How much does Berber carpet cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does Berber carpet cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does Berber carpet cost?

$2 – $9cost per square foot installed
$300 – $1,350cost to replace carpet in a 10x15 room
$2,000 – $9,000average cost to carpet 1,000 SF

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$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


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Berber carpet cost by size
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.

Berber carpeting cost by location
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.

Soft Berber carpet in a cream ivory color
Soft Berber carpet in a cream ivory color

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.

Berber carpeting cost by material
Fiber material Average material price* Details
Olefin/ Polypropylene $1 – $4
  • Plastic fibers do not absorb moisture
  • Stiff and hard to the touch
  • Best for high-traffic areas and damp basements.
Nylon $2 – $4
  • Softer petroleum-based material
  • Can contain post-consumer recycled materials, and some types can be recycled after use
  • Good for high-traffic areas
Polyester $2 – $5
  • Petroleum-based material
  • Softer than nylon with fibers that attract more dirt
  • Good in damp areas because it does not absorb moisture
Triexta $3 – $5
  • New chemical compound fiber
  • Type of polyester that is more durable and softer
  • Good for moderate traffic areas
Wool $5 – $8
  • Natural fiber known for its softness, warmth, and comfort underfoot
  • Naturally water-repellant and temperature-regulating
  • Durable enough for areas with heavy foot traffic
Wool-Nylon blend $4 – $7
  • Lower-cost blend of wool and nylon
  • Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean
  • Blending wool with synthetic fibers offers a wider range of color and pattern options

*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.

Berber carpeting cost by brand (per square foot for materials only) - chart
Berber carpeting cost by brand (per square foot for materials only) - chart
Berber carpeting cost by brand
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.

A dog lying on Berber carpet in a home.
A dog lying on Berber carpet in a home.
Get free estimates from carpet installers near you.

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.

Berber carpeting installation costs
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.

Berber carpet pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Durable
  • Resistant to wear and stains
  • Texture adds visual interest
  • Wide variety of patterns available
  • Pet-friendly, depending on the type
  • Hides dirt, pet hair, and minor imperfections
  • More expensive than other carpeting
  • Prone to snagging from sharp heels or pet nails
  • Must be vacuumed regularly to remove trapped dirt and debris
  • Not as soft or cushioned as some other carpet types.
  • Traps allergens such as pet dander and dust

Dark gray Berber carpet for home or commercial use
Dark gray Berber carpet for home or commercial use

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.

Berber carpeting care and maintenance
Maintenance Frequency Details
Vacuum Weekly (minimum)
  • Use a vacuum with a soft beater bar or brush attachment set to the appropriate height to avoid snagging.
Spills ASAP
  • Quickly blot, don't rub, using a clean white cloth or paper towel.
Spot clean As needed
  • Use a mild, pH-balanced carpet cleaner recommended for Berber carpets.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, scrubbing, and over-wetting the carpet, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Deep clean Every 12 – 18 months (or as recommended by the manufacturer)
  • Schedule professional cleaners experienced with Berber carpets to clean and extract dirt from deep within the loops.
Preventive measures Always
  • Use mats and rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce the dirt that reaches the Berber carpet.
  • Encourage family and guests to remove shoes before walking on the carpet.
  • Place furniture pads under the legs of furniture to prevent indentations and damage to the carpet.

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?

Get free estimates from carpet installers near you.

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?