That said, a face weight of over 40 ounces is generally considered to be best for durability. The weight of the carpet determines how well the carpet will withstand wear and tear. A higher face weight means that there is more fibre per square yard, which results in a more durable carpet.
Generally, a higher face weight represents a more durable carpet. Most carpets have a face weight somewhere between 20 ounces and 100 ounces, with the average for residential carpet falling somewhere between 35 to 60 ounces.
Most carpets have a face weight somewhere between 20-100 ounces, but the average face-weight for a residential carpet is about 35-60 ounces. Beware, advises McConnell. A higher face-weight does not automatically mean the carpet is a better grade. You should consider the fiber type, style and density, too.
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.
Pile weight, weight of yarn used per square yard/metre. 40oz is often considered as a heavy domestic / general contract carpet. Pile weight, weight of yarn used per square yard/metre. 50oz is often considered as an extra heavy domestic / heavy contract carpet.
A good carpet face weight for high-traffic areas is 40 ounces to 60 ounces per square yard. Thirty ounces to 50 ounces per square yard is a good carpet face weight for low-traffic areas. Comparing face weight, along with density and pile, matters when looking at two carpets of the same material and type.
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.
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.
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
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.
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.
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.
The most common rug sizes are 3'x5′, 5'x8', 8'x10′, 9'x12′ and 12'x15′.
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.
Average Traffic: Most carpeted residential areas require a carpet pad with a 6- to 8-pound density rating. Heavy Traffic: Areas that experience a high amount of foot traffic, like hallways or stairs, require additional support. A carpet pad with an 8- to 10-pound density rating or higher is recommended.
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Heavier togs (such as 40oz, or 50oz) will do well in high-traffic areas, such as hallways. Lighter togs (such as 30oz) will do better in quieter rooms with less traffic - studies, bedrooms etc.
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!
Thick carpets can be more challenging to clean and maintain, especially if they have a high pile. They can also trap more dirt and allergens than thinner carpets since they have more fibers. In some cases, thicker carpets may trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
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.
Carpets made of nylon fibers are some of the most durable and easiest to clean. Nylon is a strong fiber and stands up very well to abrasion. It is also resilient with good texture retention to maintain its original appearance. Plus, nylon carpeting responds very well to steam cleaning.
Bedrooms & Low-traffic areas: Consider a density rating around 3000-4000 for a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Living Rooms & Hallways: Aim for 4000-5000 density or higher for maximum resilience in high-traffic zones.
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.