How Long Does Carpet Last? Plus Signs It Needs Replacing

Carpeting can feel great underfoot and make cold floors seem warm in the dead of winter, but as the carpet ages, the fibers become frayed or matted, causing the carpet to look and feel worn out. This wear and tear typically accumulates slowly over the years.

But just how long does carpet last?

How Long Does a Carpet Last?

On average, a carpet will last between five to 15 years, with proper maintenance. Carpets tend to last longer when they’re vacuumed regularly and deep cleaned annually, though you may need to invest in an area rug or mat to protect the carpet from matting or fraying in high-traffic locations.

The lifespan of a carpet depends on the strength of the fibers, the quality of the construction, and the frequency of traffic. High quality carpets with strong carpet fibers are more resistant to wear and tear, allowing them to last longer than a lower quality material. However, even high-quality carpets with premium carpet padding will wear down faster in a high-traffic area, like a front hall or a playroom.

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7 Signs You Need a Carpet Replacement

If you recognize any of these seven signs, then it’s time to start thinking about replacing it:

• Age is one of the most reliable signs that a carpet needs replacement. Generally, a carpet will last between five to 15 years with proper care, but it’s a good idea to start planning for carpet replacement once the carpet reaches a decade in age. 
• Frayed or torn carpet fibers can often be patched, depending on the severity of the damage. But the more fraying or tearing there is, the worst the carpet will look and feel. If the carpet has heavy signs of damage, consider replacing it.
• Increased allergy symptoms can be caused by allergens gradually building up in the carpet fibers. While vacuuming and deep cleaning with carpet shampoo may be able to help, older carpets can be tough to fully clean, so it may be better to replace the carpet.
• Lack of padding support can occur due to poor quality carpet padding or through regular wear and tear. As the padding is crushed underfoot during years of use, it gradually gets thinner and less comfortable to walk on.
• Lingering odors that don’t seem to fade, even after the carpet has been deep cleaned, indicate that the carpet needs to be replaced.
• Stains that are treated quickly can be removed with professional cleaning. However, as the carpet ages, stains tend to accumulate in a history of trips, spills, and other incidents. When this occurs, you should replace the carpet.
• Water damage can lead to mold and mildew growth spreading throughout the carpet. Typically, if the carpet has been wet for longer than 72 hours, you should replace it.

Tips for Prolonging the Carpet’s Lifespan

Learning some tips to extend the life of the carpet can help maintain an existing carpet while preparing you to take care of a new carpet in the future. Follow these tips to keep the carpet looking great for years to come.

• Avoid stepping on the carpet with shoes, boots, or other footwear. The dirt and grime that is collected on the bottom of a shoe can be tracked into the home, where it may be ground into the carpet fibers.
• Book a deep-cleaning for the carpet about once a year, depending on the amount of foot traffic and regular care the carpet receives.
• Frequently vacuum the carpet to collect dirt, small rocks, and other debris that may have been carried into the home.
• Immediately clean up spills before they have time to soak into the fibers and stain the carpet. If the spill does leave behind a stain, consider having it professionally cleaned to get the stain out.
• Invest in high-quality carpet padding to protect the back and bindings of the carpet. While the upfront cost may be higher, the carpet will last longer with high-quality carpet padding.
• Use mats and rugs to help protect the carpet in high-traffic areas of the home. When the mats or rugs get dirty, it’s easy to remove them for a quick cleaning.

Cost to Replace a Carpet

The cost to replace a carpet depends on the size and shape of the carpeted area, as well as the type of carpet, type of carpet padding, and the local labor cost for this type of work. Even if you decide to replace the carpet without professional help, there is still a cost to dispose of the existing carpet through a recycling or waste management facility. With these factors in mind, carpet replacement costs range from about $782 to $2,811, though the average cost to replace a carpet is $1,778.