5 Carpet Brands to Avoid & 5 High-End Brands in 2024

Buying a carpet is not just a matter of picking a color or collection that appeals to you. It is a significant investment that will enhance the aesthetics of every room in your home.

But choosing a reliable carpet brand is quite difficult since there are a number of options out there.

So, you must check out our guide on the worst carpet brands to avoid on the market before making a final decision.

Based on our research, Capel Rug, STAINMASTER, Mohawk, Shaw, and Karastan are the carpet brands to avoid.

These brands have a number of issues including Sprouting of the fibers, dirt attraction, and hard cleaning.

Related:

• Laminate Flooring Brands to Avoid
• Bad Mattress Brands That You Should Not Buy

What red flags help you identify carpet brands to avoid?

Carpet brand names often include a name of a well-known company like Shaw, O’Brien, Armstrong, or Sealy – all of which are reputable manufacturers.

But there are many other carpet companies that are not well-known but are equally as bad.

These companies might be family-owned businesses with no corporate oversight.

They might be dishonest or incompetent copycats of well-known brands. Or they could simply be bad actors who use an “official” company name to defraud people.

So, the best way to avoid getting ripped off by such carpet scams is to do your research and learn about the companies in advance.

This will help you identify the red flags that will help you avoid getting fleeced.

List of 5 Worst Carpet Brands to Avoid

Carpet choice depends on various factors, such as pile density, types of material, style, color, and price.

Our team has reviewed the top 20 carpet brands on the market. To help you make the right choice, we picked the carpet brands with the most negative reviews.

In addition, we also got feedback from the users on various online customer forums.

Check out the list of the worst carpet brands to avoid in 2022.

1. Capel Rug

Capel Rugs is a well-known American brand that offers quality rugs in a variety of designs and sizes. Their products are considered reliable by many people.

But, recently, the carpet quality has dropped, and many customers are not satisfied with it.

Capel has received a lot of criticism due to the poor quality standards of its users at online customer portals.

Check out the following issues of Capel Rug before buying.

• Carpet loses its thickness under high foot traffic and accelerates matting and crushing
• Sprouting of the fibers
• Under humid environments, it ripples
• Attracts dust, which is unhealthy for your lungs
• It stains easily
• Only one year warranty

2. STAINMASTER Carpet

Stainmaster Carpet offers a wide range of colors and styles in its product line at reasonable prices. However, the quality of the rug is average and wears out quickly.

Because of its excellent marketing campaigns, people are drawn to this brand. The company seems to be more concerned with advertising than with quality.

So customers have numerous complaints against it, and they are no longer the top choice on the market.

Below are the drawbacks of using their carpets that you need to know before buying.

• It fades over time
• Attract dirt
• Stains do not come off easily
• Matting and crushing problem, which reduces the longevity
• The warranty offer is a scam

3. Mohawk

Mohawk Carpet is in the business of carpet for more than 200 years. They are well known for their innovative styles. But are they still worthy in the market?

Despite being the pioneer in this industry, its users have submitted many complaints on several issues using Mohawk carpet.

Check out the following issues before you count on them.

• You will have a hard time removing the stains
• Carpets wear out quickly, which means losing weight and piling fiber
• Carpet designs are not fascinating
• Average quality

4. Shaw Carpet

Shaw Floors owns one of the largest mills in the US. They are famous in the US market for offering a wide range of styles in their product line at different prices.

Why is Shaw Floors on the list?

There are a lot of sellers selling cheap quality Shaw products. Most of them are not authorized.

You must avoid these fake sellers as they are selling cheap quality carpets made with inferior materials.

The following are the issues that you will encounter with these carpets.

• Susceptible to stains and dirt
• Its pattern starts fading after a year
• Pigment Issues
• Stains don’t come out easily
• The company does not support its warranty

5. Karastan Carpet

Karastan Carpet offers you many decent products on the market. With exclusive strands, they offer 130 styles and many fabric types.

But in terms of quality, they have also disappointed the users.

When purchasing a Karastan carpet, keep the following points in mind.

• Hard to clean and may require professional cleaning
• Vacuuming will damage the edges
• The carpet gets damaged and split easily
• Matting and crushing issue
• The company doesn’t standby its warranty

5 High-End Carpet Brands

Following are the reliable and high-end carpet brands available in the market.

1. Dupont 

The Dupont carpet is almost stain and smudge-resistant. It can withstand even coffee spills and cigarette butts without leaving any marks on the carpet. As for dirt and dust, it will keep your floor clean with minimal effort.

This carpet is made of fibers that are very durable and resist stains, smears, and dirt.

It has higher resilience than others and it will last longer in high-traffic areas such as offices, schools, airports, shopping malls, and other areas where people walk around all day long.

