About Berber Carpet
Maybe you've heard of berber carpet, but you have no idea what it really means. As far as you're concerned, it's just another option on the long list of carpet styles to research before you make a big decision on new flooring for your home. But what you probably don’t know is that berber carpet has a cool history that dates back hundreds of years to a carpet-weaving technique used by people in northern Africa. And though today's berber carpets may not be handwoven, they're still impressively durable.
Berber carpet is also called loop carpet because of its construction. It's literally made up of little loops of carpet fibers like wool, nylon, or polyester that are sewn into the backing material.
Is Berber Carpet Durable?
Loop carpet is a style that's built for durability with yarn sewn into tightly packed loops, but it also depends on the material the fibers are made of. Synthetic options like nylon and polyester can help give you the most durability in berber carpet form.
To maximize the strength of your new berber carpet, avoid dragging stuff across the floor, which will loosen the yarn loops and make them less durable.
Pros and Cons of Berber Carpet
What should you consider before you make the final decision on your carpeting selection? There are a few pros and cons to keep in mind.
- Pro - Because the yarn is looped and the loops are packed tightly together, this carpet style is durable enough to withstand your busiest areas, including hallways and family rooms.
- Con - The delicate nails of cats, dogs, and other critters can get caught in the loops, hurting them and snagging the yarn. Keeping their claws trimmed is always helpful, but there's still some risk.
- Pro - The dense texture of berber carpet makes it harder for dust and debris to penetrate the surface, so it's easier to clean.
Appearance
How your berber carpet looks in your home will depend on the design style and color you ultimately select. Surprised to hear you have design styles to choose from? No need to be overwhelmed! Here's a simplified breakdown of options.
- Simple loop - Perhaps the most common, fiber loops are in one color and create a smooth, uniform look.
- Patterned loop - Also known as patterned berber carpet, this style has loops sewn at different heights to create a design, like waves or stripes.
- Textured loop - Fiber loops in this style are the same length but in more than one color.
- Cut and loop carpet - As the name implies, cut and loop carpet mixes loops of yarn with cut yarn, usually resulting in a geometric or abstract design.
- Cut pile berber - If you're looking for soft berber carpet, cut pile berber (aka California berber) is worth exploring, as it has cut fibers with no loops, a lot like frieze.
If you reflect back on the berber carpet you've likely seen, you might think of berber carpet tiles in a neutral tone like beige, or ivory. Or maybe they featured a mixture, along with flecks of red, brown, or black. No matter the hue, the flecked pattern of berber carpet does an amazing job of hiding dirt and debris.
How to Maintain Berber Carpeting
Keeping your loop carpet well maintained is imperative if you want it to last for years to come. The good news is that it's not too complicated. In fact, regular vacuuming may be the perfect weekly chore for your preteen who's always asking for money!
When your little one loses his grip on his juice or your aging dog doesn't quite make it outside in time, clean it up as soon as you can by following the manufacturer's care instructions. You want to make sure to tackle it before the liquid works its way into the tight loops.
Installation and Lifespan
Like all types of carpeting, the installation process is simple but not necessarily easy. Along with a slew of specialized tools, the job also requires attention to detail and experience knowing exactly what each step entails. (That means it's not your husband's next weekend project!) A professional installer can handle it all, leaving you with a beautiful new floor and an installation that meets the standards of your carpet warranty.
Along with a proper installation, there are a few other variables that determine how long your new berber carpet will last. To get the most from your loop carpet, make sure to:
- Use high-quality materials
- Keep your carpets maintained according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer
- Clean up accidents and spills as soon as possible
- Opt for a warranty that protects your carpet from all that life may throw at it
Loop Carpet FAQs
- Which is better: loop or twist carpet? Determining which carpet style is better depends on where you're using it in your home and the types of activities it'll see. If your household includes four-legged friends of any kind, cut pile carpeting may be a better choice to avoid snagging their little claws on the loops.
- What is a loop carpet? The name gives it away—loop carpet features loops of fibrous yarns that are sewn into the carpet backing. The densely packed loops create a tight surface that varies wildly from the fluffy ends of cut pile options like plush and frieze carpeting.
- Is loop carpet expensive? You can find loop carpeting in a range of prices. The carpet's quality and material, whether that's triexta, nylon, or something else entirely, have more bearing on cost than the type of pile you choose.
- Do you put padding under berber carpet? Your local Flooring America expert will usually recommend padding underneath your new berber carpet. This extra layer, which is available in synthetic fibers as well as natural wool, means more cushion for you and a longer life expectancy for your new investment.
- What type of carpet is berber? Berber carpeting is the poster child for loop pile carpet. Instead of the exposed ends of cut pile options like plush carpet, berber carpet's durable surface has closed loops of yarn. No more stepping on lost toy pieces hidden deep in the carpet!
- Is loop carpet any good? The short answer is yes! Loop carpet withstands the busiest households, including clumsy toddlers, messy teenagers, and your well-intended guard dogs who are always making the rounds. You'll have no problem keeping it clean and most loop carpeting options are budget-friendly.
- Is berber carpet outdated? Berber carpet is still on the market for a reason! Whether you're considering it for your sophisticated office or to hold up to the always-messy playroom, there are berber carpet colors and looks to go with your own unique aesthetic.
- What is berber carpet called now? You'll likely see berber carpet called loop carpet or loop pile carpet. They all mean the same thing and reference the actual yarn loops that make up the carpet itself.
