How often should carpet be replaced? (2024)

Every carpet has a lifespan, but how do you know how long does a carpet lasts and when it’s time to replace your carpet?

There’s no expiration date, but there are rules of thumb of how long a carpet should last.

An even better gauge is signs of wear. I’ll share my experience on what signs of carpet wear mean the carpet is at its end of life, and what signs may be a false alarm.

Here’s what you’ll find in this article (click the link to jump to that section):

  • average life of carpet (and what impacts the average lifespan)
  • how often should you replace carpet padding?
  • signs your carpet needs to be replaced
  • how to increase the lifespan of your carpet

How long does carpet last?

An average carpet will last 10 years. This is a ballpark number that varies depending on the quality of the carpet, how many people are in the house, and what rooms the carpet is in. I’ve heard nightmare stories of carpet only lasting a couple of years, and I’ve known people who the same carpet for 30 years (and it will look pretty good!)

So what can make such a big difference in how long a carpet lasts. Let’s break down different common scenarios:

How often should carpet be replaced? (1)Captain’s warning!Be careful paying attention to carpet warranties. Many homeowners think that the warranty is how long the carpet should last. Carpet manufacturers know this, and they use it as a marketing tool. The secret they know is if they put a 20-year warranty on a carpet, homeowners are very unlikely to file for the warranty when the carpet goes bad in 8 years (plus, there’s usually loopholes where the warranty is voided).

A carpet that lasts 5 years or less

Very few homeowners have carpet lasting under 5 years, but it’s common in apartments and rentals.

Landlords expect renters not to take great care of the carpet, and they buy cheap carpet expecting to replace it. This combination of carpet abuse and little investment into the carpet, means the carpet is looking pretty raggedy by year 5.

A carpet that last 10 years or less

Homeowners with lower quality carpets find it lasts 5-10 years. What features make it only last this long? Usually, it’s either a lower quality carpet material like polyester, or maybe it’s a family with a bunch of kids. Children tend to wear carpet by running around and going in and out of the house frequently. Sometimes, as a homeowner with kids or pets, you’re better of not investing as much in carpet so you can afford to replace it sooner.

A carpet that lasts 20 years

Many homeowners want their carpet to last 20 years. Buying and having carpet installed is a long process, so the less you have to do it the better.

Most homeowners whose carpet lasts 20 years have done their research, and purchased carpet made of nylon or wool and paid attention to the most important factors for carpet durability. If this interests you, you can click either of those links, or you can get complete step-by-step carpet buying advice by my how-to-buy carpet guide.

Can carpet last 30 years?

It can, but it probably won’t.

I’ve seen carpet 30 years old that looks great, but it usually takes two things: you did your carpet research (described in the 20 year section), and one or two adults live in the home with no young kids or pets (okay to be fair, not all pets and kids wear carpet, but it’s usually a strain).

How long does carpet padding last?

Carpet padding is too important to the life of the carpet to not replace it. So when people ask, “Can I install my new carpet over my current padding?” My short answer is no.

There are maybe two cases where I’d consider not replacing the padding with the carpet:

  1. Your carpet was damaged (stain, tear, etc), but the padding wasn’t.
  2. You have slab rubber pad that hasn’t degraded.

Poor padding will lead to premature wear of otherwise good carpet. Fortunately, new high-quality padding is inexpensive compared to carpet. You can check out my carpet padding guide for tips on how to not spend too much buying good pad.

6 Signs your carpet needs to be replaced

The ballpark estimates I gave for average carpet life are difficult to follow because everyone’s home situation is unique. The easier way to decide if your carpet needs to be replaced is to look at it. Here’s are signs that your carpet needs to be replaced (in order with most definitely needing replaced up top, less likely to need replaced at the bottom)

1. Matting or flattening of the carpet

Matting of the carpet means it the carpet is flattened down. It’s the most common sign of true carpet wear. Basically, the carpet fibers are worn out, and there’s no way of reviving them. Sometimes a carpet cleaning and raking (yes, carpet cleaners rake carpet) will give it a temporary resurrection, but the damage is permanent so you might as well buy new.

2. Fraying of carpet fibers

Fraying or “blossoming” of fiber is when the ends of the carpet fiber become unraveled. Think of split ends in hair, but with carpet, the split ends can’t be conditioned. There’s no repair here so it’s time to look for new carpet if you’re bothered by the look.

