How Much Does Berber Carpet Cost per Square Foot in 2024?
Typical Range:
$400 - $5,200
Typical Range:
$400 - $5,200
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 20, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Berber carpet installation costs between $400 and $5,200, with an average price of $1,600.
Factors that affect the price of Berber carpet include the face weight, density, patterns, and labor.
Some of the most popular Berber carpet materials types include wool, synthetic blends, nylon, polypropylene, Triexta, and polyester.
Berber carpet is a durable and comfortable carpet material, but it’s snag-prone and harder to deep clean.
Berber carpet costs between $400 and $5,200, with an average cost of $1,600. Several factors, such as materials, customization, and the shape of the space, can slightly impact the overall cost. Berber carpet is stain-resistant, durable, and comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns.
Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
---|---|---|
$1,600 | $5,200 | $400 |
Some factors that affect the price of Berber carpet include the face weight, density, patterns, and labor.
Face weight indicates how many ounces of fiber are included in each square yard of carpet. For example, a carpet with a 60-ounce face weight contains 60 ounces of fiber along the surface of a single square yard, making it fuller and more than a 40-ounce carpet. Generally, a higher-weighted carpet is more costly but also more resilient and durable.
The carpet density indicates how close the fibers are to one another along the base of the Berber. This has a direct bearing on the weight of the material. If the carpet has a lower face or total weight but a higher density of fibers, the closer proximity of the fibers can compensate for the lower weight.
Patterns can also affect the cost of Berber carpets. More intricate or complicated patterns tend to be more expensive, while more simple patterns tend to be more affordable.
The average cost of labor for Berber carpet installation is between $1 and $3 per square foot. The total price varies depending on the size of the room, whether carpet removal is required, and the complexity of the layout. Contact carpet installers in your area for local pricing.
Berber carpet costs anywhere from $2 to $30 per square foot to install, depending on the style and material chosen. Use, budget, and aesthetic preferences all play vital roles in choosing the right type for your room.
Berber carpet costs around $18 to $270 per square yard to purchase and install. It’s often priced per square foot, but it’s sold by the square yard. Many outlets carry it priced both ways.
Different material types can affect the overall cost of Berber carpet. Some of the most popular types of Berber carpet materials include wool, synthetic blends, nylon, polypropylene, Triexta, and polyester.
Material | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Wool | $10 |
Wool/Synthetic Blend | $7 |
Nylon | $3 |
Polypropylene/Olefin | $1 |
Triexta | $3–$5 |
Polyester | $2–$5 |
Wool Berber carpet costs about $10 per square foot. This material is expensive, but it’s also the most comfortable. It features soft sheep’s wool that requires professional cleaning, which further adds to the lifetime cost. Professional carpet cleaning costs about $180. However, wool fiber can last for decades with proper maintenance.
Wool and synthetic blends are slightly more affordable, costing around $7 per square foot. These carpets blend many of the positive features of both wool and synthetic fibers, allowing homeowners to take advantage of the perks of both types.
Nylon Berber carpets cost $3 per square foot on average, making it a budget-friendly alternative to wool. Stain-resistant, durable, and plush, this is a solid choice for the average budget. It’s also easy to maintain and doesn’t require professional cleaning. Nylon fiber can last up to 20 years in light-traffic areas.
Olefin fiber Berber carpets cost $1 per square foot on average. It’s the least expensive option, but it tends to be less durable and the loops mat quite easily. The material itself produces an oily residue during production, making it prone to staining and requiring more frequent cleaning. Olefin Berber can usually last up to 10 years if carefully maintained.
Triexta Berber carpet costs an average of $3 to $5 per square foot. This type of carpet is made from a chemical compound similar to polyester. It tends to be softer and more durable than polyester.
Polyester Berber carpets cost from $2 to $5 per square foot. This material is soft and durable but may be harder to keep clean. Since polyester is made from petroleum, it may not be the most sustainable option for your home.
