How Long Does Wall-to-Wall Carpet Last?

 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.

The oldest existing carpet, still in excellent condition (for its age), is a Turkish or Persian carpet found frozen in a tomb in Russia. It is called the Pazyryk Carpet. It is from about 500 BC. But don’t expect your carpet to last over 2,500 years.

Durability of a carpet depends on two factors, quality and cleanliness. The higher the quality of the carpet and the more often that it is cleaned, the longer a carpet will last.

Fabrication does have an effect on the life of a carpet. The two best types of carpet are those made from wool and nylon. Each has its pluses and minuses.

Wool carpets are very durable, but less likely to resist the scratching of little claws of beloved pets. Plus they do fade in sunlight, and they require special cleaning agents. Being a natural fabric, wool is prone to mildew. Nylon carpets do better with pets and mildew, but if stains are not addressed immediately, they are more likely to never come out of the carpet.

After fabrication, face weight, density, and twist will all contribute to the life of your carpet. The best carpets have a face weight of 60 ounces or more, a density of 2,500, and seven or more twists per inch.

When it comes to style, frieze carpets are the best because they have seven to nine twists per inch.

To increase the life of your carpet, stains should be addressed immediately. Carpets should be vacuumed every two to three days, and cleaned every 12-18 months.

Checkout these carpet cleaning hacks for some more ideas.

The last factor in determining the life of a carpet is location. Where in your home or office will you be using the carpet? Obviously, the higher the traffic, the lower the life span of the carpet. Use, dirt, friction, pets, sunlight, and humidity all negatively affect carpet.

So, in summation, expect your carpet to last with its original glow for three to five years. If you keep it really clean, perhaps you will get ten years out of it. But, like with everything else in modern life, there are constantly new developments in carpet technology. And changes in style come rapidly. By the time your carpet is beginning to look worn, there will be an improved product on the market.

BUT, if you are determined to make your carpet last forever (well, at least 2,500 years), you can always put a layer of permafrost over the top or put it in the refrigerator. Don’t think either option is very workable.

We suggest you let us at City Tile in Murfreesboro help you enjoy the life of the one you have, and find the perfect new one when the time comes.

How long has the carpet been in your home? Tell us in the comments below!