3. Fading of carpet in areas of sunlight

Some carpet will lose their coloring when exposed to constant sunlight. If your carpet is looking bad because it’s faded near the windows, there isn’t an easy fix. This may mean it’s time to buy new.

4. Smells and mildew

Does your carpet have a musty or mildew smell? It may be time to move on. This often is not only a problem with the carpet, but it also goes down to the padding or even floor boards. Sometimes a professional carpet cleaner or restoration company can give restore the carpet. My rule of thumb is if it’s recent moisture damage to a newer carpet, consider having the carpet restored and the moisture issue fixed. If the carpet is more than halfway through it’s expected life, get new carpet or flooring (make sure to fix the moisture issue first!).

Pet pee can also be a foul odor coming from your carpet. A carpet cleaner may have an easier time with if it’s localized to an area, but sometimes even pet odors can be difficult to fully remove.

5. Stains or darkened traffic areas

Stains or dark traffic areas may not mean your carpet is over. Two important things to check: is the carpet color changed because it’s matted down, or is it faded in an area where there’s more sunlight?

If the answer is “yes” to either of those see #1 and #3 above. But if not, you have stains that likely can be cleaned out. Carpet cleaners can work magic on a carpet that looks old and ready for the landfill. I’d go the cleaning route before investing in a new floor. DIY cleaning is also an option. I have an article on how to remove red wine stains from carpet and how to remove old stains from carpet.

6. Snags, tears and holes

Have you ever snagged your carpet? Maybe your vacuum grabs it or you’re dragging furniture. What about burnt a hole? Most commonly a dropped candle or cigarette.

These can feel like it’s time to get rid of your carpet, but these repairs are actually pretty easy. You can hire a professional, or you can learn how to DIY repair carpet snags yourself.

How to increase the lifespan of your carpet and final tips:

Want a carpet that lasts over the average of 10 years? Here are a few tips:

  • Vacuum regularly. Dirt and grime wear down carpet over time like dirty engine oil damages a car. Vacuum regularly. We have a list of my favorite vacuums.
  • Have carpet professionally cleaned at least every 2 years. This will give it a deeper clean, but it will also help reduce the build-up of allergens and mites. This an especially important step for allergy sufferers.

If you’re buying new carpet, I have over 50 pages of tips. You can go through my free carpet buying guide to cover all your bases.

Don’t have enough time to go through the whole carpet buying guide?

There are two articles that are most important to buying a carpet that lasts. One is my carpet specifications article. It ranks how important different specs are to durability. The other article is my carpet material article. The material you choose will have the biggest impact on the lifespan of your carpet.

Any questions on how often your carpet should be replaced? Let me know in the comments below.



How often should carpet be replaced? (2024)

FAQs

How often should carpet be replaced? ›

While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The length of time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.

Should I replace 15 year old carpet? ›

Cleaning can sometimes remedy these situations, but it's best for us to take a look and give advice from there. 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.

Can carpet last 20 years? ›

On average, a carpet should last between 5 and 15 years. However, a carpet's life expectancy is heavily dependant on its quality and your use of it. With proper carpet care, a high-quality carpet can last 20 years or more. Carpets made from wool or nylon enjoy the longest lifespan.

How do you calculate carpet life? ›

This is calculated by taking the original $900 cost of the carpet, dividing by 5 years of useful life, then multiplying by the 3 years of useful life remaining on the carpet (had the tenant not irreparably damaged it): $900 original carpet cost / 5 years = $180 per year x 3 years remaining useful life = $540.

How long should a hard wearing carpet last? ›

On average, a carpet should last around ten years. However, if it is used in high foot traffic areas such as doorways and stairways, it may start to show signs of wear earlier. Carpets made from wool or nylon tend to last the longest.

How long should you keep a living room carpet? ›

Families with little ones are going to see more wear and tear. Likewise, muddy paws and shedding fur from pets will accelerate your area rug's aging. There are definitely a few red flags to look out for to know when it's time to replace your old area rug. A quality rug should last about 10 years.

What is considered old carpet? ›

Well, carpet manufacturers usually say a carpet lifespan is around 10 years. After that it will show signs of wear and look like matted carpet. As your carpet ages, it starts losing its texture.

How do you know when carpet needs to be replaced? ›

5 signs it may be time to replace your carpet
  1. Stains won't come out. Whether it's from spilled wine or a new puppy, there are some stubborn stains that even professional cleaning can't get rid of. ...
  2. Foul odors won't go away. ...
  3. There's visible damage. ...
  4. You have increased allergy symptoms. ...
  5. The carpet is old.
Mar 5, 2020

Can carpet last 25 years? ›

A medium-grade carpet will last between 5 to 15 years. The best of the best carpet on the market will last between 15 and 25 years on average. There are several factors that can affect how long your carpet lasts, whether it's where you live, who you live with, or what you do in your home.

