How often should carpet be replaced?

Most residential carpet lasts 8 to 15 years before it needs replacing. Bedroom carpet often hits the high end of that range; stairs and main-floor traffic lanes wear out first. Watch for these five replacement signs in the rooms you use most.

Plan to replace when:

• Pile is matted or crushed in walking paths
• Seams are visible or fraying
• Smell or staining survives a professional clean
• Allergies flare up in carpeted rooms

Wool premium lines can run 20 years with care. Entry-level polyester in a busy household can be done in 5 to 7.