5 Worst Carpet Brands To Avoid and 6 Most Reliable Brands

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford

Choosing a carpet is more than just choosing the right color or pattern. Aside from the visual impact they provide, carpets are also beneficial in making a childproof home, regulating traffic in a room, and offering cushioning to the feet.

Unfortunately, and like all else, carpets are not built the same. As such, it is imperative to be aware of the carpet brands to avoid.

In this list, we shall objectively look at some of the best carpet brands to consider and the worst carpet brands in terms of stability, construction, feel on the feet, insulation, and more. You need this before carpet shopping so before going on your way to buying one, read this first.

In this article

Carpet buying guide

For you to avoid bad carpet brands, you should understand some factors that would allow you to easily spot a lemon carpet brand. With this, here is a list of essential tips to look for in good carpets.

1. Weight and density

Measured in ounces, good carpets should have a weight and density amounting to 25-50-ounces. Note that the greater the weight and density of the carpet, the greater the visual impact, cushioning, and longevity of the carpets.

2. Carpet material

Carpets are made from different fabrics and while each has its own set of pros and cons, the most versatile ones are nylon, olefin, polyester, cotton, wool, and sisal.

3. Carpet style

There are three major types of carpet styles: cut pile, loop pile, and cut and loop pile. For you to choose the best carpet for your home, note that cut piles are the best for residential settings while loop piles are for high-traffic homes and commercial settings. Cut and loop carpets could go well for both residential and commercial settings.

4. Resistance and maintenance

For this, you have to cross check reviews from the net or get actual testimonies from friends who have experienced a brand’s carpet performance.

A good carpet must have high resistance to stains, fading, and also twisting/looping. Most importantly, they should be low-maintenance which means that they must be easy to wash and can be bleached if needed.

5. Warranty

No matter the price range, a good carpet brand must have a good warranty coverage and the company/manufacturer should stand by their warranty clauses. Customer service responses are also good determinants of good carpet brands.

5 Worst Carpet Brands To Avoid

Without much ado, let us look into some of the worst carpet brands to avoid and the reasons behind their low carpet rating in the market.

We based this list on actual testimonies of homeowners, designers, and contractors as well as general star ratings of these brands in major online stores.

1. Capel Rugs

This is an American household name when it comes to rugs and carpets. But for some reasons, the recent years have been witnesses to the dropping star rating and customer satisfaction in terms due to the worsening carpet quality of their products.

Here are the main issues linked to Capel Rugs carpet in the last five years:

Fibers are sprouting after five to seven washes.
The carpet ripples under high humidity conditions.
Loses thickness, becomes matted and crushed under high-traffic areas.
Traps dusts in the loops.
Not stain resistant.
Short warranty period.

2. StainMaster Carpet

When it comes to a variety of textures, colors, and patterns, this one is consistent on being a top brand on style and color domains. Also, they come in very reasonable prices so it is understandable that a lot of customers get enticed.

However, the main testimony surrounding this carpet brand is that their carpets easily worn out and other things such as:

Color fading issues after a few washes.
Too many loops that attract dirt.
Short lifespan due to matting and crushing problems.
Stains are hard to eliminate.
Warranty is considered a scam by online testimonies of homeowners.

3. Mohawk Carpets

Despite their 200 years of reputable branding, there have been subtle complaints about this carpet brand over the years and now, due to online reviews and ratings, these issues have gained traction.

Known for their modern, colorful, and unorthodox styles, Mohawk Carpets have the following drawbacks according to carpet reviews and market rating:

Removing stains in the carpet is as good as buying another one.
Carpets lose weight, density, and pile fiber easily.
Quality of carpets are generally rated as below average to average.
Designs are no longer that fresh and competitive.

4. Shaw Carpet

We know how sad and shocking to see this brand on this list because it is one of the largest, and most established carpet mills in the US.

They are known for their reasonable prices and innovative styles. The main issue for this carpet brand is that there have been a sprouting of unauthorized reselling stores offering cheap quality Shaw Carpet products that have the following drawbacks:

Vulnerable to trapping dirt and stains
Patterned and textured carpets fade after just a year
Issues on carpet pigmentation
Main company do not support warranty claims even from authorized distributors

5. Karastan Carpet

This one is another shocker for this list because it is one of those companies that manufacture carpets using an exclusive, patented strand.

They offer at least 130 styles in different fabric types and materials. Regardless, the quality of their carpets has been disappointing for a significant percentage of customers especially those that have bought some online. Some of these quality issues are:

Requires professional cleaning for simple dirt and mud.
Vacuuming regularly frills and damages the carpet’s edges.
Issues on easy splitting and tearing.
Issues on matting and crushing.
Warranty clauses are not that enforced.

