Carpet’s cozy, comfortable, and great at tying a room together. But like anything in your home, it doesn’t last forever. At a certain point, even the best carpet starts to show its age—and no amount of deep cleaning can bring it back.
So, when should you replace your old carpet? That depends on a few things, such as foot traffic, age, and how much life it has already seen. But when you’ve decided it’s time, our experts at Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring is here to help you find the perfect new look!
Here’s what to watch for and how to know when it’s time to start fresh.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Carpet
Most carpets last anywhere from 8 to 15 years—but that number isn’t set in stone. Several things can speed up (or slow down) wear and tear:
- Foot traffic – Busy areas, such as stairs, hallways, and living rooms, naturally wear out faster.
- Carpet quality – Higher-end materials and denser fibres tend to last longer.
- Pets and kids – Accidents, spills, and “creative” messes? Say no more.
- Cleaning habits – Regular vacuuming and the occasional professional clean can add years to your carpet’s life.
- Sun exposure – UV rays can fade colours, especially in bright, sunny rooms.
If you’ve had your carpet for over a decade and it’s seen a lot of wear and tear, it’s probably time to take a closer look.
When to Replace Your Old Carpet: 5 Key Signs
1. It Looks Worn No Matter What You Do
Even after a deep clean, it still looks tired. The colour is faded, the texture is matted, and no amount of furniture rearranging hides the worst spots. If your carpet looks older than your home, that’s a sign it’s ready to go.
2. Stains That Just Won’t Budge
If your carpet has permanent stains (wine, ink, pet accidents, etc.), especially in high-traffic zones, replacement might be your best option. Some stains even soak into the padding, which is almost impossible to clean out.
3. Unwanted Smells
When carpet starts to smell, despite cleaning, it usually means odours have worked their way into the fibres or padding. Musty, pet-related, or mildew-like smells are common warning signs.
4. Visible Damage
Frays, holes, wrinkles, or areas that have completely worn down aren’t just cosmetic issues. They can be tripping hazards, especially for kids or seniors. Once the carpet starts coming apart, it’s time to replace it.
5. It’s Just Old
Honestly? Sometimes it’s just been too long. If your carpet is more than 12–15 years old and you’ve already been thinking about an update, take this as your sign.
Out with the Old, In With the Comfy New Carpet!
Knowing when to replace old carpet isn’t always black and white—but if your floors check off a few of the signs above, it might be time. The good news is that new carpet can completely refresh a space, making it feel warmer, quieter, and more inviting.
At Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring, we make the process simple. Whether you’re replacing a single room or the entire house, we’ll help you find the right carpet for your space and lifestyle. We offer our customers a large variety of high-quality carpet flooring so that you can select the size, material, and design that suits your space.
