Carpets still remain one of the best flooring options in the home. They give your interiors an added layer of comfort, they’re soft underfoot and are excellent at trapping in heat during those cold winter months.
There are loads of different patterns, styles, and types of carpet around these days. As such, there are plenty of questions we get asked on a daily basis regarding carpets and carpet maintenance. One of the most frequently asked questions is how long does carpet last in your home?
This is a question we often hate receiving as it can be hard to give a straight answer. There are loads of things to take into account, which means our responses differ depending on who asks us! So, we thought today would be a great time to address this question and try to answer it as well as we can.
How long does the average carpet last in the home?
While we can’t tell you how long your exact carpet will last in your home, we can take a look at the average lifespan over the years. Generally speaking, a carpet will last anywhere between 5 and 7 years. This is usually the timeframe in which problems start to arise, and a replacement is needed.
Understandably, you may think this isn’t that long at all. But, we believe this average is more reflective of general carpet maintenance than anything else. There are many instances where people have the same carpet for a couple of decades, and it continues to serve them well. Normally, this is primarily because they maintained it well and kept up-to-date with regular tasks like cleaning, etc.
What determines the lifespan of carpet in your home?
One of the main reasons we struggle to give a straight answer when asked how long the carpet lasts is that there are some determining factors. We’ve already mentioned one; maintenance. If you take care of your carpet, it will last longer – just like anything else in your home. Neglect it, and you’ll be looking at the lower end of that average lifespan for sure.
But, there are other factors to take into consideration too, such as the quality of the carpet. Is your carpet designed to be very short and tight? If so, this might not last as long as one that’s looser and thicker. The tightness of the fibers means it’s easier for them to wear down and cause patches. Obviously, the material also plays a huge role in the build-quality. Some materials last longer than others, so if you’ve bought a very cheap carpet, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t last as long as a more expensive one that’s made with higher quality materials.
Another thing to take into account is where the carpet is in your home. Carpeted hallways and stairs will always wear out the quickest because people walk on them more than anywhere else.
A carpet in your dining room will probably last the longest as it’s not a room where people are always walking around. In conjunction with this, it depends on your family and how many people live in your home. If you’re sharing a small house with one person, then your carpet will last much longer than someone with the same carpet living with their family of five.
How do I know if I need a new carpet?
In relation to all of this, it’s useful if you’re aware that your carpet has run its course and needs replacing. This can stop you from going years with an ugly carpet, and get your hands on something more updated and durable.
A key thing to look for is general wear and tear. Are there loads of rips in your carpet with the fibers showing and the main surface no longer visible? Not only that but does it feel a lot rougher and not as soft as it used to? These are both signs that a new carpet is needed, and you should start looking for it right away.
Along with this, be on the lookout for bad smells and stains that won’t go away. Have you tried cleaning your carpet using many different methods, only to still see stains showing through? This is a sign that you’ve got a permanent stain and a new carpet is on the agenda.
Here at Carpet Nurse, we can help you with all your carpeting needs. Whether you want a new one installed, or an existing one cleaned & maintained, we’ll handle it for you. Feel free to get in touch with us today if you’re interested.