Berber Carpet Styles

Berber carpet can be flat and uniform or have a pattern, like this one.

Berber carpet, with its stain resistance and durability, performs well in high-traffic areas, says The Home Depot, and can even stand up to the rigors of a child's playroom. Modern fibers make it much more affordable than the original wool Berber.

Identification

Berber carpeting consists of dense loops of yarn with a low pile. Some Berbers have loops of uniform size, but others offer texture and pattern created by loops of varying heights and widths.

Types

Berber manufacturers use a variety of materials, but synthetic fibers are most common. Wool provides excellent wear, but is pricey, says The Home Depot. Synthetics olefin and nylon resist stains, but only nylon is also crush-resistant.

Features

Early Berber carpeting came only in light colors, but today's Berbers display great variety, from solid to multicolor styles in gradations from light to dark.

Considerations

Because of its low pile, Berber carpet is likely to show seams, says the Carpet Buyers Handbook, which recommends professional installation. Lowe's advises pet owners to avoid Berber because claws can snag the loops.

Expert Insight

Choose a Berber with a high density and a crushing warranty, particularly if the carpet is made of olefin, advises the Carpet Buyers Handbook. Four-ply fibers are more durable than two-ply.

References

• The Carpet Buyers Handbook: Berber Carpet
• Home Depot: Buying Guide--Carpet
• Lowe's: Carpet Buying Guide