Get matched with top carpet stretching pros in Lansing, NY

Decent carpet will last around 10 years on stairs. Some less durable carpets, like polyester, will only last five years on stairs. The ideal carpet, like wool or nylon, can last about 15 to 25 years. You’ll know when to replace it when it starts wearing down. You may have to replace it sooner if it's stained, whether due to water damage or pets.

Generally speaking, restretch your carpets once every five years, though this timeframe depends on a number of factors, such as the level of foot traffic in the area. If the carpet looks wrinkled and there are loosened areas on the floor, go for the restretch. If everything looks and feels fine, you are good.

Standard padding works like a sponge. It absorbs liquid, soaking up every drop of moisture that hits it. Moisture barrier padding does the opposite because it has a waterproof coating made of plastic film, rubber, or treated foam. It doesn’t absorb spills and keeps them on the surface instead, so you can clean them up before they damage your subfloor. 

Hiring a pro to stretch a carpet costs anywhere from $100 to $300, though this price increases if you also task the contractor to remove and replace the furniture from the room. Doing it on your own maxes out at $100, though renting the power stretcher and knee kicker extend the cost in some instances.