High-quality carpets are from designer or higher-end brands. They are made to last 12 to 20 years, and the price can vary from at least $6 to $21+ per square foot. This kind of carpet will most likely be made of wool or nylon.
Medium grade to high-quality carpet costs $2 to $10 per square foot on average. Carpet installation costs $1 to $3 per square foot more for labor, for an average total cost of $2 to $8 per square foot installed.
Builder grade carpeting is the most basic option, while residential grade offers better quality and durability. High-end residential grade carpeting provides luxury and comfort, while commercial grade carpeting is the most durable option for high-traffic areas.
The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the better the carpet quality. Density: The number of fibers in a pile. The more fibers, the denser the pile, and the higher the carpet quality. Height: The length of the wear layer of the carpet, measured from the top of the pile to the top of the backing.
Most manufacturers say carpet should last for 10 years with proper care.
Cost Considerations
When comparing hardwood and carpet, hardwood flooring is usually the more expensive option. The average cost of carpet per square foot is $3, whereas the average price of hardwood floors per square foot is $8.
Synthetic Chemicals
Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.
The average carpet lifespan is between 5 and 15 years, but if you keep your carpet in good shape, it may last much longer than that. If you find that your carpet is in bad shape, you might want to consider getting it professionally replaced. To learn more, browse your carpet options here.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
Look for nylon carpets with high twist levels (indicating tighter fibre structure) for maximum resistance. Polyester: Another strong contender, polyester carpets offer good resistance to flattening and are generally more stain-resistant than nylon.
Bathrooms or kitchens. Any area where water or moisture is constant issue. Carpets will absorb any moisture and will remain there which will cause mold and mildew.
Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.
Think of it this way: would you spend $3 more per yard on carpet to potentially upgrade its look or feel, only to compromise on the foundation beneath? Instead, invest that same $3 in a premium pad and transform your entire flooring experience. The difference will be astounding!
Best Seasons for Carpet Installation
In the spring, moderate temperatures facilitate an optimal setting for carpet installation. Installers can work comfortably without the constraints of extreme weather, and the milder conditions help the carpet's adhesive materials to set and cure properly.
If you can scrape up more than just a few carpet fibers, the staples are too short; your carpet may continue to lose density. If very few fibers come loose, that's good: your carpet will retain its body. Also notice how it feels: poor quality yarn will be coarse, dry and fuzzy; a good quality yarn will feel soft.
Carpet replacement typically costs $3 to $11 per square foot. A pro can repair a lightly torn carpet for between $150 and $300 or repair wrinkles for $100 to $300.
Nylon is generally known for being the most durable type of carpet for residential use. These carpets are good for use in places with heavy foot traffic and for households with kids and pets. Some carpet manufacturers treat their nylon carpet with a protective coating, which helps it to be more stain-resistant, too.
We would recommend avoiding bright colours, but multi-coloured or multi-tonal carpets in darker shades of neutral tones such as greens, blues and browns are ideal for hiding stains or marks until you can get your carpet cleaned!
Our bestselling carpet colour, grey is a classic neutral that will never go out of style.
Without a doubt, hardwood floors are preferred over carpet and vinyl. Tile is popular, too. If hardwood is in your home – even if it's under the carpet or in bad shape – restoring it, rather than installing carpet or vinyl, will be the most profitable course of action.
The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you're redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.
When comparing the cost of installing hardwood floors over carpet, quality hardwood flooring will almost always be a larger investment compared to carpet. Installing hardwood floors can cost between $12 and $20 per square foot installed, while carpet often cost about $6 to $12 per square foot installed.