Am I the only one who feels like carpet backing has gotten thinner over the years?

I was replacing some old carpet in a house built in the 80s. The backing on the old piece was so much heavier and sturdier than what we get now. Has anyone else noticed this, or am I just imagining it?

3 comments

3 Comments

murphy.zara1mo ago

My parents' home still has the original carpet from 1985, and that backing is like a quarter-inch thick. When I helped them move a couch last summer, I was shocked how heavy it was compared to new stuff. It feels like everything is made cheaper now, not just carpets. I bet they use less material to save money, which is annoying. So yeah, you're totally right about the backing getting thinner.

cameronjenkins1mo ago

Yeah, it's wild how common that is now. I've noticed the same thing with shoes, they just feel flimsy compared to old pairs.

reeseperez1mo ago

Wait, a quarter-inch thick? That sounds insane compared to the flimsy stuff today! I just helped my friend install new carpet and the backing tore when we unrolled it. It's like they're not even trying to make things last anymore.