Also, this carpet is easy to clean and requires no special tools or chemicals. 

2. Fabrica:

The Fabrica Carpet is a luxury carpet brand. This means that it’s made from the finest materials and that it’s made to last for years. Fabrica Carpets are also hypoallergenic and easy to clean.

The Fabrica Carpet uses a proprietary blend of fibers called Fiber-Flex to achieve its superior strength and density.

The result is a carpet that feels soft to the touch and resists wrinkles and creases.

Fabrica Carpet even makes a line of waterproof and water-repellant carpets, which is perfect for damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Anderson Tuftex  

The Anderson Tuftex is one of the most durable carpet brands on the market today.

The fiber is very thick and dense, so it’s not easy to pull out and can be very resilient against tears and cuts.

It can be a bit expensive for a home that will likely only be used for a few years, but it is worth it in the long run.

4. Engineered Flooring LLC

If you are on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Engineered Flooring. They have many different designs and patterns to choose from at affordable rates.

And they have a range of sizes to fit your space.

5. Dreamweaver:

Dreamweaver offers an extensive range of carpet grades, which makes it easier for you to find a carpet that is perfect for your home.

They provide a variety of pet-friendly carpeting. There are tens of thousands of different colors, styles, and patterns to pick from.  Color retention and stain resistance are excellent.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Carpet Brand

When purchasing a carpet, you must ensure that you are purchasing the correct product. There are many mistakes that people make when purchasing carpets.

Summing up these mistakes will help you make a wise decision.

1. Buying Carpets with Low Price Tags:

There is no such thing as the cheapest carpet. Always check the features of the product before making the final decision.

Also, make sure the retailer you are buying from has a good reputation and a valid license to sell the product.

2. Preferring Imported Carpets:

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. When it comes to purchasing carpets, always check for domestic products first.

In the long term, this will save you money. Also, if possible, buy from a well-known brand rather than going for the cheapest option.

3. Buying Carpets Based on Personal Taste:

Personal preference should never be your main factor when buying a carpet. Make sure the product suits your needs before making a purchase.

Also, it is a good idea to discuss your requirements with a professional who has experience in the field.

4. Not Checking the Features First:

This is another common mistake people make when they are looking for a carpet. They only focus on the price of the product.

The features of the carpet are as important as the cost. Always check these first. 

5. Assuming All Carpets Are Created Equal:

When it comes to buying a carpet, you need to know its construction. Go for a carpet that has a nylon or polyester backing.

Avoid buying a carpet with a rubber backing as it may result in a lot of cleaning problems.

6. Not Reading the Inscription on the Sides:

There is a very useful tip all retailers with a large carpet display should impart to their customers. This is, pay attention to the side inscription.

This will show the primary material used in the carpet’s manufacturing. So, you can make a decent choice when buying a carpet if you know this.

7. Buying Carpets Based On How They Look:

You should never buy a carpet because of how it looks. It is important to consider how the carpet will look after it has been installed in your home.

If possible, take a sample of the carpet you want to purchase to your retailer and have him install it in your home.

8. Buying Carpet Because of Its Dealership or Retailer:

This is another mistake people often make. You should avoid this one at all costs.

Make sure the retailer you are buying from has a good reputation and a valid license to sell the product.

Also, make sure the retailer you are buying from has the carpet you want in stock.

Well, these are the most common mistakes that people often make. So, you need to keep these things in mind to know what are carpet brands to avoid.

Types of Carpets | Which One Should You Buy

Carpets are an important decorative item in your house. You should not buy a carpet that does not suit your needs, preference, or the size of the room.

And, carpets come in different types. The type of carpet you have depends on your preference, the amount of money you are willing to spend, and the accommodating needs of your home.

You will be able to pick the perfect carpet for your home once you’ve examined all of these factors. Take a look at some of the most popular carpet types and their usage.

1. Wool:

Wool is the densest, warmest, and most comfortable material made from natural fibers.

It adds comfort, durability, and a natural look to your home. Because wool is a natural product, it tends to breathe which helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

It also has a tendency to be hard-wearing and has excellent stain resistance. Wool carpets are easy to clean and require little maintenance.

2. Synthetic:

A synthetic version of wool is just what it says on the tin. It is the man-made version of wool and is often used as an alternative to wool carpets.

It is very similar in looks, feel, and performance to wool but is machine-made rather than grown or made naturally. Like wool, it is hypo-allergenic and easy to clean.

However, it tends to shed more than wool so it must be vacuumed more frequently. It also tends to wear out faster than wool.

Lastly, it does not have the same natural character as wool and has a plastic look.

3. Oeko-Tex Certified:

Oeko-Tex is an independent organization that tests products for quality and durability.

