How long does carpet typically last with normal care?

It depends on carpet grade, underpad quality and foot traffic, but a reasonable planning range for residential carpet is roughly 8 to 15 years before matting, wear or style changes make replacement the better option. In an older Hamilton house with an original subfloor, a room that has been re-stretched once or twice usually sits at the upper end of that range; a basement rec room that has stayed damp, or a staircase carrying daily traffic, can need attention sooner.