What is the difference between cheap and expensive carpet?

Author: Prof. Trycia Kovacek  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

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.

How can you tell if carpet is high-quality?

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.

Does more expensive carpet last longer?

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.

How much should a good quality carpet cost?

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.

What is the most affordable type of carpet?

Olefin is one of the least expensive carpet fiber options and is best suited for low-traffic areas, as it's not very resilient. However, it's strongest in a looped form, such as in a Berber. When in a looped form, it can stand up to foot traffic and is nearly stain-proof.

Best Carpets for a Home

What is the difference between high quality and low quality carpet?

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.

What is the best grade of carpet to buy?

If you are looking for a carpet that offers superior quality and luxury, high-end residential grade carpeting may be the right choice for you. This grade of carpeting is made from top-quality fibers like nylon or wool, which provide exceptional durability and comfort.

How much is good quality carpet?

The cost of carpet per m

However, the average price for carpet is between £6 - £60 per m², with premium carpets upwards of £80 per m².

What to look for when buying a carpet?

Primary considerations and needs might include: high-traffic areas, comfort level, high stain resistance, and allergen-reducing features. Be sure to talk about padding options. The best place to make your carpet selection is actually in your own home.

What time of year is carpet the cheapest?

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. During this time, people focus on holiday preparations rather than home improvement.

What type of carpet lasts the longest?

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.

How often should a carpet be replaced?

Most carpeting, if properly cleaned and maintained, should last around 10 years before it will need replacing. If it hasn't been well maintained, then the reasonable life expectancy of your carpet may be closer to five years.

What carpet to avoid?

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.

What color carpet is best for resale?

Choose a light, neutral color carpet.

You are not choosing a carpet that you have to live with or love. Remember, you are preparing your home so it appears move in ready for your buyer. Choose carpet that is cream, tan, beige, pale gold, caramel or cafe au lait.

How to tell if a carpet is good quality?

In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.

Is StainMaster a good carpet?

StainMaster

StainMaster has 66 nylon offerings, which are widely considered the best carpet type when it comes to durability, as well as polyester options. StainMaster has more than 4,000 designs, styles, and color options, making it easy to find the best carpet to match your home.

Should carpet be lighter or darker than walls?

If you have warm walls, stick with earth-tone colors (beige, cream, etc). If you have cool or grey walls, stick with a cooler-colored carpet. If you want a carpet that can work with both cool walls and warm walls then check out greige colored carpets.

What is considered a good grade of carpet?

There were basically three grades of nylon carpet to choose from, good, better, and best. The lowest grade carpet would last 10-15 years or more before showing any signs of wear. Medium and higher grades could easily last 20 to 30 years or more, even in heavy traffic applications!

What is a good cheap carpet?

Olefin (polypropylene) is one of the cheapest carpet fibers to buy. It is best suited for low-traffic areas when made into a cut-pile (Saxony) carpet, as it is not very resilient. However, it is strongest in a looped form, such as a Berber or a level loop commercial style.

What is considered high-end carpet?

Wool: A Classic Luxury Choice

Wool carpeting is highly durable, maintaining its plush feel and vibrant color over time. For an extra touch of elegance, consider New Zealand wool, known for its superior quality and soft, luxurious finish.

What to consider when buying carpet?

The Top 10 Things to Know About Buying Carpet
  • Carpet is a Long-Standing Tradition. ...
  • Carpets Promote Healthy Living. ...
  • Cadence of Professional Carpet Cleaning. ...
  • Opt for Lower VOC-Emitting Adhesives in Installation. ...
  • Eco-Friendly Carpet Materials. ...
  • Durable Fibers to Match Your Lifestyle. ...
  • Carpet Density. ...
  • Calculating Square Footage.

What is the best carpet that doesn't show wear?

When it comes to durability, nylon fiber and wool fiber carpets are your best options. However, as mentioned above, technology has made all types of carpet a good bet, which is a relief for when you're shopping!

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