Berber carpeting is one of the oldest styles of carpeting. Originally, it was hand-woven in North Africa by Berbers, which gave this style of weaving its name. It surged in popularity during the 90s, and after all this time, Berber style carpeting is still used and loved by many.
Find out more about what Berber carpet is, how Berber became popular, the pros and cons, and when you should choose it.
Berber carpet is a type of loop carpet. In standard cut pile carpet, the yarn threads come from the backing or base of the carpet and stick up, which means you’re walking on the cut ends of yarn. Berber carpet is different because instead of only sticking up, each piece of yarn comes up and then loops back down into the base, so you’re actually walking on the top of a folded loop of yarn.
The color of Berber carpet is another way it differs from other carpets. Typically, it uses a neutral color with a mix of different flecks of color throughout. This speckled look helps hide stains and dirt, but also helps the carpet keep a casual, informal look that works well in nearly any room.
In the 90s, Berber became extremely popular. It took homes and commercial properties by storm, and it was difficult to go a day without seeing Berber at least once. A large part of this popularity came from the extreme durability that came with Berber, as well as a lower price point.
While colors, styles, and designs might have changed since the 90s, Berber is still popular in homes and businesses for those exact same reasons.
Here are a few of the reasons that Berber became popular in the 90s and is still popular in more modern styles and designs today.
Chances are, you’ve seen Berber in a lot of commercial buildings and schools, and it’s because they can hold up to heavy foot traffic without unraveling.
Berber tends to have a lower price point than other carpets, especially when compared against high-pile, plush carpets. While it is generally less expensive, it does not mean it is cheaply made.
You’re not limited to just one type of carpet fiber material with Berber carpet, which gives you a variety of options in strength, look, and comfort.
Because of its tight weave, Berber carpet is more stain-resistant than other carpets.
If a stain manages to set on your carpet, the coloring and design of flecked Berber can help hide it. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, the stain blends in and could even look like part of the design.
As great as Berber is, it does come with some drawbacks. Here are some reasons why Berber might not be right for your home.
There’s a chance your pet’s claws could get stuck in the loops that make up Berber carpet. You can help avoid this by making sure your pet’s claws are trimmed short, but there’s still a risk that their claws will create a tear or cut in one of the loops. If you are looking for a carpet more suited for pets check out Empire’s HOME Fresh carpet.
Berber carpet is harder to install than traditional carpet. This can lead to higher installation costs, or complications if you’re doing it yourself.
Because of how Berber carpets are made, if a loop is torn, undone, or cut it can create a small snag, leading to a large visible run of damage.
Not as Soft as Other Types of Carpeting
Berber is a dense and tightly packed carpet, which means you’re not going to be able to sink your toes into it. For a softer carpeting option check out Empire’s plush carpet.
If you’re trying to pick out a carpet for your home and can’t quite decide if Berber is right for you, here’s what you need to know when comparing it against the standard plush carpet.
Schedule your free in-home estimate with Empire Today and see how Berber carpet could be the right fit for your home. More helpful information can be found on our blog, make sure you check out Pantone’s 2021 color of the year. If you want to see what others have said about us, head over to our Shopper Approved page where you can find thousands of trusted reviews.
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