Carpets can add cushioning, warm the space in the winter, and provide a safe and comfortable place for children to play. Among the many types of rugs, Berber rugs are one of the most popular options because it is a versatile style that fits almost any décor. Learn about the pros and cons of Berber rugs, including their cost, durability, and the best brands to look for.
What Is Berber Rug?
A Berber rug is a closed-loop style rug that is usually paired with an overall light color with dark spots (usually brown or gray) and is woven with distinctive terry that attaches to the backing and remains uncut. It was inspired by the weaving style of the Berbers of North Africa. Nowadays, Berber rugs can be spotted, colored, or solid.
Pros and Cons of Berber Rugs
Pros
- The cost of Berber carpets is comparatively low.
- Berber carpets are easy to clean spills and stains. Due to the annular structure, spills tend to stay on the surface of the carpet and do not penetrate into the fibers quickly.
- Spotted and multi-colored Berbers hide dirt and stains.
Cons
- Berbers can trip and scatter because of their ring-shaped structure. Dragging furniture on the carpet can be the culprit that creates obstacles.
- Berber loops can be overwhelmed by the constant flow of people. When the terry is flattened, the carpet tends to look dirty.
- Berber rugs are not as soft as cut pile rugs. Some Berbers, especially those made from olefins, will even feel rough underfoot.
Cost
Including the installation inside, Berber rugs typically cost around $1,600 per room, with most options costing an average of $6 per square foot for materials alone. 1Price varies by material and may be wool, synthetic wool, nylon, olefin, Triexta or polyester. Berber fibers made from olefin fibers are less expensive than Berber fibers made from nylon or wool.
Berber rugs are becoming more and more popular because it is considered cheaper than other residential rug styles, however, its price is comparable to other cut pile styles.
However, Berbers have a lower manufacturing cost compared to their fleece counterparts. All rugs start with a ring pattern, but the extra step of making cut pile (such as Saxon rugs and friezes) means that the top of the ring rug is cut, which costs money, but the Berber rug is not cut.
Durability and Longevity
Berber rugs typically last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the fibers and how they are cleaned and maintained. Berber, which is made from nylon fibers, may be more durable than Berber, which is made from other fibers. If you deep clean your Berber rug once or twice a year, you can also extend its lifespan. The padding is also a factor in the longevity of Berber carpets. Berber rugs are best suited for dense, flat, high-quality filling.
Care and Maintenance
Vacuum Berber rugs as you would any other rug – once a week or more times (if located in a high-traffic area). Deep clean once or twice a year to keep your carpet fresh.
Do not use a stirring rod when vacuuming Berber carpets. When you vacuum on a Berber carpet, your vacuum cleaner may have the option to replace the suction head or simply turn off the stirring bar or power head. If there is already an obstacle on the carpet, it is easy for the power head or stirring rod to grab the loose thread and wrap it around the rotating rod, causing it to fall apart.
If you have a pet, its paws are unlikely to get stuck. However, cats may find Berber textures attracted to sharpen their paws. If you have a cat, you may need to provide your pet with other scratching opportunities so that your Berber remains intact.
Best Berber Carpet Brands
- Mohawk Flooring: The brand offers stain-repellent carpet and soft fiber options, such as the Mohawk SmartStrand line, for a more comfortable and softer feel. Mohawk Berber rugs typically cost $2 to $5 per square foot. 1
- TrafficMaster: This brand offers Berber olefin fibers. TrafficMaster’s Berber rugs typically cost $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. 1
- Stainmaster: Berber rugs at Stainmaster vary in price but are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Stainmaster’s Berber carpets are all made with proprietary polymer nylon fibers that resist stains. 1
- Shaw Floors: Berber rugs at Shaw Floor cost between $2.59 and $2.79 per square foot, but the company has a small line of basic Berber rugs made from a mix of olefin and nylon fibers. 2
Where to Install Berber Carpets
It is popular to choose Berber rugs in spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms. However, Berber rugs may be better suited for living rooms, while softer fiber options and cut fleece may be best suited for bedrooms. For a more formal living room, choose solid colors to reduce the casual feel of multi-colored Berbers.
Berber can be used around stairs and railing posts. When installed correctly, you won’t be able to see the carpet backing between the curved loops. Be sure to choose the right quality carpet for the amount of traffic you receive.