Is 30 year old carpet unhealthy? ›

In general, carpet that is more than 20 years old should be replaced. Dust, dirt and debris build up in the fibers and underneath the carpet, even if it is maintained regularly. This can lead to allergy problems and odors.

What carpet will last the longest? ›

Nylon is the most durable and stain resistant carpet fiber available, when treated with stain protection. It is the fiber of choice for homes with pets and children and for those who entertain a lot. Because of it's durability, nylon carpet is perfect for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and stairs.

Can you stretch 30 year old carpet? ›

Carpet that's very old or has been stretched many times should not be stretched. Most carpet repair experts say you shouldn't stretch carpet that's 10 years old. That carpet is not strong enough to withstand stretching, and it's likely to tear. The same is true of carpet that's been stretched repeatedly.

What is 80 20 carpet Rule? ›

80% of any carpet stains can be removed, while the other 20% will be made to look better or simply not be removed at all. This is an overwhelming majority in favour of cleaning, so you shouldn't worry too much if you do come across stains in your carpets.

What is a good durability rating for carpet? ›

The Durability Rating is based on a scale of 0-5, in which 0 is walked (worn) out and 5 is brand new. Most products rate below 3. At 3.5, most mills will give a five year texture warrantee. 4.0 is the level at which you recommend it to a relative.

How long does it take for mold to grow in carpet? ›

mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem.

How can you tell if carpet is bad quality? ›

TLDR: signs that you have a cheap carpet include: super thick padding, low fiber density, and low-density. These are all relatively easy factors to spot even without professional assistance.

Does cleaning carpet make it last longer? ›

Make sure to treat stains as soon as possible since dried stains are much more difficult to remove. There's no denying that professional carpet cleaning is essential to prolonging your carpet's lifespan.

Does more expensive carpet last longer? ›

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 often should you shampoo living room carpet? ›

You should clean your carpet at least every 12 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. However, this schedule can vary depending on several factors in your household. If you have children or pets, you might shampoo your carpets more regularly.

How long should a living room couch last? ›

Sofas last from seven to 20 years, though most cap out at roughly 15. The same goes for loveseats, sectionals and sleepers. Couches with solid wood frames (even better if it's kiln-dried) and reinforced joinery hold up the longest. Genuine leather upholstery has a longer lifespan than fabric.

Do you have to replace padding when replacing carpet? ›

Whenever you install new carpet, you should also install new carpet padding. Carpet and carpet padding comes in fixed widths. Depending on the measurements of your room, you may have to lay more than one piece of padding or carpet in a room.

What is considered a high grade carpet? ›

High-end Carpet Grade

High-end carpets have the highest density rating, with a face weight of 40 to 60 ounces. The fibers are of the best quality, often made from wool or nylon. High-end carpets in high-traffic areas like family rooms and playrooms hold up well.

Does old carpet affect appraisal? ›

But stained or outdated carpeting doesn't do you any favors. Appraisers are trained not to evaluate your home's value based on your style of decor (or how neat your home is, for that matter). However, the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report does ask them to specify the materials and condition of the floors.

Should you replace carpet after buying a house? ›

If your new-to-you home appears dated and aged, worn carpets could be the culprit. Changing what is beneath your feet can contemporize a space, through your choice of material, color, and pattern. Like a fresh coat of paint, fresh carpeting is a cost-effective way to get a lot of décor bang for your buck.

What is the best time of year to install carpet? ›

While there isn't a bad time of year to purchase a new carpet for your home or business, winter is typically seen as one the best times to purchase and install this comfortable flooring option.

Does carpet affect home value? ›

New Carpet

It is also cheaper than other flooring options. While new carpet increases home value, it is typically not as much as some other flooring options. If you do opt to replace old carpet with new carpet before selling, we recommend a neutral color that appeals to a broad set of buyers.

Is carpet coming back in style in 2023? ›

Here are the 19 best taking over from wall-to-wall.

What happens when carpet expires? ›

Carpet can last anywhere from five to 15 years, depending on the carpet type, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and how much foot traffic it endures. Even in barely-used rooms, high-quality carpets will start showing signs of age after 10 years as the padding deteriorates, the threads wear, and the shades shift.

