After being diagnosed with diabetes in January, our sweet dog Murphy was having frequent accidents in the house prompting the need to replace our current floor covering. While I love the look of hard wood, for a number of reasons, cost at the top of the list, we've decided to go with carpet. Finding a carpet that we like hasn't been an easy task. However, I did find a berber that I could live with. Now we're not talking the speckled, big-loop berber circa 1990, the one I'm looking at has tiny loops and a subtle pattern similar to the image below.
One concern with any carpet is the possibility of visible seams. Since the berber we like is quite flat this is a major concern. I was assured by the retailer that they would guarantee satisfaction in writing but I'm still skeptical. This carpet only comes in a 12 foot width which equals seams in all the rooms where it would be installed.
So I ask you, what would you do, go for it or choose a safer option?
Murphy
June 18, 2001-May 11, 2012
Rest in peace sweet boy.
I like that berber carpet -- not sure about seems. So sorry for the loss of your sweet Murphy.
ReplyDeleteOops -- of course I meant "seams."
ReplyDeleteOh no. Sorry to hear about Murphy. I would go with the berber carpet. See how it looks in the first space they install it.
ReplyDeleteAw, poor puppy! It's always so difficult to lose a pet. :(
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not a carpet fan, I do like the look of that berber. Do any of your friends have it with seams? Then you could take a look first hand. Perhaps the installer also has an example they can show you of a room with seams.
Sorry to hear about your sweet Murphy. xo
ReplyDeleteAs for the carpet, we had berber in one of our homes and it was great. The installers did a fantastic job and the seams were barely noticeable at all. I think it's a great choice :)
I'm sorry to hear about Murphy! That is so hard.
ReplyDeleteI like berber, but I don't know if seams would show or not. You're smart to think about that issue now - maybe you can see a sample? Also, I remembered a past post by Laura at Pure Style Home, and in it she mentions wool look a likes and synthtic carpets she has used in the past and she addresses seams. Maybe this would be helpful for you?
http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2009/09/natural-rugs-seagrass-sisal-jute.html
I am not a fan of berber. At. All. I had it installed in my last home and I had it ripped out and replaced within 2 years. I just don't find it very comfortable. In our home we have wool carpet. The cost was comparable to synthetic and it feels so good underfoot.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your Murphy. My kitty was diagnosed with Diabetes a few years ago and it's been very tough managing it.
I'm sorry about Murphy. The loss of a pet is horrible. Because I have 3 cats and a dog, I went with tile. 18" tile. But.....if it weren't for the pets, I would have gone with carpet and I would have gone with berber. And I LOVE the one you picked. But since I will always have animals, I'll always have something other than carpet.
ReplyDeleteI have carpet exactly like this - installed about 10 years ago and still going strong. I highly recommend it - the only placed that it has worn are on the stairs and at the opening from the kitchen to the living area. When I've had it cleaned it's bounced right back to new looking. It also feels good on bare feet. Good luck - it's a good choice! P.S. I picked my color - very similar to the one you show - based on the color of cat vomit - disgusting I know, but at the time we had a cat with a delicate stomach!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Murphy's passing. My sweet Isabelle, an 8 yr old miniature schnauzer was diagnosed last October. It was a ruff battle and I lost her in January. My heart was broken as was her companion Beau, also a schnauzer. We are still healing. I was fortunate that no "accidents" happened. I do like your carpet choice. Keep us posted on the installation and if the seams are noticable.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Murphy. I went through something similar when my beloved Basset Hound Ruby was on steroids for cancer treatment. She literally would be walking down the hall peeing. Luckily we had hardwood floors in the house and the mess and smell could be mopped up. As for your carpet, I really like the pattern you're showing us. I got something similar in my latest house from Lowe's. It's called Beachwalk and suggests seagrass, although it's really a combo of berber and cut pile. I have to say I really really like it! It's soft and neutral enough and has great texture - and I wouldn't hesitate to layer area rugs on it. Sorry for the lengthy comment - so happy to see you're blogging again!
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, I'm so sorry about your dog. :( That's such a sweet picture of him. It makes me want to cry...I'm such a sap with animals. I think it's because right now my animals are my babies.
ReplyDeleteI say go for it with the carpet. What good is a satisfaction guarantee if they can't live up to it? I like your choice!
So sorry to hear about your sweet Murphy. I always had golden retrievers. They have all passed away. 2 from cancer, and 1 from heart problems. Its so, so hard. They were a part of the family, and to see them suffer is heartbreaking. Anyway, I do not like berber carpet. I have it in my family room right now, and its all flat with pulls, and just looks yucky. Would love to replace with wood, but financially, not right now. Good luck with your decision.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your dog! :( I'm sorry I don't have an opinion or any knowledge about berber or carpet in general. Though I will be interested in knowing what you choose and why. Eventually we will have to carpet our basement and will be looking for something that is affordable, good at hiding some dirt and (of course) good-looking. :) Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteWhat a priceless photo of Murph. Did you consider have an "industrial strength" carpet cleaner come in and work some magic to extend the life of your current carpet while you save for what you might rather have (wood, wool, etc.)? Could the worst spots be covered with a pretty area rug that might be used in another space later?
Just a few thoughts from your sister on a low budget.
Chris
I'm so sorry about Murphy. We lost our dog last month as well. It was heartbreaking for us. My condolences.
ReplyDeleteLove Murphy's sweet face, I would go with a frieze it is the best wearing carpet and the most forgiving on the market, a cut loop combination. The fact that the berber is so flat means it would show more and be less forgiving. I am not a big fan of berber so I am probably not the best one to ask, but I always suggested frieze to my clients.
ReplyDeleteHere is a description for you:
Frieze carpet is a type of cut pile carpet which is made from twisted fibers. The individual curling fibers in the carpet create a slightly informal look which hides a multitude of sins. For this reason, frieze carpet is sometimes recommended for high traffic areas, as it will not show footprints and dirt as readily as some other styles of carpet. Many carpet and flooring suppliers carry frieze carpet in a range of colors and patterns, and it is typically possible to order specifically desired colors as well.
This type of carpeting is made by knotting the pile through a stiff, resilient backing and then shearing it to ensure that it is all the same length. The fibers used in frieze carpeting are lightly twisted so that they are resilient and springy, and they are typically made from very soft textiles so that the carpet will feel pleasant on bare feet. Frieze carpet can be installed as wall to wall flooring, and it is also possible to find area rugs in a frieze pile design.
I'm so sorry about your sweet dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of berber but I have never lived with it.
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Murphy. Having suffered the loss of my beautiful dog some years ago, I know exactly how you will be feeling now. Hold onto those precious memories.
I have berber in my family room and unless you look very carefully, the seams are not visible. I think that they would be even less visible with this berber you are showing. My carpeting lays flat so think it would be a similar situation. I agree that hardwood can be extremely expensive. We were able to get some for my nieces bedroom by looking for end of lines (although they have to have enough of it to do your space!) We did an 18 X 9 foot space for around $500. Good luck. I'm sure whatever you decide on will be fabulous as you have such a flair for decorating!
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ReplyDeleteI see a reader above has this carpet and so do I....also for about 10 years now. It's help up extremely well and still looks brand new in most areas of the house. Of course, it's just me and my husband. We don't wear shoes in the house which, of course, helps with the dirt issue. I LOVE this carpet and would get it again in our next house. I think my color is just a tiny bit lighter than what you've chosen. I can't say enough about it....it's wonderful!!
ReplyDelete