How long does carpet last?

While carpet is an excellent flooring option, like most flooring materials it doesn’t last forever. So, for how long should you expect your carpet to 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. Polyester and polypropylene carpets are usually cheaper but don’t generally last as long as the more durable carpet materials. Carpet lifespan will also be extended if you use the correct carpet underlay.

Lower quality carpets degrade faster. In the long run, you will save money by investing in higher quality carpeting.

Here are the signs that indicate when it’s time to replace your carpet:

Matting is when carpet begins to flatten and the fibres become stuck together or form ‘bald’ patches. This makes the flooring less comfortable to sit or stand on, affects its insulation properties, and can be an eyesore. This will happen faster in high traffic areas and underneath heavy furniture.

Sometimes, no matter how well you clean your carpet, odours will build up over time. The most common culprit is pet ‘accidents’, but it may also be a sign that the floor beneath your carpet is consistently damp, mouldy or rotting. Odours and mould release bacteria into the air, which can be detrimental to your health and trigger allergies. If your carpet is becoming smelly, it is definitely time to replace it, or to consider alternative flooring options for the space.

While one stain on your carpet may be easy to cover up, or not be particularly noticeable, if your carpet starts to become almost polka-dotted with stains, it is probably time to replace it! For this reason, we don’t recommend installing carpet in high spillage areas such as kitchens, or in areas where people would track mud or water through the space - for these areas choose hard flooring.

While minor degrading of your carpet is mainly a cosmetic issue, if it gets worse over time it may affect the ability of your carpet to insulate the room or prevent the base flooring from getting damaged. Wrinkles are usually due to incorrect installation of your carpet, but can also form over time as the carpet wears thinner.

Sunlight in particular can make your carpet colours fade over time. This is purely a cosmetic issue, so you only need to replace your carpet in this situation if the look bothers you. However, if your carpet colour is fading due to foot traffic, it is likely that matting will follow.

With proper care, a high-quality carpet can last 20 years or more! Here are some tips for proper carpet care:

Vacuum your carpets at least once a week to remove dust and dirt, and to lift the fibers to prevent matting. We also recommend deep steam clean every 12-18 months. High-quality cleaning products such as Rug Doctor, or professional cleaners can lift the most stubborn stains (or at least reduce their appearance) and remove bacteria and buildup from your carpets.

Doorways usually have high foot traffic and collect dirt and debris easily. A washable doormat is an easy way to protect your carpet from premature wear.

Incorrect installation or incorrect underlay will drastically reduce the lifespan of your carpet. Make sure you use a reputable flooring company!

How often you will need to replace your carpet will be hugely determined by the quality of the carpet you choose. The Harrisons Flooring team are proud to offer an extensive range of high-quality carpet flooring options to suit every budget and lifestyle. If you would like to hear more about our range or request a free at-home consultation, get in touch with our experts.