6 Most Reliable Carpet Brands

On a more positive note, there are also lots of carpet brands in the market that have really lived up to their reputation over the years. Without much ado, let us look into some of the most reliable carpet brands out there.

1. Fabrica

This one is a notable, high-end carpet and flooring brand. It offers thousands of luxe looking and durable, long-lasting carpets.

Customers and home contractors alike love their carpets’ strength, density, colorful and eclectic patterns, and their non-fade, stain-resistant products. Some of their selling points include:

Specializes in nylon and wool carpets.
Compliant to Green Label Plus certification.
Hypoallergenic carpets.
Does not smell in moisture and high humidity rooms.

2. Dreamweaver

This brand consistently tops online stars rating and has an overall 4.5 out of 5 customer reviews in their website for the last seven years.

They are known for hard-wearing, innovative designs, variety of colors, thickness, textures, and carpet grading. The best carpet features of their products are the following:

Offers a selection of pet-friendly carpets.
Thousands of styles, patterns, colors, and shades to choose from.
Customizable color palette.
High color-retaining capability and stain-resistance.

3. Anderson Tuftex

This is a very popular brand which has really mastered the art of twisted and tight carpet builds as well as colorful shades, modern lines, and patterned weaves.

They offer a lot of natural tones too and they have perfected their natural fiber carpet construction. The selling points of this well-rated and very famous brand are the following:

Commendable for upscale, formal rooms and commercial settings.
Delivers their branding of durability and high resistance to stains, crushing, and matting.
Longevity is up to 15 years.
Good customer service and warranty coverage.

4. Dupont

Aside from their beautiful and quality carpets, this carpet deserves the top spot in the carpet review rankings of 2020 and first half of 2021.

It is a science-backed brand whose main selling point is their sustainability measures in carpet production. Other than this, you can enjoy these features from Dupont carpets:

Durable for high traffic areas.
Hypoallergenic; good for homes with pets and children.
Easy to clean and almost resistant to stains, smears, and dirt.
Does not crush and mat for years.
Keep the texture, thickness, and shape for a long time.

5. Engineered Flooring LLC

This brand brought the Beaulieu America carpet company which for a time was considered as the third largest carpet manufacturing company in the world. Up to now, they still produce the world-famous Bliss Carpet.

Bliss carpet features thousands of carpet selections ranging from carpet tile, and wall-to-wall featuring nylon, polyester, olefin, and fabric combinations. According to customers, these are the well-loved selling points of Bliss:

Comes in 81 designs, 10 colors, and hundreds of patterns, textures, and carpet grading.
Magic Fresh odor treatment feature.
Silver Release antimicrobial treatment.
Room specific carpet catalogues.
Affordable selections.

6. Atlas Carpet Mills

This one is a high-end carpet brand recommended for luxe home projects, known for their extensive range of patterns and colors.

This brand is a household name which is also known for their customizable carpets, famous in both residential and commercial settings.

Over the years, Atlas has received a consistent 5 out of 5 stars thanks to their four commendable carpet selections: Bellissimo, Metafora, Metropolitan, Momentum, and Ville Des Lumieres.

Mistakes to avoid when buying a carpet

We have covered the best and worst carpet brands as well as a buying guide for you to spot which ones deserve the carpet choice. In this section, we dive into some of the mistakes that you should avoid when you are buying carpets for the home.

1. Move on from carpet weight

Just because face weight can be quantified would mean that thicker or heavier carpets are better than those that are thinner and lighter in density and face weight.

Sure, the proven density is 25-50-oz but salesmen should also explain to you the effect of loops and twists in carpet weight.

2. Never skip the padding

This is the most expensive mistake that you can commit so from here one, know that when it comes to carpets, never skip the padding or underlayment.

The padding gives your feet cushion, the floor insulation and protective layer, and gives your carpet a fuller look, stability and durability.

3. No, carpets are not the same

Thinking that carpets are all the same because they somewhat look the same and function the same is also a mistake that you would suffer from if you ever commit it.

No two carpets feel the same and are good to use in different rooms. There are carpet fibers that are made for low-traffic areas and those that would fare better in high-traffic areas. The key is on the details.

4. Incorrect square footage calculation

Measuring your floor area for the carpet coverage is a wise tip to do before going out to buy carpets. It benefits you because you can have a working estimate of the overall cost for the carpeting.

However, the square footage of your floor is not an accurate measure for your carpeting needs. So, correctly get your floor area and then leave the carpeting measurement to the salesperson.

5. Promotions are just promotions sometimes

There are companies that are low-rated because of their hidden charges on installation. Their carpets may be cheaper upfront but when they come for installation, everything is charged and you would not even know it because they mask it as fixed installation fee. Even carpets need a lot of marketing discernment.

6. Professional installation

When a friend offers to install the carpet for you or if you want to embark on a DIY carpet installation project, you might want to take a step back a bit and consider leaving it to professionals.

