What Area is Berber Carpet Good For?

Areas

• Berber carpeting is a great choice for high-traffic places like offices and schools. Around the home, Berber is a popular choice for hallways, dens, playrooms and finished basements. Many people also choose Berber carpeting for bedrooms because of its dense pile. Berber is durable and stain resistant and can be found in several price ranges.

Purchasing

• When considering Berber carpeting, the first thing to do is visit a home improvement center or a flooring showcase. These store will have carpet samples to look at and feel. You will also get an idea of pricing. Berber carpeting comes in different colors and loop sizes. Berber carpet fibers are often made from nylon, but you can also find them made from polyester, wool and Olefin, which is a petro-plastic. Sometimes the fibers will be a blend of materials. You will also need to look at carpet pads. These pads add cushion to the carpet and can help prolong its life. Consult a sales associate to assist you with your choice.

Colors

• One of Berber carpet's most attractive properties is its color. Typically the colors are neutral, but some Berbers have bright bits of color in the weave. You might find blues, oranges, reds or greens among your choices. Patterns will vary depending on how the fibers are twisted.

Care

• As with all carpets, you should try to keep excess dirt to a minimum. Try not to walk on the carpet with shoes, and vacuum the carpet regularly. Berber carpeting is dense, and dirt can hide at the bottom. Also, Berber carpet tends to fray at the edges, so be sure to check for stray fibers and trim them immediately. Spills will probably happen, no matter how careful you are. It's important to treat them immediately. Refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for best results.

Cleaning

• Because of its tight weave, spills tend to settle deep into Berber carpet fibers. This type of carpet retains moisture and takes longer to dry than other types. Berber carpeting can be steam cleaned. Steam cleaning will pull up more dirt from the bottom of the carpet. Many professional carpet cleaners will use an acid rinse on Berber. This rinse helps ensure the carpet is residue-free. Berber carpet should be cleaned at least once a year to keep it looking its best and to prevent wear patterns from becoming permanent.