How Often Should You Replace Carpet?

Carpet is not designed to last forever. Knowing when to replace it – and when a repair or professional clean will do the job instead – saves you money and keeps your home looking its best.

Here is how to tell when your carpet needs replacing.

How Long Does Carpet Last?

With reasonable care, quality carpet lasts between 8 and 15 years. The lifespan depends on three things: the quality of the carpet, the amount of traffic it receives, and how well it has been maintained.

• Bedrooms – 12 to 15 years with moderate use.
• Living rooms – 8 to 12 years.
• Hallways and stairs – 5 to 10 years, depending on traffic.

Signs It Is Time to Replace

Look for these warning signs:

• Visible wear – flattened, matted areas where the pile has lost its spring, especially in walkways and under furniture.
• Bald spots – areas where fibres have worn away entirely.
• Persistent stains and odours – marks that professional cleaning cannot remove.
• Fraying and shedding – fibre loss along edges, seams, and high-traffic areas.
• Allergies and health concerns – older carpets trap dust, allergens, and pet dander that no cleaning can fully remove.
• Wrinkles and ripples – carpet that no longer lies flat can become a trip hazard.

When Repairs Are Enough

Not every problem requires a full replacement. A small area of damage – a burn, a pet accident, a stubborn stain – can often be repaired by patching in new carpet cut from leftover pieces. We keep offcuts from many installations and can usually match your carpet exactly.

If your carpet is simply dirty or flat but otherwise in good condition, a professional deep clean can transform it and extend its life by several years.

Is It Time?

As a general rule: if your carpet is over 10 years old and showing visible wear, replacement is usually better value than repeated repairs. New carpet costs less than you might think, and the difference in comfort, warmth, and appearance is immediate.

When your carpet has served its time, replacing it is one of the most cost-effective home improvements there is.