Which is more durable, a rug or wall-to-wall carpet?

Wall-to-wall carpet is usually more durable in heavy-traffic homes because it's stretched tight, anchored at every wall, and backed by a dense underpad. An area rug shifts, curls, and wears unevenly along its edges.

Lifespan in a normal Ottawa home:

• Quality wall-to-wall nylon or triexta: 10 to 15 years
• Wool wall-to-wall: 15 to 20+ years
• Quality area rug (wool or solution-dyed nylon): 8 to 12 years
• Synthetic budget rug: 3 to 5 years before edges curl or pile mats

For high-traffic stairs, halls, and family rooms, fitted carpet outlasts rugs almost every time.