Rippling and buckling are the main issues in DIY carpet installation because of lack of knowledge regarding the existing flooring and the humidity conditions of the room. Remember, carpet installation is not just gluing or stretching it in on the floor.

7. The wrong carpet for your lifestyle

First of all, consider where the carpet shall be laid on as well as your home aesthetics and lifestyle. Do not choose plush pile carpets where mud and dirt are just on the corner.

Do not choose wool if you cannot manage the upkeep. Always remember that the carpet you want is not always the carpet you need and that is on period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the toughest carpet?

There are two answers to this: nylon in terms of fabric and loop pile in terms of type. Nylon is the most versatile of all, made of natural fibers like jute and sisal. It does not wear and tear, made for high-traffic areas, and are good choices in hiding dirt and stains plus they are easy to clean.

When it comes to stain-resistance and durability, loop pile carpets are also the most commendable. The strands are symmetrical, it has the softness and texture of plush, and their density and thickness give them their durability and longevity.

What is the best grade of carpet?

High-end carpets are still the best carpet grade. They are usually those that are in between 40-80-ounces in terms of face weight and density.

They are also said to last for 15-25 years. And do not get confused with the high-end tag. This carpet grade has a price range of $35-80 and up.

What is the cheapest brand of carpet?

In this domain, there are four carpet brands that are considered as the cheapest (per square foot):

Shaw Floors (the cheapest of the four): $0.80-3
Stain Master: $1.85-3
Mohawk: $2.45-5
Anderson Tuftex: $5.50-8

What is the best luxury carpet brand?

Luxe carpets are really a tier of its own and when it comes to this category, here are the four luxury carpet brands that you should be looking at: Fabrica, Karastan, Masland Carpets, Anderson Tuftex.

What is the best brand of carpet in the UK?

And since we have been talking about high quality brands at a world-wide coverage, let us give a shot to the best carpet brands in the UK for 2023-2024.

Are there eco-friendly carpet brands?

Yes, several carpet brands prioritize environmental sustainability in their manufacturing processes and product lines. Brands like FLOR and Interface offer eco-friendly carpet tiles made from recycled and sustainable materials. These brands are committed to reducing their environmental impact and providing customers with green options.

What should I know about carpet warranties?

Carpet warranties vary significantly between brands and even within a brand’s different product lines. Warranties can cover aspects such as wear, stains, and manufacturing defects. It’s important to read and understand the warranty details before purchasing, as it can affect your decision and provide peace of mind.

How important is carpet maintenance, and can it affect my choice of brand?

Maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your carpet and keeping it looking its best. Different brands may have specific care recommendations based on the carpet’s material and construction.

Regular vacuuming and prompt stain removal are key, but for deeper cleaning, considering a professional rug cleaning service is beneficial. Professional cleaning can help maintain the carpet’s appearance and longevity, especially for high-quality brands that you want to keep in top condition for as long as possible.

Can I install carpets from these brands myself, or do I need a professional?

While some carpet brands offer DIY-friendly options, professional installation is recommended for most carpet types to ensure the best fit, finish, and performance.

Professional installers can also address any subfloor issues and ensure that the carpet is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, which is often necessary to maintain the warranty.

How do I get the best deal on carpets from these top brands?

To get the best deal, compare prices from different retailers and look out for sales or promotions. Some stores offer discounts on installation or special financing deals when you purchase from them.

Subscribing to brands’ or retailers’ newsletters can also alert you to upcoming sales and exclusive offers.

Are there any recent trends in carpeting from these brands?

Recent trends include a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, as well as technology integration for stain resistance and durability.

Textured and patterned carpets are gaining popularity for their ability to hide dirt and wear. Additionally, soft and plush carpets remain a favorite for bedrooms and living areas for added comfort.

How does professional rug cleaning fit into maintaining a carpet from these brands?

Professional rug cleaning is an essential part of maintaining the beauty and extending the lifespan of your carpet, regardless of the brand. These services use specialized equipment and solutions to deep clean without damaging the fibers, something that regular vacuuming cannot achieve.

Regular professional cleaning, recommended at least once a year or more often for high-traffic areas, can remove deep-seated dirt, allergens, and stains, thereby preserving your carpet’s appearance and hygiene.

Other worst brands to avoid:

Conclusion

When it comes to carpeting, the visual appeal, the upsides, and the functionality of a carpet for the home do not depend on the carpet itself but on the brand that manufactures them.

If you want something that is really built to last, you need to cross check popular brands because not all deliver well.

Hence, before coming up with a final carpet choice, you have to come up with a list of brands to consider first before buying.

With what we have covered here, you already have a heads-up of what to look for and where to look for them. But the major takeaway here is that your carpet choice should be geared towards quality over looks and personal preference.