How Long Do Carpets Last?

Even premium carpets won’t last forever, but with the right care, you can enjoy years of comfort. Below, we cover how long the floors normally last, what influences a carpet’s lifespan, and how often to change carpet in the home.

If your carpet’s feeling worn and you’re ready to explore new options, contact our local team at Floor Coverings International® of Northwest Indianapolis for a free consultation. We’ll bring the carpet samples to you and offer free professional advice, so you can find the perfect name-brand flooring without the guesswork.

What Affects a Carpet’s Lifespan

How long do carpets last? While carpet can be a long-lasting investment, its lifespan depends on the type you choose and how well it’s cared for.

On average, most carpets last between five and 15 years, while higher-quality options can stretch to 20 years.

However, these factors influence how long carpet lasts:

• Foot-traffic: Busy areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways wear down faster than low-traffic spaces like bedrooms.
• Climate: Our Indiana weather is tough on carpets. Wet winters bring in snow, mud, and salt, while humid summers can create extra stress.
• Pets and kids: Carpets in family households or homes with pets see plenty of spills, dirty shoes, and occasional accidents that can wear out the carpet fibers and shorten your carpet’s life.
• Carpet quality: Fiber type, density, and pile height all influence how long a carpet lasts. That's why many Northwest Indianapolis homeowners invest in higher-quality carpets with dense fibers that can handle heavy wear.
• Padding: Sometimes considered an afterthought, quality padding is important because it absorbs impact, reduces stress on carpet fibers, and helps the floor feel softer. Poor-quality padding may adversely affect even the highest-quality carpets.

How Often Should You Replace Your Carpet?

While there are too many complex factors to say exactly how often to replace carpet, many homeowners in Northwest Indianapolis find that they need to update their carpet every seven to 10 years. If you notice matting, stains that won’t come out, or lingering odors, it’s usually a sign it’s time for a replacement. With a new carpet, you refresh the look of your home and improve comfort and air quality.

Signs Your Carpet Needs an Update

If you’re dealing with stains that never come out, or fibers that don’t spring back like they used to, it might be time to consider updating to fresh carpet.

These are a few telltale signs your carpet’s ready to retire:

• Matted fibers: Over time, carpet fibers can lose their resilience and start to look flat or worn, especially in high-traffic areas. This is an indicator that the floors are ready to change.
• Stubborn stains: While spills and stains are a part of life, some stains leave marks that just won’t budge. When there are stains or odors that stay even after professional cleaning, it often means the damage has seeped into the carpet backing or padding. If that’s the case, replacement is the best option.
• Worn patches: Visible wear, like frayed edges, thinning fibers, or bare patches, makes the floor less comfortable and gives a tired appearance.
• Allergy flare-ups: Old carpets can trap dust, pet dander, and allergens deep in the fibers. If you or your family are experiencing more frequent allergy symptoms at home, it may be time to update your carpet to improve your indoor air quality.

Ready to Refresh Your Home with Brand-New Carpeting?

Northwest Indianapolis families love carpeted floors for their soft durability. However, over time, carpet can start to feel worn and uncomfortable. Now that you know how long carpets typically last and what to look for, you’ll know when to update your carpets.

If your carpet is showing its age, our team at Floor Coverings international® of Northwest Indianapolis, IN, is ready to offer you a Seamless Service experience. We’ll bring a wide selection of name-brand carpet samples directly to you and offer professional advice, an upfront quote, expert installation, and a follow-up guarantee.

Contact us for a free consultation or call us at (317) 463-5667 today.