into the fibers, making vacuuming a snap. It is important to note that as with any carpet, you get what you pay for. Higher quality products will be better at resisting stains and looking great over time.

Cost – You’ll find Berber carpet made from a variety of fibers, including olefin, polyester, nylon, and wool. Wool continues to be one of the more expensive options because of its natural qualities. Move into other fibers, and Berber carpets become even more economical. In addition to the carpet itself, you’ll also have to rely on professional installers to ensure the carpet is installed correctly. Yet for longevity, Berber is often one of the better carpet choices for giving you years of enjoyment.

Things to be aware of before installing Berber carpet

There is never a product that is all things to all people. Berber carpet has a few drawbacks that may hold some people back from installing it into their homes.

Rough texture – If you’re dreaming of a soft carpet to wiggle your toes into, Berber carpet isn’t it. Berber carpet is built for durability, and its tight weave provides a more solid texture. Depending on the fibers, it can even feel a bit rough underneath your feet. If you want the softest feel, check out Berber carpets made from wool or wool blends, or even nylon. Manufacturers constantly work to provide the most durable product with the most requested features, and you’ll find one that suits your needs.

Cleaning issues – Vacuuming can leave your carpets looking their best. But with Berber carpet, you do have to be careful in the tools you use to clean it. Some vacuums come with powerful beater bars that may pull or snag the loop material. If this happens, you’ll have snags and pulls in the fibers that can unravel and start to show wear. Check with the vacuum owners manual for recommendations. It may benefit you to turn the beater bar off while vacuuming your Berber carpet.

Pets – In the same way the beater bar can snag the fibers, pets’ nails can be equally harsh on the tightly woven material. Cats especially can be hard on Berber if they begin using it as a scratching pad, pulling at the loops every time they stretch.

Is Berber carpet the right choice for you?

Berber carpet is a personal choice. It’s all about meeting your needs.

If you prefer a tight weave that handles well under high traffic situations, Berber carpet may be the right choice for you.

The easiest way to finalize your decision is to come in and look at your options. With thousands of options in styles, colors, patterns, fibers, and textures, we’ll help you find what you’re looking for. Take a few samples home, and fall in love with what’s best for you.

Top brands offer Berber carpet that will look great in whatever room you’re remodeling.

You’ll love what Berber carpet does for your home.

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  • proflooring-admin
  • Carpet
  • July 3, 2021

For The Love of Berber Carpet – Here’s What You Need To Know

There’s carpet. And then there’s Berber carpet. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about Berber, you might assume it’s in a class of its own.

You’d be correct.

If you trace Berber back in history, you’ll find that Berber comes from native North Africa. Thousands of years ago, these native “Berbers” had a unique weave they used when handcrafting textiles. This weave created multi-colored flecks and loops or knots of various sizes. This was the original Berber weave used in the rugs they produced.

Today, this is one of the defining features of Berber carpet. It consists of looped construction where the loops are sewn or tufted into the carpet’s backing. They are crafted into a rugged looped pile, though they can range in size from tight to loose. You’ll find Berber carpet created from one of three fibers:

  • Olefin
  • Nylon
  • Wool

What fiber you choose will ultimately determine the price you pay, the carpet’s durability, and stain resistance over time. Olefin may be the most common fiber found in Berber, but you’ll often find blends between the three as well.

Olefin is popular because it’s resistant to moisture and mildew. Berber is often used in busy places such as the family room or basement, which gives it an added bonus of standing up to all your family can dish out. It looks and feels like wool carpet, but is a more cost-effective option. It’s colorfast, meaning the fibers are dyed before the carpet is made. It can fade in direct sunlight.

For The Love of Berber Carpet - Here’s What You Need To KnowNylon is one of the most common fibers used in the carpet industry because it’s strong and easy to clean. It’s also non-allergenic, and both soil and mildew-resistant. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas. Keep in mind that nylon can be prone to static, and piles easily. If you’re setting up a home office, it’s something to consider before installing.

Wool may be the hardest to find, but it does create a sophisticated look. Many homeowners search it out because it’s an environmentally friendly option. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic, easy to clean, and has natural stain resistance. It will also be the most expensive option.

Why do people love Berber carpet so much? Glad you asked. There are many benefits that will move Berber high up on your list.

The advantages and disadvantages of Berber carpet

The unique knotted weave of Berber carpet can be a distinct advantage in durability. Its unique look is also something homeowners often search out. If you’re thinking about installing Berber in your home, here are a few reasons why it’s a great choice.

Durability

If you want a durable carpet, you won’t have to think twice about installing Berber. That’s why you’ll see Berber in a lot of commercial applications. The main reason for durability is that the fibers are woven directly into the backing rather than having exposed ends. Berber will never unravel because it won’t leave the ends exposed.

However, what gives it its unique texture can also put it at risk. If you’re active on Berber, drag furniture across, or somehow catch the loop, it can tear away from the backing, leaving a snag in its place. This can be a problem if you have active pets that love to run and play. You should also ensure a high-quality vacuum that won’t catch the fibers as it performs.

Stain resistance

While stain resistance isn’t necessarily built into Berber, and is impacted more by the fiber material you select, it is worth mentioning that Berber’s tight weave does bring stain resistance to another level. Instead of settling into the fibers, potential stains sit on top longer, allowing you to fully clean the area before it settles in.

The drawback comes if you don’t know the spill occurs. Once it settles into the tight weave, it can be more difficult to remove. Be conscious of your weekly cleaning habits, clean spills immediately, and you’ll love your Berber carpets for years to come.

Cost

Because Berber carpet is more in demand today than ever before, you’ll find prices all over the board. Set your budget before you come in, and we’ll easily be able to direct you to product lines that meet your criteria.

Just be aware that some Berber carpets require special carpet pads to perform well over time. Be sure to consider that as you’re making your final decision.

Does it pay to look for brand names you recognize? 

Occasionally you’ll find flyers and ads come into your home offering you “good” deals. They often tout Berber carpet because it’s a popular choice.

What they fail to mention is who created the Berber carpet. By using a recognizable brand name – Stainmaster, Shaw, just to name a few – you’re assured all that comes from working with a reputable brand. Likewise, by working with a reputable dealer, you’re assured the installation process will move smoothly from beginning to end.

Without a brand name, you may be impacted by products that don’t come with warranties, or installation processes that don’t stand the test of time. If your carpet pulls away, buckles, or snags from the beginning, without recourse, you’ll be left contemplating full replacement in a very short time frame.

How do Berber carpets compare to other types?

If you’ve researched carpets, you know they are often lumped into several categories to make it easier to understand and shop for.

Berber is known for its durability and functionality. Its unique look gives it away. But if you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, here’s how it compares to several other popular categories.

Berber or plush carpet? Plush carpet is soft and luxurious. If you want to dig your toes into softness, this might be the way to go. It’s a great carpet to lie on, snuggle on, and create a warm feeling. It will show footprints easier, and won’t last as long as other choices. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, Berber is the better choice.

Berber or frieze carpet? Friese provides a looser or shaggy appearance, while Berber provides the tight weave. It tends to be a bit softer, and is excellent at hiding foot traffic. It is a cut pile carpet, so that it won’t wear as well over time.

Berber or saxony carpet? Saxony is known for its softness. It’s a great choice in the bedrooms, where warmth and luxury are at the top of the list. But it’s not known for durability. In high traffic situations, you’ll be replacing saxony carpets more frequently than Berber.

What’s the right choice for you? 

Many homeowners love Berber carpet. It’s a durable option for every room in your home.

If you’re ready to consider installing Berber, stop by today and see your many options.

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