Carpet · Shading
Why does my carpet look like it has water stains or shading?
Shading or pile reversal makes areas look darker or lighter because the pile leans in different directions. It is a known characteristic of many cut-pile carpets and often isn't a defect.
Also searched as: "carpet shading", "carpet has dark patches", "pile reversal"
What usually causes it
- Pile reversal
- Traffic patterns
- Lighting
What you can check yourself
- Brush the pile in one direction and see if the shade changes
What an independent inspection checks
- Pile direction and construction
- Manufacturer statements on shading
Who is responsible?
Often a normal characteristic rather than a defect.
Get your carpet floor inspected
Tell us what you're seeing and we'll explain the next step. We cover every county in Southern California and only inspect. We don't sell or install flooring.