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The need to replace your flooring depends on the type of flooring and the amount of wear and tear it experiences through foot traffic. For example, you should replace carpet every ten years, but other, more durable options like tile can last up to 30 years. It’s best to speak with your flooring installation professional to determine the best course for replacing your flooring. 

While not always required, experts recommend removing baseboards before removing old carpet and installing a new one. This practice leads to a smoother process and a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. Removing the baseboards allows for a seamless carpet installation without the risk of damaging either the carpet or the trim. It also provides a good opportunity to repaint or stain the baseboards and inspect the underlying wall for any issues. If you prefer a quicker option, you can carefully cut the old carpet along the edge of the baseboards, but this may result in a less polished installation for the new carpet.

Carpeting with a low pile is both slip-resistant and soft, making it one of the safest types of flooring in the case of slips and falls. In order to be fully ADA-compliant, carpet shouldn’t exceed the thickness of half an inch, and you should secure the edges to the floor to prevent trip hazards.

Other ADA-compliant flooring options include hardwood, laminate, or ceramic tile with a gritty, anti-slip surface. Ceramic or porcelain tile are actually some of the best types of flooring for wheelchair users.

Nylon carpet is widely considered one of the most durable and longest-lasting options, typically lasting 12 to 15 years. Its durability comes from its high resistance to wear, tear, stains, fading, and abrasions. It also resists liquid spills, insects, mold, and mildew, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways. For even greater longevity, frieze or Berber carpets are excellent choices that can last up to 20 to 25 years.

Beyond the material, a carpet's construction is key to its durability. Low-pile carpets with short, tight loops hold up better against wear than high-pile options. As a synthetic material, nylon is available in a vast range of colors and styles and often feels remarkably soft.