How long should carpet last?

While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long a carpet should last, the quality of the carpet and where it is used are among the factors that can make a significant difference.

A carpet in a spare bedroom that is rarely used will last much longer than one in a commercial building with a high footfall. The cheapest carpet you can buy will wear out much more quickly than a premium quality carpet, meaning paying as little as possible may be a false economy.

How often should you replace your carpet?

Though you cannot predict when a carpet needs replacing, there are signs that it is time to replace it. A modern carpet should last between five and fifteen years, but how long a carpet actually lasts depends on the quality of its construction and the level of foot traffic.

If there are threadbare areas or immovable stains, then it is time to replace your carpet. Strong odours that remain after deep cleaning may also be a sign that it’s time for a new one.

If the carpet pile stood up when new and is now flat, this indicates that the carpet is wearing out. A carpet may look a lighter shade in some areas than others. A faded carpet may not necessarily need replacing, but if aesthetics are important, it is a good idea to change it.

How long does a carpet last in a buy-to-let?

Some landlords do not install carpets in buy-to-let property because they prefer solid flooring like laminates and vinyl, which are easy to clean and less prone to staining. This may be a good idea for multi-occupancy property for young people who have parties or invite their friends over regularly. Carpet in these properties gets lots of use and if wine, coffee and other split liquids are not cleaned up promptly, the carpet can soon look stained.

For the more luxury end of the buy-to-let property market, tenants expect good-quality furniture and fittings. It is appropriate for these properties to have good quality carpets, perhaps even wool ones. Provided that the tenants regularly clean the carpets and look after them, the carpets should last a long time.

If a carpet is a little worn, some landlords like to replace them when tenants change. If the carpet is not replaced, it probably needs a thorough clean before a new tenant arrives.

How often should a carpet be cleaned?

Cleaning helps to prolong the life of a carpet. Regular vacuuming, at least once a week or more will keep the carpet free of loose dirt and dust, but dirt can get embedded at the bottom of the pile. To remove ingrained dirt, the carpet should be professionally cleaned. You could hire a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself, but this may not be as thorough a job as a professional using an industrial-grade carpet cleaner.

Professional carpet cleaning should be carried out at least once a year, but every six months for a heavily used carpet. A deep cleaning may be required more frequently for carpets in commercial premises. Some carpet warranties will specify that the carpets must be cleaned regularly, otherwise the warranty is void.

What about carpet warranties?

Many manufacturers will provide a warranty for a carpet. If, for example, the warranty is for 10 years, expect your carpet to last at least that long, but it should last a little longer. A manufacturer will only provide a warranty if they are sure that the carpet will last the warranty length as they don’t want their carpets to wear out before that time, as this will cost them considerably in settling warranty claims.

Not all warranties are the same, and some exclude common issues. A basic warranty will cover the construction of the carpet and guarantee that it will not fall apart within the warranty period. If the warranty covers this basic criterion, it may not cover texture retention or appearance. A pile that stands tall when the carpet is new may look flat after a while. Carpet fibres are twisted together and can untwist over time, making the carpet appear fuzzy or flat. A texture retention warranty means that the carpet is a high-quality one where the pile will remain fixed.

Most warranties do not include cover for stains such as coffee and wine. If the carpet is not cleaned regularly, dirt can get embedded in the carpet and it will look soiled. Carpets coated with stain-resistant treatments may have a guarantee that covers stains, but there could be exclusions for certain substances.

Carpets that are in direct sunlight a lot of the time may fade after a while. Some carpets are fade-resistant and the warranty will cover this, but cheaper carpets will not have this cover.

What type of carpet is likely to last the longest?

There are several factors that affect the durability of a carpet. Firstly, the fibre, with nylon or wool lasting longest. Then there is the weight and density of fibres. By and large, dense fibre heavyweight carpets will last longer.

The carpet fibres are twisted on most good carpet. Look for a carpet with a twist level of seven twists per inch or more.

There is no difference between how long a light-coloured carpet lasts compared to a dark one, but of course stains show up more on light colours. A pattern carpet may camouflage stains.

If a carpet doesn't look dirty, there may be a temptation not to clean it as often as a light coloured one. Remember, whether you have a light or dark colour carpet, both need to be cleaned regularly if you want the maximum lifespan for the carpet, and ensure good hygiene in the home.

Is it better to buy an expensive carpet for its durability?

Realistically, you want a carpet to last at least 15 years, rather than a very cheap one that needs replacing after a year or two. Buy the best quality within your budget. Choose one that looks good and feels soft to walk on, and preferably a carpet that has a long guarantee. As long as the carpet is regularly kept clean and all spills promptly mopped up, expect a good grade carpet should last many years.