How Much Does It Cost to Install Carpet
Carpet Prices
| Carpet Grade | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| High-Grade | $5 - $20 |
| Mid-Grade | $3 - $7 |
| Low/Builder-Grade | $1 - $3 |
Carpet Price Per Square Foot
Carpet prices range from $1 per square foot for builder-grade olefin and polyester materials to $20 per square foot for high-end wool. The style and materials used to make it determine its cost. This means you need to balance your desired look and effect with your remodel budget.
Carpet Prices Per Square Yard
Carpet costs $9 to $180 per square yard, another common measurement manufacturers use. When you request estimates, make sure you know if the price is per square foot or per square yard.
Carpet Tiles Cost Per Square Foot
Carpet tiles cost $1 to $6 per square foot. Manufacturers often sell this product as "peel and stick" in these common sizes:
- 12 by 12 inches (12" x 12")
- 18 by 18 inches (18" x 18")
- 24 by 24 inches (24" x 24")
Homeowners prefer this style because it's easy to mix and match colors and patterns.
Glue-Down Carpet Estimate
Glue-down carpet runs $2 to $7 per square foot. This type uses tight loops to make installation easier and more durable. Although carpet tiles are a common form, there are wall-to-wall styles, too.
Wall-to-Wall Carpet Cost Estimator
It's best to start by figuring out how much you'll need. To estimate it, multiply the length and width of each room. Our carpet calculator will give you a total in square feet or square yards.
Most carpet comes in rolls that are 12 or 15 feet wide. You may need to add 5% to 20% in extra material, depending on the shape and dimensions of each room
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Carpet Types and Prices
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Saxony/Plush | $2 - $8 |
| Textured Saxony | $2 - $12 |
| Frieze | $1 - $8 |
| Cable | $4 - $8 |
| Loop | $1 - $5 |
| Cut and Loop | $1 - $10 |
Cut Pile Carpet Costs
Cut pile carpets cost $1 to $12 per square foot. The name describes a process where the woven loops are all cut to the same height and tufted at the ends. The resulting appearance is dense and soft. This type includes four subcategories:
- Saxony or Plush: The most common type, this looks like a freshly-mowed lawn. It's subject to fluffing or shedding, however, so it may last 5 to 10 years longer in low-traffic areas.
- Textured Saxony: This style features twists to create a permanent curl and resist lines and wear. It's great for medium-to-high-traffic areas.
- Frieze: This yarn twists more tightly than textured Saxony, so it actually curls over. It creates a durable product that resists lines and works well in high-traffic areas.
- Cable: Known for its thicker and longer yarn, this carpet offers the softest comfort. However, it is subject to wear and matting, making it practical for low-traffic areas.
Loop Pile Carpet Prices
Loop pile carpet runs $1 to $5 per square foot. This style features uncut yarn. It is commonly used in high-traffic areas of homes and businesses. Since the loops connect to the backing on both ends, it is incredibly durable and resistant to lines. Products may include:
- Multicolored threads to hide dirt and stains
- Low-and-high-profile areas to add texture and concealment
Cut and Loop Carpet Costs
Cut and loop carpet costs $1 to $10 per square foot. Manufacturers combine cut pile and loop styles to make unique patterns and designs that add interest and texture to a room.
This style stands up well and easily conceals lines. That makes it a good choice for medium-to-high-traffic areas.
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New Carpet Cost by Material
| Material | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Cotton | $6 - $7 |
| Nylon | $2 - $5 |
| Polyester | $1 - $3 |
| Polypropylene/Olefin | $1 - $3 |
| Sisal | $5 - $15 |
| Wool | $4 - $20 |
Cotton
Cotton carpeting costs $6 to $7 per square foot. As a natural product, it prices higher than synthetic types.
It is most notable for softness and low amounts of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). However, like garments made of the same material, it stains and fades easily. It may be more appropriate for homes without young children or pets.
Nylon
Nylon carpet costs $2 to $5 per square foot. Used in the majority of products sold in the United States, it is durable and easy to clean. That makes it suitable for:
- high-traffic areas
- families with kids
- indoor-outdoor
- dogs and cats
This material replaced acrylic carpeting, a type that lost popularity because it pilled easily.
Polyester
Another popular synthetic material, polyester carpeting averages $1 to $3 per square foot. Well-known for its beautiful color, it also resists fading and wear over time. The fiber itself is mold-and-mildew-resistant and generally considered non-allergenic.
Product quality varies widely based on construction. Low-density styles are especially susceptible to tracking and crushing, making them a poor choice for high-traffic areas.
Polypropylene or Olefin
Polypropylene or olefin carpets cost $1 to $3 per square foot. It is the fastest-growing fiber in popularity. As a common plastic, it may be made from recycled materials. It is known for its durability and incredible resistance to:
- stains
- moisture
- bleaching
- sun-fading
Sisal
Sisal carpet ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. Made of leaves from the agave plant, this woven material provides a very strong surface perfect for high-traffic areas. It can feel rough underfoot, so it may be inappropriate for bedrooms.
Wool
The price of wool carpeting runs $4 to $20 per square foot, averaging $5 to $7 per square foot. The best-known style is Berber. The cost to install a Berber carpet ranges from $375 to $600.
