Carpet Warranties: Are They Worth it?

Average Cost To Install New Flooring Price Range: $1,215 - $2,460
See costs in your area

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Carpet padding: Many carpet manufacturers lay out specifications for the carpet padding. This may include thickness, density, or both. Read the warranty before choosing the padding. If you are receiving free padding as part of the deal with your retailer, it’s your job to make sure the retailer gives you the right material, weight, and thickness.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Common fine print in carpet warranties

Captain’s warning! We do our best to protect you (the consumer) and give you up to date accurate information. However, we can not be responsible for any inaccuracies in this article. Warranties are legal documents, so seek legal services as necessary.

Carpet padding: Many carpet manufacturers lay out specifications for the carpet padding. This may include thickness, density, or both. Read the warranty before choosing the padding. If you are receiving free padding as part of the deal with your retailer, it’s your job to make sure the retailer gives you the right material, weight, and thickness.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

The problem with carpet warranties lies in the fine print. All too often warranties are written in such a way that many customers have voided them in the first two years. Unfortunately for carpet shoppers, manufacturers are unlikely to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have voided the warranty in any way, you are unlikely to receive any compensation for your claim.

Common fine print in carpet warranties

Captain’s warning! We do our best to protect you (the consumer) and give you up to date accurate information. However, we can not be responsible for any inaccuracies in this article. Warranties are legal documents, so seek legal services as necessary.

Carpet padding: Many carpet manufacturers lay out specifications for the carpet padding. This may include thickness, density, or both. Read the warranty before choosing the padding. If you are receiving free padding as part of the deal with your retailer, it’s your job to make sure the retailer gives you the right material, weight, and thickness.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Warranties are designed to take some of the risk away from customers, eliminating the worry of their product not performing as advertised. Unfortunately, warranties in the carpet industry rarely do much more than give customers a false sense of security that persuades them into a purchase.

The problem with carpet warranties lies in the fine print. All too often warranties are written in such a way that many customers have voided them in the first two years. Unfortunately for carpet shoppers, manufacturers are unlikely to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have voided the warranty in any way, you are unlikely to receive any compensation for your claim.

Common fine print in carpet warranties

Captain’s warning! We do our best to protect you (the consumer) and give you up to date accurate information. However, we can not be responsible for any inaccuracies in this article. Warranties are legal documents, so seek legal services as necessary.

Carpet padding: Many carpet manufacturers lay out specifications for the carpet padding. This may include thickness, density, or both. Read the warranty before choosing the padding. If you are receiving free padding as part of the deal with your retailer, it’s your job to make sure the retailer gives you the right material, weight, and thickness.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Carpet Warranties: Are They Worth it?

Warranties are designed to take some of the risk away from customers, eliminating the worry of their product not performing as advertised. Unfortunately, warranties in the carpet industry rarely do much more than give customers a false sense of security that persuades them into a purchase.

The problem with carpet warranties lies in the fine print. All too often warranties are written in such a way that many customers have voided them in the first two years. Unfortunately for carpet shoppers, manufacturers are unlikely to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have voided the warranty in any way, you are unlikely to receive any compensation for your claim.

Common fine print in carpet warranties

Captain’s warning! We do our best to protect you (the consumer) and give you up to date accurate information. However, we can not be responsible for any inaccuracies in this article. Warranties are legal documents, so seek legal services as necessary.

Carpet padding: Many carpet manufacturers lay out specifications for the carpet padding. This may include thickness, density, or both. Read the warranty before choosing the padding. If you are receiving free padding as part of the deal with your retailer, it’s your job to make sure the retailer gives you the right material, weight, and thickness.

Cleaning specifications: Most warranties require professional carpet cleaning every year or two. Make sure to keep the receipt! One missing receipt gives the manufacturer a reason to deny your warranty claim.

Abuse: This is a broader category than the first two but equally important. Most warranties will describe appropriate levels of “use” of the carpet. This may include the amount of traffic, pets, or even light the carpet receives. This varies warranty to warranty, so there aren’t any specific details we can give. Nevertheless, the point is to look carefully for how the warranty states the carpet can be used and if any proof is required to show the carpet was used in this manner.

