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Known for its durability, stain-resistance and easy maintenance, Berber is a popular choice for families living the active Colorado lifestyle. And while budget and personal style will always play a role in any carpet choice, there are some other important facts to know in order to choose the best Berber carpet for your home.

First off, it’s good to know that Berber is a type of weave in a carpet, not a type of carpet. “Berber” simply means that the fibers of the carpet are a closed-loop style. Because the cut ends of the fiber are not exposed to the wear ’n’ tear of traffic, closed-loop carpets tend to be more durable than cut-pile carpets. The structure of these loops are generally stronger, not giving way to pressure or showing dents from the long-term weight of furniture.

No matter the type of carpet you’re shopping, the composition of the fibers matters. Having served Denver’s families for decades, we at Sloane’s know that out of all the fibers used in Berber, synthetics like nylon or PPT and naturals like wool offer the best long-term value.

Synthetic fibers offer great stain resistance. Nylon and PPT are basically threads of plastic. Carpet manufacturers treat these fibers right out of the factory, coating each fiber with some form of stain resistance. So, virtually any spill can be removed with proper cleaning.

On the other hand, wool actually stains easily. It absorbs wine, juice and pet stains. If you live in a household with lots of stain potential, like one with pets or small children, wool is probably not the way to go. Plus, wool cannot be spot cleaned with off-the-shelf cleaners or even water. It must be professionally cleaned and is therefore more costly to maintain.

Wool is generally more expensive than nylon or PPT, too. But those with allergies prefer wool for its low VOCs and absence of petroleum-based additives.

As for looks, synthetic carpets generally come in fewer colors as the manmade fibers are harder to dye. Wool, with its ultra absorbency, is available in a wide variety of colors and subtle shades.

No matter the fiber you choose, you’ll be happy to know that Berber offers superior performance. Most closed-loop carpets are actually made up of rows of parallel loops in straight lines. Berber carpet, on the other hand, is made of loops that are crossed and layered on top of each other to create a dense grid of overlapping yarns. That means there are no gaps between rows of loops where dust and other particles can become trapped. Dirt stays on top, where it can be easily vacuumed away. Liquids aren’t able to penetrate the carpet as easily, preventing staining and discoloration.

One important note: If you have a cat who tends to claw at your rugs or carpet, cut-pile carpet is a better choice. A cat’s claws can get stuck in the loops of Berber and can create snags.

Ready to talk Berber with an expert? Book an appointment at Sloane’s Carpet Secret where you can save up to 70% off high-quality carpet.