What is the Best Berber Carpet Fiber?

Berber carpet fiber can differ in feel, texture, style and prices. Choosing the best fiber for Berber carpet is an important decision.

It is important to consider feel, texture, stain and wear resistance and price. We have provided a list of common fiber choices for Berber carpet so you can make an informed decision for you and your family.

Common Berber Carpet Fibers

Wool

Wool is by far the best material and probably the most expensive option. Wool fibers are completely natural so they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

Wool is also very soft which makes it the most comfortable fiber to the touch, to walk on, or to lay on. Wool has a natural ability to resist liquid absorption which makes it very stain resistant.

This Berber Carpet fiber is most likely to keep its shape and therefore doesn’t have crushing issues(this is the term for when high traffic areas of carpet get pressed down over time making them less attractive. See our blog on Berber Carpet Terminology).

Wool just has a luxurious feel about it and that is reflective in the price tag which is why wool Berber carpet tends to be the most expensive on the market, usually around $6-10 per square foot.

Nylon

Nylon Berber carpet is the most readily available type of Berber. Similarly, to wool Berber carpet fiber, nylon is very resistant to crushing from everyday wear and tear of high traffic areas.

Nylon is also less likely to stain because it is often treated with stain repellent treatments.

Berber carpet made from nylon is a great balance between durability, affordability, and versatility.

Triexta (PTT)

Triexta is a chemical compound that is actually pretty similar to nylon as far durability and performance but it looks like polyester. It is more commonly known under brand names like SmartStrand (from Mohawk).

This Berber carpet fiber is extremely resistant to stains because it does not absorb moisture and is actually a little bit softer than nylon.

Since it is made from a renewable resource, like wool, it is a more environmentally friendly choice. With the price tag usually around $3-$4 per square foot, triexta is just as good as nylon, if not better, and a great choice for families.

Olefin/Polyester (PET)

While Olefin/Polyester(also known at PET) Berber carpet fiber may be the most tempting fiber to choose for your Berber carpet with prices running about $1-$2 per square foot, it is not worth discount.

This Berber carpet fiber has a terrible reputation for attracting dirt and for wearing quickly, especially in high traffic areas like a hallway.

The wear in high traffic areas will make the carpet look dirtier because the flattened areas reflect the light differently from the rest of the carpet.

Olefin and polyester have low flash points which mean that heavy friction will cause scuff marks. The good thing about PET fiber is that is it made from recycled bottle caps and tires so it is environmentally friendly. It is also pretty good as far as stain and spills resistance.

Blends

Blended Berber carpet is made of a combination of fibers, typically wool and nylon.

This is not offered by all manufacturers but it is a good deal because it is typically cheaper than just wool and offers the better price of nylon but the soft luxurious feel of wool. So, it is the best of both worlds.

Picking a fiber for your Berber carpet is an important decision. Go for the fiber that will fit your family and budget best.