Price: Manufacturers will want you to show proof of the carpet cost. This sounds obvious, but it can and does trip people up. Here’s why: Wear warranties are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer, not the retailer. The retailer’s receipt might include the cost of carpet, padding, and installation all as one price. In this case, the manufacturer won’t be able to determine what you paid for just the carpet. To solve this issue, they likely won’t pay you at all. How do you avoid this? Make sure to get an itemized receipt that breaks down each individual part of you purchase (carpet, padding, installation, taxes, and any other fees).

Captain’s final words: Carpet warranties are more of a sales tactic than consumer protection. Since warranties are easily voided, manufacturers can provide extended warranties that they know are likely to outlast the carpet. When carpet shoppers find a carpet they like and assume it will last as long as the warranty, they are often disappointed. For this reason, it is recommended that you ignore manufacturer warranties. Instead, educate yourself one what makes a quality carpet. Everything you need can be found on this website. This is much more likely to lead you to a carpet you’ll love for years than any warranty will.

A note to those who insist on relying on a warranty: Go over the warranty fine print in the store or at home before you purchase the carpet. Read all of the fine print and make notes of receipts you need to keep, maintenance you need to perform, and other proof of care the warranty requires. Make sure your carpet is installed to the manufacturer’s standards. If anything in the warranty seems unreasonable, bring it up before you makethe purchase, but keep in mind, wear warranties and most other warranties are honored by the manufacturer not the retailer. Never trust someone’s word and get everything in writing.

Average Cost To Install Carpet Flooring Price Range: $845 - $1,650
See costs in your area

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

8 thoughts on “Carpet Warranties: Are They Worth it?”

  1. Millie Alvarez

    I bought Shaw’s StainMaster carpet for the stairs, hallway, and every room in the house except DR and K in 2020. I live alone with 2 cats. I have a designated pair of shoes when I am indoors. I vacuum every week. The manufacturer’s warranty requires I get the carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. I’m wondering if it’s worth the money and the stress my cats will experience. What’s your opinion?

  2. You state in many places on your site that one should be sure to get a pad that will not invalidate the carpet’s warranty, but if manufacturers so easily void their warranties, why should one bother about getting exactly the right pad? Is it just because the wrong pad will cause the carpet to wear faster?

    1. Good point – I generally ignore warranties when shopping. But like you said, usually this pad is recommended for a reason–it makes the carpet last longer. That’s the main reason, and then maybe still having a valid warranty is an added benefit.

  3. Not sure if you still check this website:
    My question is we are considering putting ~60 sq/yds of Shaw Ano r2x nylon 55lb in our home.
    The local carpet place recommends 8 lb/cft 9/16″ padding. I have read their warranty and it is quite vague, references FHA guidelines, which are also vague, only have minimum dimensions listed.
    thanks much

    1. Both sound pretty good. Companies can usually get out of warranties if they want. So at the end of the day, I don’t think the details in it matter too much (although you don’t want to blatantly violate it), but you just have to trust that the company will have good customer service because even if you have a definitely valid warranty, a bad company can drag their feet.

  4. Kathleen Harris

    I am replacing my carpeting in a basement apartment. There is concrete no sub flooring. I have 1 dog and 1 cat. My dog has peed frequently and my carpet is very stained now. I have looked into a waterproof pad but reviews are very good on them. I am considering the Shaw Life Guard Anso carpeting but have read several unfavorable reviews of it also. I need a durable carpet. I am so confused. The more I try to learn the more confused I get. I am at the point of just pulling up the carpet and living on the concrete.

    1. The durable carpet will be the easy part for you, and you can check out the carpet buying guide, which should give you everything you need to know. The hard part is the peeing and basement issue. Moisture barriers are controversial, especially in basements. I think it’d be good for your pet problem, but you want to make sure your basement doesn’t have a moisture problem (many do). The problem is a moisture barrier won’t allow the moisture to evaporate and then you have water sitting beneath the carpet, making it prone to grow mold/mildew. You can read more about moisture barriers here.




Need Flooring Pros?

Get Free Quotes From Local Contractors