How much does Berber carpet cost?
How much does Berber carpet cost?
$2 – $9 cost per square foot installed
$300 – $1,350 cost to replace carpet in a 10x15 room
$2,000 – $9,000 average cost to carpet 1,000 SF
Berber carpet cost per square foot
Berber carpet costs $2 to $9 per square foot installed. Berber carpet material prices are $1 to $5 per square foot for synthetic, while wool and wool-blend Berber carpets cost nearly twice that. Labor to install Berber carpeting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the installer's experience and rates.
| Room size (square feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $200 – $900 |
| 120 | $250 – $1,100 |
| 150 | $300 – $1,350 |
| 200 | $400 – $1,800 |
| 250 | $500 – $2,250 |
| 500 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
Berber carpeting cost by location
Berber carpets are woven with continuous loops of yarn, creating a textured appearance that is durable and resistant to wear. The loop pile construction is naturally stain-resistant, and the dense fibers hide dirt and footprints, making the carpet popular for high-traffic areas like living rooms and staircases.
| Room | Size (square feet) | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 100 – 150 | $200 – $1,350 |
| Living room | 200 – 320 | $400 – $2,900 |
| Basement | 300 – 2,000 | $600 – $18,000 |
| Hallway | 30 – 65 | $60 – $600 |
| Staircase | 50 – 65 | $100 – $585 |
*Most carpet installers have minimum job fees of $75 to $150.
Berber is named after the Berber people of North Africa who are known for their traditional handwoven textiles featuring similar looped designs.
Berber carpeting material prices
Berber carpeting costs $1 to $8 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the fiber material:
Traditional Berber carpets cost $4 to $8 per square foot and are made from natural materials such as wool or wool blends, but these are more expensive and less popular.
Modern Berber carpets cost $1 to $5 per square foot and are made from synthetic materials like nylon, olefin, or a blend of various synthetic fibers.
| Fiber material | Average material price* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Olefin/ Polypropylene | $1 – $4 |
|
| Nylon | $2 – $4 |
|
| Polyester | $2 – $5 |
|
| Triexta | $3 – $5 |
|
| Wool | $5 – $8 |
|
| Wool-Nylon blend | $4 – $7 |
|
*Material costs do not include installation.
Berber carpeting cost by brand
Most carpet manufacturers offer a line of Berber carpets. Some specialize in a specific material, while others offer a variety of carpet fibers for their Berber collections. Some of the more popular brands are described below.
| Brand | Average price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Mohawk | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Shaw | $1.20 – $5.00 |
| Stainmaster | $2.00 – $4.30 |
| TrafficMaster | $1.00 – $3.50 |
| Nature's Carpet | $5.00 – $8.00 |
*Materials only. Prices do not include installation.
Mohawk Flooring is one of the largest flooring brands in the US and offers a wide selection of Berber carpets in a variety of fiber types, including nylon, PET polyester, and Triexta.
Shaw Floors is another major flooring brand that offers a small collection of Berbers made of mixed olefin and nylon fibers.
Stainmaster is known for its stain-resistant carpets and offers a line of Berber carpets made of a proprietary polymer nylon fiber that resists stains.
TrafficMaster is a budget-friendly brand that offers Berber carpets made of olefin fiber.
Nature's Carpet specializes in wool and all-natural carpet fibers without any added chemicals or toxins.
Berber carpeting installation costs
The average labor cost to install Berber carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Removing the old carpet and replacing the carpet padding costs an additional $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Most carpet manufacturers require new padding of a specific thickness to keep the warranty valid.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Labor | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Old carpet removal | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Carpet padding | $0.25 – $1.50 |
| Total installed cost | $2.00 – $9.00 |
Cost factors include:
Carpet fiber quality – Natural fibers like wool tend to be more expensive than synthetic options like nylon or olefin.
Carpet grade – Berber carpets come in different grades from economy to luxury. The costlier high-grade carpets offer better durability and stain resistance.
Installation complexity – Installation takes longer for stairs, corners, and irregularly shaped rooms and uses more carpet due to the higher percentage of waste when cutting, increasing costs.
Labor costs – More experienced installers typically charge higher labor rates, but the end results are better, with smooth seams, no wrinkles, and secure attachment to the subfloor.