All carpets sold in the United States must meet the stringent standards set by this organization.

They test the material (not the actual carpet), the production process, and the product’s durability.

This means you can buy a carpet made with Oeko-Tex-certified materials and still have it made by a company that does not have to pay the extra costs associated with using this certification.

Oeko-Tex certification ensures your new carpet will last longer, look better, and feel better over time. It is an inexpensive way to extend the life of your investment.

Carpets that are made with Oeko-Tex materials are green in color and the label will often say “100% Natural”.

4. Nylon:

Nylon is the most common material used to make carpets today. It is a man-made fiber that is strong, long-lasting, and resistant to heat.

On the other hand, it is a little slippery which makes it uncomfortable for some people to walk on. It has a tendency to wear out faster than wool or natural fibers.

However, it is very affordable so it is a great choice for homes with children and/or pets. It also offers good stain resistance and is simple to clean.

5. Polyester:

A man-made fiber that is as strong as nylon and has similar heat resistance. However, it is slightly less slippery than nylon and has a more natural character.

It wears well, is easy to clean, and has good stain resistance. It may also be dyed in a variety of colors and has a soft hand feel.

6. Cotton:

Cotton is an all-natural fiber that is strong, durable, and heat resistant. It has an appealing look and feels and is easy to clean. It wears well, is not slippery, and has very good stain resistance.

Like wool and polyester, it tends to wear out faster than other fibers but this is true of all-natural fibers.

It is a wonderful option for houses in heavy-traffic areas because it’s relatively inexpensive.

7. Silk:

This is a man-made fiber that is as strong as nylon, has similar heat resistance and stain resistance, and feels luxurious against the skin.

It has a more natural character than other man-made fibers and has an appealing look and feel.

It’s long-lasting, easy to clean, and has a good wear pattern. Silk is hypoallergenic and resists dust mites, mold, and mildew.

Also, it resists stains well and does not absorb moisture as readily as other materials. With a wet towel and a little soap and water, it may be cleaned.

8. Other Natural Fibers:

There are many different kinds of other natural fibers used to make carpets today.

Be sure to ask your dealer or check the label to find out what kind of fiber your new carpet is made of.

For example, is a robust, long-lasting, and heat-resistant fiber. It has an appealing look and feels and is easy to clean.

To conclude, it has good stain resistance and is soft against the skin. It also has the ability to be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little soap and water.

Sorghum is another natural fiber that is very strong, durable, and heat resistant. It has a more natural character than other natural fibers and feels luxurious against the skin. It’s easy to keep clean and stain-resistant.

A damp towel and a tiny bit of soap and water can also be used to clean it. The wool comes in various kinds, so be sure you buy the correct one for your purposes.

The Best Ways to Find the Best Deals on New Carpets

Finding the best deals on new carpets can be a daunting task. You might not know where to start, what to look for, or how to go about finding the perfect carpet for your home.

The following are some tips on how to get the best deals on new carpets.

• Look at the pricing of similar used products to what you’re looking for.
• It is always important to compare brands and styles when looking at potential options.
• Make sure that all of your time is spent focused on purchasing your new carpet rather than shopping around or comparing options with other potential buyers. Absolutely do NOT allow yourself to be distracted by anything except the carpet you want.
• Ask a good friend or family member who has recently purchased a carpet to help you out. They will almost certainly have a suggestion as to where you should look for the best deals.
• Check with your local real estate agent. Chances are, he or she has access to information that you don’t and may know of a great place where you can get a bargain.
• Check with your local floor-covering retailer. Most of them buy their merchandise from wholesalers and they may be able to offer you a better deal than what you would find through a direct sale from the manufacturer.
• Call your local homemaker’s association. Chances are, there is someone in your area who is willing to donate or sell you some carpet at a very low price.

There are many other ways to find the best deals on new carpets but the ones mentioned above are the most common. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We hope this article has furnished you with helpful advice on which carpet brands to avoid.

There are various essential factors to consider while shopping, including quality, material type, color, style, and personal preference.

But, there is one important aspect we would like to disclose the warranty issues.

Most customers rejected the brands mentioned above because of their unwillingness to embrace the customers’ valid claims.

So, it must be your big concern to check the warranty support from a company. If you have any questions or want to add another worst brand, please leave a comment below.

Christopher Evans

Website

Christopher Evans is a Mechanical Engineer and is a distinguished expert in tire and electronic appliance testing with over 15 years of experience. Holding certifications like Automotive Tire Service (TIA) and Certified Appliance Professional (CAP). He is also a member of the the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has significantly contributed to safety standards and testing protocols in both industries. Evans is a respected speaker and award recipient.