Carpet performance ratings are a tool used by some manufacturers to help you select the most appropriate carpet for different areas of your home. They can be found on the carpet label.
Rated from 1 to 5, the scale represents the carpet’s ability to withstand extended wear. A carpet with a higher performance rating (such as 5 or 4) is one that will maintain its new appearance longer in various traffic conditions than one with a lower performance rating. A rating of 4.0 is considered outstanding. These carpets are recommended for heavy traffic locations, including family rooms. A rating of 2.5 to 4 is rated to provide “Average” durability. These carpets can be used in most homes, if properly maintained. Carpets with rating below 2.5 should be considered for light to moderate traffic areas such as bedrooms.
These ratings do not take into account soiling, poor maintenance or other factors of use; just the change of texture related to matting and crushing that might occur from walking on it. For these reasons, it is not practical to associate years of wear with the performance ratings.
Not all manufacturers or retailers provide this numerical rating, but those who do believe it helps consumers make appropriate carpet selections for their homes. A large family with heavy foot traffic on stairs or hallways might want to choose carpet with a high rating. On the contrary, a small family looking for a carpet for a guest bedroom may wish to choose a carpet with a lower rating.