Does mold grow under carpet? ›

Mold will often grow under the carpet or within the carpet padding, making it difficult to diagnose. If there was a recent spill or flooding, then there is a high risk of mold growth. Mold can also grow in homes and rooms that experience high humidity.

Is carpet bad for lungs? ›

Carpets may trap pollutants and allergens like dust mites, pet dander, co*ckroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt and dust. Toxic gases in the air can stick to small particles that settle into carpets.

Is carpet safer than hardwood? ›

Safety: Wood is slippery, and wood on the stairs can be dangerous in a home with children and the elderly. For this reason, carpet is the better choice, as it will greatly reduce the chance of a slip and fall that could cause serious injuries.

What time of year is carpet the cheapest? ›

From May through early June you can save big on new carpeting. It's also a time to shop the latest trends that have made their way to retail stores. “There are bi-annual launches in the market during October and April, which is when you can buy the very latest styles,” says Peterson.

In what rooms is carpeting a poor choice? ›

Rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, and hallways come to mind as places where carpet just isn't right or maybe just isn't necessary. Carpeting can be a poor choice in many rooms of the house depending on their intended use. Basem*nts are often not carpeted, and for good reason.

Is Stainmaster a good carpet? ›

Manufactured by Stainmaster, Stainmaster Carpet is one of the best-known brands in the flooring industry. The company has been in the industry since 1986 and since then, has become one of America's most trusted carpet brands.

What happens if carpet is not stretched? ›

If a carpet is not stretched tightly enough, it will not keep its form or stay in place. Improper installation could cause your carpet to buckle quickly. When your carpet is installed, ask about installation warranties, which could pay for your carpet to be fixed if improperly installed.

How often should you replace wall to wall carpet? ›

Well cared for wall-to-wall carpet should last three to five years, however, many homes have carpet that is much older. There are homes boasting original carpets from the 1950s and 1960s, but the quality is much degraded.

What is carpet law? ›

If two carpets of equal area overlap, then, the overlap aside, their remaining parts have equal areas.

Is 80 oz carpet good? ›

In general, you'll find carpet across a full spectrum of face weight, somewhere from 20 to 100 ounces. For residential use, most carpet weight settles in between 35 and 60 ounces. A higher face weight does not equal a better grade of carpet. Higher face weights will not mean you're selecting a more durable product.

At what age should carpet be replaced? ›

While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The length of time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.

What thickness of carpet is best? ›

A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 carpet? ›

Level 1 - These carpets are all polyester carpets. These work well for two people that are not home often or are not very active. Choose this option if you are a now shoes in the house kind of family and you don't have any pets. Level 2 - Polyesters get an upgrade in this level.

What are signs of mold in carpet? ›

How can I Tell if my Carpet is Moldy?
  • Black or Green Splotches. When mold develops in carpet, it often leaves behind green or black splotches. ...
  • Musty, Moldy Odor. A pungent, musty odor is a telltale sign of mold growth. ...
  • A Rug that Stays Wet. ...
  • An Increase in Allergy Symptoms.
Nov 5, 2019

What kills mold in carpet? ›

Use a vinegar and baking soda mixture. This might kill some mold, and it will help remove musty odors from the carpet.

How do I know if I have mold under my carpet? ›

Your Carpet Can Fall Victim to Mould So Here Are Some Signs You May Notice
  1. Damp Patches. If your carpet has been exposed to water through a floor, pipe or window leak, it could develop dampness which can lead to mould. ...
  2. Musty Smell. ...
  3. Old, Patchy Carpet. ...
  4. You Develop an Allergy. ...
  5. Patches of Carpet Changing Colour.
Nov 13, 2019

Can a carpet last for 10 years? ›

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 is the best time of year to buy new carpet? ›

From May through early June you can save big on new carpeting. It's also a time to shop the latest trends that have made their way to retail stores. “There are bi-annual launches in the market during October and April, which is when you can buy the very latest styles,” says Peterson.

How can you tell if carpet padding is bad? ›

With all the action your carpet sees, the padding will start to deflate and wear down over time. When the padding is in poor condition, the carpet won't be comfortable to walk, sit or lie on. It may even cause people to trip. If the condition of the carpet pad begins to diminish, you may want to replace your carpet.

How often should you shampoo your carpet? ›

How Often Should You Shampoo Your Carpet? You should clean your carpet at least every 12 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. However, this schedule can vary depending on several factors in your household. If you have children or pets, you might shampoo your carpets more regularly.

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