If you’re thinking of installing wall-to-wall carpet in your home, you’ll want to be sure this “permanent fixture” will wear well. Truth be told, you needn’t worry that it might eventually “wear out” because modern residential carpets seldom do. Instead, your carpet’s appearance is more likely to be susceptible to discoloration over time. Assuming you can avoid accidental spills, there are some practical things you can do to help maintain your carpet’s original condition. For example, since most soiling comes from footwear, consider placing mats at entry points to trap debris before it can be tracked in. Also, install quality underpadding to provide resilience to traffic and use casters and gliders to protect your carpet’s pile. Finally, since carpet wears first in high traffic areas, periodically rearrange furniture, and do your best to control sunlight exposure, which will cause fading on most fabrics.
