Carpet Performance Ratings

• A useful tool in gauging a carpet's quality is the carpet performance rating. Carpet manufacturers who use this 1-to-5 scale provide it to help consumers select the appropriate carpet. Carpets for high-traffic areas should rate at 4 or higher to maintain its appearance over time. The higher the number the more likely it is that the carpet will withstand extended use.
  
  

Assessing Carpet Durability

• High-pile carpets wear more easily than low-pile carpets.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If a carpet does not have a carpet performance rating, you can still assess the quality. Three important factors in carpet quality are its density, twist and pile. Density refers to how closely the carpet fibers are packed. More densely constructed carpets provide greater durability. Each fiber of the carpet twists, and the tighter the twist, the less likely it will look worn quickly. Carpet comes in either a cut pile or a Berber construction. In either case, the lower the height of the carpet or tighter the loop, the longer it will last.
  
  

Stain Resistant Carpets

• Carpet warranties may only cover food and beverage stains.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  High-traffic areas stain more frequently than low-traffic areas. Stain-resistant carpets address this problem. When choosing a stain-resistant carpet, it is important to read the warranty information carefully. Many only cover stains caused by food and beverages, which may not be the main concern in households with high traffic, pets or children.
  
  

Choosing a Carpet Pad

• Padding beneath the carpet increases its durability.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Carpet durability depends on quality padding beneath the carpet. Consumers who skimp on the padding will find that even quality carpets will wear out more quickly. Poor-quality carpet will not be helped by high-quality padding, but high-quality carpet needs high-quality padding beneath it to last. Selecting the right pad is as simple as using the recommendation of the carpet manufacturer.