Carpet question!

[K House]

I've been looking at new carpets for my house and I can get really nice carpet at a steal of a price because it is the runs/extras/etc. And this really nice carpet will improve my resale value because it is just gorgeous and makes the house look so much more luxurious. But here's the thing - it's all berber. Or at least has berber patterns in it. I was deadset against berber or any kind of looped carpet whatsoever because when I lived with my parents they had berber in their basement and the cats were always getting their claws stuck in it. The Siamese cat in particular couldn't walk across the room without getting stuck every other step. (This was 10 years ago)

The carpet guy says that the berbers they make now are much higher quality and the loops are smaller and he's never heard of a pet (dog or cat) getting their claws stuck in the loops. He said the only downside is if you have a pet that digs because they'll yank out the loops and then possibly get their claws stuck.

So, I'd like your opinions please! Any personal experience with these berbers? I have no problems with regular carpet but if I can get carpet that is 3 times better for the same price...

 

[Net45582]

Personally,I chose not to have Berber in my new house. The toenail thing was one issue. I like a carpet that is comfortable for me and I've always found Berber to be rough and anything but comfortable to sit or lay on when I'm playing with the dogs. It does hold up well under traffic from what i understand though.

 

[K House]

Hmmm, I'm a barefoot person myself. And do spend a lot of time playing on the floor with Nala. I hadn't even thought about the softness factor!

 

[lexintitus]

I bought new carpet not too long ago and every carpet store told me not to go with berber if I had dogs. They said when the machines make the carpet, it's a long continuous run so if my dogs are active (what boxer isn't?) they could start a run in the carpet. Kind of like stockings. However, if you're talking about resale and you're not planning on staying in the house, then it won't matter. I have been in newer homes with animals, that had berber carpet, and the animals didn't have any difficulty walking across the floor.

 

[Donna1969]

My hubby OWNS a flooring business

And he has several signs posted in very noticable places.."Berber can snag/pull etc especially with pets. There is no guarentee against it." Or something to that effect.

He specifically asks people if they have pets when they are interested in Berber. If the answer is yes, he tells them the best bet is NOT to by berber..(he could lie and make more money off the sale of the berber over a different floor..but he'd rather give heads up than to have to deal w/an angry customer later )

That being said, I have had berber with my Blizzy. She never ever got her nails caught or pulled the berber. It was a good wearing carpet BUT I hated it. It was too rough. Lying on the floor would leave marks on your skin..it was itchy and generally NOT comfortable. And I would never get it again..dogs or no dogs.

 

[mtoo]

I've had Berber in at least one room in three different homes, always with two dogs so lots of running around at times, and have never had a problem with it.

I can't even think of a time that it has snagged because of the dogs. If it does though, don't pull the snag, trim it off because it will "run" or so I've been told.

 

[LeahR]

DON'T DO IT here is what happens, the dogs or cats might not get their claws stuck per sey but if a loop becomes loosened then a whole section of your beautiful new carpet will get unraveled in a minute flat if a claw catches it while doing boxer burns for instance. Or, if a boxer realizes that if they pull on said loop, the loop will miraculously unravel and then they will have a whole bunch of yarn to play with..... I am sure you can visualize from there Were got suckered into buying berber in our old house with the same sales pitch, and I can tell you that neither of our dogs ever got a claw caught or stuck but we did have to replace the carpeting again becuase of half of it missing after a year.

 

[Zoeys_Mom]

I live in a new condo that has very expensive berber in it. I have had to have it cleaned once already becuase of pet stains (old roomate: since kicked out). I also have a spot cleaner on hand for little emergencies. I am only renting my place, but I have learned that I will never have this (or possibly an other carpet) in my future house! When Zoey plays with her toys she slides across the carpet, and her nails stress the carpet fibres (I work for a carpet cleaning company). Even when my carpet is freshly vaccumed, it still looks worn. And it's only 4 months old!!! The carpet, in case you were wondering is a light creme color (who puts THAT color in a house to be occupied my pets!!! ) I would probably say it's best to go without the carpet. Or at least choose another kind! Good luck with your choice!

 

[Bsergent]

I have berber in all my bedrooms. I haven't had ANY problems. I find berber much prettier than plush. I hate plush carpet. I have hardwood and tile in all the other rooms. But you need to do what you want.

 

[KCboxer4]

One snag will pull a whole line across your whole rug :(