The quality, manufacturing process, and warranty details vary depending on the brand. Some popular manufacturers include:
Mohawk Flooring: $2–$5 per sq. ft. on average; synthetic wear- and stain-resistant carpet ideal for heavy traffic areas
Nature's Carpet: $7–$11 per sq. ft.; produces environmentally responsible wool products
Stainmaster: price varies; offers a vast selection of colors and patterns, all featuring a proprietary polymer nylon fiber that resists stains
TrafficMaster: $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.; olefin fiber and wallet-friendly; indoor warranty lasts five years and covers fade resistance and wear; outdoor warranty is good for two years
The cost of installing Berber carpet in your home is about $1,600 per room. On average, you’ll pay $6 to $10 per square foot. Wool can double or triple that cost.
Expect to pay an average of $6 per square foot for the materials and an additional $2 per square foot for installation. This is similar to the average carpet installation cost of about $1,800.
Kitchen: $1,700
Bedroom: $1,300
Living room: $3,400
Basement: $5,000
Berber carpeting is a durable and comfortable carpet material, but there are advantages and disadvantages to using it in your home.
Lower price point compared to other flooring: While wool may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, homeowners can find many olefin carpets for under $1 per sq. ft.
Easier to maintain than other carpets: Berber carpets, particularly olefin and nylon, are extremely stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Diverse range of styles: They can complement virtually any décor or paint color and go particularly well in modern and ultra-modern homes.
Snag-prone: The loops that make Berber easy to maintain also make the carpets prone to snagging and fraying.
Not pet-friendly: Cats' and dogs' sharp claws or nails can catch in the loops, leading to fraying.
Harder to deep clean: The loops and tight weave make cleaning difficult. Get a professional local carpet steam cleaning or shampoo. Carpet cleaning prices add to the lifetime costs but make your flooring last longer.
To extend the fiber's life and ensure it stays dirt and debris-free, keep these tips in mind:
Vacuum frequently: Try to vacuum once weekly to remove soil from the top layer.
Treat stains immediately: Treat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Lift heavy furniture: When moving furniture, lift instead of dragging the piece to reduce the risk of snagging.
Steam clean regularly: In addition to weekly vacuuming, consider steam cleaning or shampooing regularly.
Trim pet claws and nails: Manicured paws won't catch on the loops as easily, reducing the risk of snags and tears.
Go shoeless: Avoid wearing shoes inside to minimize stains and messy cleanups.
Opt for natural cleaners: Natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can eliminate stains without leaving behind harmful chemical residues.
Repair snags quickly: Quick snag carpet repairs avoid runs and continued damage.
Use the following tips to make your Berber carpet installation more budget-friendly:
Choose a lower-weighted carpet with a simple pattern.
Remove your old carpet yourself to cut down on labor costs.
Opt for a lower-cost material such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester.
Compare quotes from local contractors to find the most cost-effective option.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Whether Berber carpet is outdated is more a matter of personal preference and taste. Berber carpet tends to be a top pick for carpeting a home throughout style changes. Because of its durability and feel, it’s used in many new home builds. That said, a classic flooring material like hardwood may be more in vogue than carpet. But if you do decide to carpet your home, Berber is a good choice.
The best quality Berber carpet tends to have a high density and face weight. It’s also usually made of nylon, wool, or a blend of the two. Berber carpets made from polyester, Triexta, or polypropylene/olefin tend to be viewed as lesser quality, although they’re sometimes more affordable.
Berber carpet lasts about 10 to 30 years, depending on the quality and materials you choose. Olefin lasts about half as long as nylon or wool. You can do several things to prolong the life span of your Berber carpet. These include vacuuming frequently, treating stains, refraining from wearing shoes on the carpet, and using natural cleansers like baking soda and vinegar.
Carpet pads are usually recommended for Berber carpets. Using a carpet pad can help to ensure that the carpet is protected, lasts longer, and is more comfortable. Different carpet types do better with different pad thicknesses. Since Berber carpet tends to be very thin, you should use a thinner carpet that’s 3/8 inch or less. The cost of carpet padding is about $0.75 to $3.75 per square foot.
Berber carpet has several advantages over other types of carpet. It tends to be relatively affordable, durable and easy to clean, and holds up well in high-traffic areas. However, other types of carpet might be a better choice in certain circumstances. For example, the cost of indoor-outdoor carpet is around $3.50 per square foot and is built to withstand additional wear and tear.