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The Worst Carpet for High Traffic Areas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It goes without saying that the carpet you choose for your hallways, stairways, and other high traffic areas should be able to endure a lot of pressure and wear-and-tear. So take care—not all carpet is created equal, particularly when it comes to the best kind of carpet you need for high traffic areas. The following […]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It goes without saying that the carpet you choose for your hallways, stairways, and other high traffic areas should be able to endure a lot of pressure and wear-and-tear. So take care—not all carpet is created equal, particularly when it comes to the best kind of carpet you need for high traffic areas.

The following is a list of the worst carpet types for these kinds of rooms. Unless you want your new carpeting to wear down after only a few years, avoid these types of carpet for your high traffic areas!

 Cut Pile Carpets

One of the types of carpets deemed worst for high traffic areas is the cut pile carpet— a style that has been sheared so that its carpet fiber ends are exposed. The cut pile carpet has become one of the most popular types of flooring these days and has been made available in various designs, colors, lengths, and thicknesses. Typically, cut pile carpets are comprised of nylon, wool or polyester.

However, the disadvantage of using this carpet style is that it typically gives off a worn-out appearance even when the carpet is still functioning well. The cut pile carpet’s long-cut fibers are bent or untwisted over the short ones, putting the looped fibers out of sight. You can also observe a gap between the cut fibers, which makes the movement of the fibers more visible. This can make the cut pile carpet look as though it is already old and worn-out.

Cut pile carpet should be avoided in hallways, stairs, and other high traffic areas because of its worn-out effect. With greater traffic, this appearance will likely become more noticeable. On the other hand, cut pile carpets can be recommended to areas, such as bedrooms and living rooms, which often have low to moderate traffic.

Multi-Level Loop Carpets

Another type of flooring deemed as another bad carpet for high-traffic areas is the multi-level loop carpet. Technically, this type of carpet is similar to the textured loop carpets that offer height variations, giving the carpet a patterned design. Because of the varied loops, these reflect light in different ways. Multi-level loop carpets have more visible patterns because of the greater variations in loop sizes.

Although multi-level loop carpets can add a special touch to any of your rooms, these are not recommended for high-traffic areas. This type of looped carpet should be avoided if the area is often occupied by kids or pets. The multi-level loop carpets are prone to snagging, which can cause unraveling. Larger loops should also be avoided when it comes to durability in high-traffic areas. Their carpet fibers tend to bend, giving the carpet a dirty and worn-out appearance. They should also be handled with care, especially when vacuuming or when moving furniture over the carpet. Pulling a loop out will cause runs throughout the carpet if not immediately fixed.

Plush Carpets

Finally, plush carpets are the last type of flooring you would want in high-traffic areas. This type of carpet comes with a sheared surface pile that gives off a smooth and soft finish. Because the yarn is minimally twisted, the ends are blended together and the overall look is given a luxurious finish. However, plush carpets are likely to “shade” when used often. Your footprints can easily show and their color may look different from time to time due to the fibers’ tendency to reflect light differently. Despite being a beautiful addition to any space, plush carpets are best avoided in high-traffic areas and should be placed in rooms that are only occasionally occupied.


Taking some time to understand the importance of materials, textures and designs can help maximize your carpet’s life, even in high-traffic areas. It’s best to anticipate the wear-and-tear your carpet will need to handle. Being well-informed when buying carpet is well worth the time and will save you hundreds of dollars over time.

Have questions about the best carpet for your high traffic areas? Schedule a consultation with a Windows, Floors & Decor rep. During your an in-home consultation, your rep will give you expert advice on what kind of carpet will withstand the weight of daily life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button css_animation=”bounceIn” url=”https://www.windowsfloorsdecor.com/contact/appointment/” size=”large” hover_animation=”bounce-in” icon_left=”fa fa-calendar”]Schedule Your Carpet Consultation Today[/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]