On the label of every residential carpeting style, you'll find an easy-to-find, easy-to-understand "Performance Rating."

The scale is from 1 to 5, and it represents the carpeting's ability to withstand extended wear. A perfect rating of 5 means that after rigorous, industry-standard testing, the carpeting maintained the appearance of brand new carpet.

A rating of 4.0 or above is considered outstanding. These carpets are recommended for heavy traffic locations, including family rooms and children's areas.

A rating of 2.5 to 4.0 is predicted to provide normal durability. These carpets can be used in most home applications if properly maintained and cleaned.

A rating below 2.5 should be considered for light to moderate traffic areas only, such as bedrooms.

It's not practical to associate years with the carpeting durability rating. There are so many variable factors--area of the home, traffic patterns, number of inhabitants, level of proper maintenance, etc.--that what might be only 3 years of acceptable carpeting performance to one could be a lifetime to another.

The carpet performance rating results from rigorous testing that conforms to industry standards. Some of the factors that determine a carpeting's performance rating include the following:

Face weight - More ounces per square yard is better.
Twist - Higher twist helps resist crushing & matting
Density - Higher density improves comfort and performance

When purchasing carpet for high traffic areas in your home, such as the family room, hallways and stairways, it is important to select durable carpet. Here are some quick tips for purchasing high performance carpet and cushion that meet the demands of a busy environment.

1. density - refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the tufts. The denser, the better. Choose a dense, firm construction.
2. twist - describes the winding of the yarn around itself. Choose a tighter twist for enhanced durability.
3. pile/construction
   • cut pile - Choose a shorter pile height.
   • berber/loop - Choose a shorter, tighter yarn loop.
   For more information read our Selecting Carpet page.

Select the appropriate carpet cushion, or pad, according to the carpet manufacturer's requirements for type, thickness, and density. Carpet cushion is made primarily from polyurethane foam, fiber, or rubber. The type and thickness of cushion needed varies according to the type of carpet:

1. Cut pile, cut and loop, or high-level loop carpet requires a resilient, firm cushion with a maximum thickness of 7/16 inch with a minimum FHA density.
2. Berber, and other low-pile carpet, requires a thin, dense cushion with a maximum thickness of 3/8 inch.

For more information read our Selecting Cushion/Pad page.