The average lifespan of carpeting, depending on its quality, amount of traffic, pets, and number of children, among other factors, is about 5 to 15 years. Wear, increased allergy symptoms, dormant stains, discoloration, and odors are signs that you need to replace your carpet.
Most floor care experts say to expect the average carpet to last between 10 to 15 years. Most manufacturers say carpet should last for 10 years with proper care. If you have young children having carpets can be a disaster. I personally prefer wooden floor or ceramic floors.
Age: Although you don't necessarily have to replace your carpet just because it's old, keep in mind that modern carpet has a useable lifespan between five and 15 years, which depends on how well it's made and how much foot traffic it receives.
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.
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.
Late Fall and Winter Wonders
You might find excellent carpet deals in late fall and winter, which are often considered the best time to buy carpet.
The older the carpet gets, the more it catches and retains nasty substances that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms more regularly, your carpet could be to blame.
Investing in a high-quality carpet may require a larger upfront investment, but it offers greater durability and longevity. With proper care, it can last for decades, resulting in lower long-term costs and enhancing the property's value.
High-pile or plush carpets: Vacuum 3-4 times a week. Low-pile or flatweave carpets: Vacuum 1-2 times a week.
If you install cheap or poor-quality carpet, your buyers will notice. They might see this as a drawback of buying your house, even though you thought the carpet was an upgrade. Conversely, you don't want to overspend on carpet that buyers plan to replace anyway.
One of the main reasons people choose to have different carpets in different rooms is because of wear and tear. High traffic areas like hallways and living rooms tend to see a lot more foot traffic than other rooms in the house, so they require a sturdier, more durable carpet.
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we can guide you through the factors that influence carpet lifespan and the telltale signs it's time for a refresh. Typical Carpet Lifespan: Well-maintained carpets: 5-15 years (depending on quality) High traffic areas: May need replacement sooner.
Using a carpet rake or a carpet brush (pictured above) on a regular basis keeps your carpet fibers from matting down. Over time, regular carpet grooming can delay or even prevent traffic patterns and carpet wear. Carpet grooming is done by running the carpet brush or rake over your carpet fibers with a bit of pressure.
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.
Some say wall-to-wall carpet is an outdated look, but current design trends say otherwise. While specific types of carpet might be out of style—and its use has become reserved for certain areas of the home as opposed to the entire space—it remains a popular flooring option.
German research has shown that carpets are by no means an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites. Temperature and relative humidity are very important factors if house dust mites are to thrive. The three-dimensional pile structure of carpets traps fine allergen particles until the carpet is next vacuumed.
Good quality versions are $1.50 per square foot and up. Professional installation adds $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The average cost of new carpet installed $2 to $9 per square foot, according to HomeGuide data. To carpet a 16x20-foot room (320 square feet), figure on paying $640 to $2,880.
Choosing a carpet that lasts the longest involves striking a balance between durability, aesthetics, and budget considerations. Wool and nylon carpets with a shorter pile height, higher density, and woven construction tend to be top contenders for longevity.
“Buyers like carpet in bedrooms, especially in basement bedrooms, for comfort and warmth.” Carpet is also much quieter to walk on than other types of flooring and can help absorb noise. It can mask sounds, such as footsteps and squeaky floors, Fisher adds.
New carpet will not increase the value of your home but it does add value.
Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn't been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.
In many cases, if mold has grown on carpet, cleaning will not be possible. If growth has occurred on more than one area of the carpet, or if there is a large area of growth, the carpet will probably need to be replaced. Small areas of growth that have been quickly identified can sometimes be dealt with.