Berber Carpet A Buying Guide

Berber Carpet: A Buying Guide - www.empirefloors.com
The word Berber comes from the Arabic name for the people who live west of Egypt in North Africa.
Their civilization has recorded as far back as 3000 BCE.
Today though it is more commonly known as the name for a particular style of carpet. Isn’t it strange
how names change and develop new meanings over time?
We hope you’re here because you need help with buying carpet and not for a history lesson. We’ve got
you covered when it comes to shopping for new carpet.
Berber carpet comes in a wide range of options. We are going to walk you through a quick guide to help
you get started deciding which one is best for your home.
What Is It?
You will find that the term “Berber” can refer to both the color or style of a carpet. Traditionally, Berber
refers to the color of the carpet. It is a light color with scattered flecks of darker colors throughout.
In today’s world of carpet, Berber refers to the style of carpet. It is a tightly looped weave that doesn’t
have any tufts. Carpet manufacturers in recent years have started to include Berber in with their other
“looped carpet” options.
Fibers
The highest quality fiber you can buy is wool. It is a natural material making it soft and comfortable to
walk on.
Nylon is one of the most common fiber types. It offers almost the same durability as wool, but at a much
more affordable price.
Olefin is the option you should choose if you are on a tight budget. Just know that you are sacrificing
looks as it attracts dirt and is easily irreparably crushed.
Triexta is a modern chemical compound fiber. It performs like nylon with a soft touch and stain
resistance. It is also environmentally friendly as it is made from renewable resources.
Cleanliness Factor
Berber carpet comes in two different types of fibers. You will see some made of olefin, and others made
from nylon.
Olefin tends to attract oils that come from skin, your shoes, or even cooking. You’ll find that olefin
Berber will require a professional carpet cleaner.
Nylon is much easier to clean. The nylon won’t cling to oil as easily and the fibers can be cleaned yourself
instead of by a professional.
What’s Your Loop Size?

A smaller loop size will provide more resistance to getting matted. This is why commercial grade Berber
tends to have very small loops.
The smaller loops also make the carpet feel harder and less plush. You may want to find the right balance
between durability and comfort.
Also, consider having a pad installed under the carpet. This will add another layer of cushion to the
carpet feel.
Berber Carpet for Your Home
When looking at different Berber carpet options, you need to think about the different fiber options.
Knowing which one to pick will depend on the level of traffic it will sustain.
The more traffic, the more likely it will get dirty and crushed. While it may be tempting to pick a budget
fiber now, you will end up paying more, in the long run, to maintain or replace it.
Let us help you get started buying new Berber carpet for your home with an free quote.
www.empirefloors.com