Additional materials – Padding, tack strips, and adhesives add to the cost of carpet installation and should be included in the labor estimate.
Old carpet removal – Old carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.
Carpet padding – Carpet padding costs $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot.
Warranty – Higher-quality carpets with longer warranties often come at a higher upfront cost.
Berber carpeting alternatives
Berber falls just slightly above the price range of other carpet installation costs, which average $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and installation. The most common alternatives to Berber carpeting include:
Plush – Characterized by its soft, thick pile, plush carpet is a good choice for high-traffic areas and families with children. However, it can be more difficult to clean than Berber carpet.
Textured plush – The slightly raised pile helps hide dirt and footprints and is more resistant to staining than Berber carpet.
Frieze – This twisted pile has a distinctive look and is a good choice for formal rooms.
Shag – The long, shaggy pile adds softness and texture to a room. However, it can be difficult to clean and maintain.
Cut-and-loop – This combination of plush and loop pile is durable, easy to clean, and a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Pros and cons
Before installing Berber carpeting, read through the following table of pros and cons to make sure the material will work for your budget and lifestyle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Care and maintenance
Proper care and maintenance extend the life of your Berber carpet and keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance includes vacuuming, promptly addressing spills, and occasional professional cleaning.
| Maintenance | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | Weekly (minimum) |
|
| Spills | ASAP |
|
| Spot clean | As needed |
|
| Deep clean | Every 12 – 18 months (or as recommended by the manufacturer) |
|
| Preventive measures | Always |
|
Berber carpeting FAQs
What is Berber carpet?
Berber, or loop pile carpet, features loops of carpet fibers that are woven or tufted into the carpet backing. These loops can have different heights and shapes to create various patterns. Berber carpet is known for its durability and natural stain resistance and is less likely to show footprints and vacuum marks.
How long does Berber carpet last?
Berber carpet lasts from 10 to 15 years, depending on the carpet and padding quality, the fiber material, the foot traffic, and how well it is maintained.
Is Berber carpeting good for pets?
Berber carpeting can be a good choice for homes with pets since it is durable and relatively easy to clean, but the looped construction can be prone to snagging if pets have long nails. Also, the textured Berber can trap allergens such as pet dander and dust in its loops.
How do I clean Berber carpet?
Berber carpet is a relatively easy-care carpet but should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and stains from building up. Regular maintenance includes weekly vacuuming with a soft brush attachment and a low suction setting to prevent pulling or damaging the loops. Spills should be blotted as soon as possible to prevent staining.
Is Berber carpet out of style?
Berber carpet has been around for centuries and has come in and out of style over the years. The style of Berber carpet that was popular in the 1990s is outdated and has been replaced by a more modern version.
Modern Berber carpets are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, with solid-colored, patterned, and even plush versions making it a popular carpet choice for families wanting a durable and attractive carpet.
What is Berber carpet made of?
Berber carpet is made from both natural and synthetic fibers. Wool is a natural fiber that has been used for centuries to make carpets, including Berber styles. Nylon and Olefin are popular synthetic fibers for Berber carpets known for their durability against heavy foot traffic. Polyester and blended fibers are also available.
Getting estimates from a carpet installer
HomeGuide has a list of experienced carpet installers near you. To narrow down your options, follow these recommendations:
Get at least 3 estimates with the same carpet material and quality to compare.
Read online reviews for their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select carpet companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for several years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote that could result in poor quality carpet or workmanship.
Ask for a written contract and warranty with a full breakdown of all costs before starting the project.
Avoid making large upfront payments. Instead, work out a payment plan with the final payment due upon completion.
Questions to ask carpet installers
When you are evaluating carpet companies, be sure to ask the installer these important questions:
Are you licensed and bonded with liability insurance?
Have you been installing Berber carpeting for at least 5 years?
Can you provide references for past work?
Which carpet padding is required to maintain the manufacturer's warranty?
What other expenses are common in a carpeting project?
Can they do subfloor work if they find damage?
Does their quote include moving furniture, removing old carpet, and new padding?
Do you provide a warranty on your work?
What payment options are available?
Does your quote include clean-up afterward?
Do you provide a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.