The most traditional and eco-friendly choice, wool is a premium fiber notable for its deep, rich look and luxurious feel. Along with a higher expense, homeowners who choose it should expect a durable, stain-resistant product. Because it is natural, wool is more susceptible to fading and static. It also absorbs moisture, possibly leading to mold and mildew in wetter areas like basements.
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Average Cost to Install Carpet
Installing new carpet costs $3.50 to $11 per square foot. Our wide user-reported costs are likely due to the many factors that affect installation price:
- Room size and shape
- Style
- Furniture removal
- Hauling out old flooring
- Labor
| Component | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Carpeting | $2 - $7 |
| Pad | $0.30 - $0.60 |
| Labor | $0.50 - $1 |
| Additional Services* | $0.50 - $2 |
| Total | $3.30 - $10.60 |
* Furniture removal, special cuts, hauling away
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Labor Cost of Laying Carpet
The labor price to install carpeting runs $0.50 to $1 per square foot on average. This usually does not include removing existing flooring or preparing the subfloor. Projects that require extra features, like stairs, can cost an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.
How Much to Carpet a House?
| Square Feet | Carpet | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000 - $3,500 | $1,750 - $5,500 |
| 600 | $1,200 - $4,200 | $2,100 - $6,600 |
| 800 | $1,600 - $5,600 | $2,800 - $8,800 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 - $7,000 | $3,500 - $11,000 |
| 1,100 | $2,200 - $7,700 | $3,850 - $12,100 |
| 1,200 | $2,400 - $8,400 | $4,200 - $13,200 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 - $10,500 | $5,250 - $16,500 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 - $14,000 | $7,000 - $22,000 |
Cost to Carpet a Room
| Room Size | Materials | With Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 10' x 10' | $200 - $700 | $350 - $1,100 |
| 10' x 12' | $240 - $840 | $420 - $1,320 |
| 12' x 12' | $290 - $1,000 | $500 - $1,600 |
| 15' x 15' | $450 - $1,575 | $800 - $2,500 |
| One Large Room | $800 - $2,800 | $1,400 - $4,400 |
Bedroom Carpeting Cost
Carpeting a 12' x 12' bedroom costs $500 to $1,600. If the space measures less than this, you may pay more than $2 to $7 per square foot for materials. Most products come in 12' or 15' rolls. You're buying the whole width even if you don't use it all.
Basement Carpeting Cost
The cost to install 500 square feet of basement carpeting ranges from $1,750 to $5,500. Depending on the type of pad, you may also need to pay $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot for a moisture barrier.
Basements are more humid and prone to flooding than the main floor. It's important to avoid materials like wool that absorb moisture. Polyester or olefin are good alternatives.
Average Cost of Putting Carpeting in a Living Room
"A well-chosen, professionally-installed carpet will add warmth and beauty to any room, plus the material is very soft and sound-absorbing, resulting in a relaxed, cozy environment." Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.
The price to install carpet in a 15' x 15' living room runs $800 to $2,500. A larger room around 400 square feet costs $1,400 to $4,400.
How Much to Carpet Stairs?
Carpeting stairs costs $3.50 to $11 per square foot, plus an extra $11 to $26 per step. This additional charge accommodates a more-complicated installation, which includes:
- Extra cutting
- Higher number of tack strips
- Unusual shapes, like a rounded stairway
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Carpet Replacement Cost
| Task | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Carpet Removal | $2 - $3 |
| Pad Removal | $1.50 - $2 |
| Demolish Tack Strips | $0.50 - $1 |
| Scrape Adhesive | $0.50 |
| Level Concrete Floor | $1 |
| Install Carpet | $3.50 - $11 |
| Total | $9.50 - $19 |
The cost to replace carpet runs $9.50 to $19 per square foot. This includes the price to remove carpet and prepare the subfloor, which runs $6 to $8 per square foot.
Apartment Carpet Replacement Cost
The expense to replace carpeting in an apartment or condo ranges from $9.50 to $11.50 per square foot. This is because property owners tend to choose builder-grade products at $1 to $3 per square foot. Homeowners should consider the following factors:
- How long you want it to last
- Whether you'll replace the material and pad after each tenant
- Flooring guidelines for homeowner's associations (HOAs)
If you don't own the apartment, get permission from the owner or property manager before scheduling installation.
DIY Carpet Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
At $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, professional carpet installation represents a small portion of the total price. This project is easy to get wrong and costs a lot more in new material to fix, so it's best to hire a pro.
How to Get Cheap Carpet Installation & the Best Carpet Prices
As you browse our carpet buying guide, keep in mind that cost varies widely from one business to the next. Contractors make money on labor and as much as 50 to 75 percent markup on materials.
Major home improvement stores and even some local companies periodically offer free installation with purchase. These deals often require a minimum square footage to justify the work.
Getting Free Carpet Estimates
It's customary for installers to offer a free in-home estimate. Before you start contacting carpet layers near you, follow these tips:
- Have the pro measure each room before setting costs.
- Ask to see samples for every product you consider.
- Get the estimate in writing.
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FAQs
What's a good price for carpet?
Most carpets cost $2 to $7 per square foot. Rock-bottom prices often indicate lower quality and durability.
What's a cheap carpet price and which type is the cheapest?
The cheapest carpets cost $1 to $2 per square foot, not including installation. These products are usually made of polyester or olefin.
How much does it cost to carpet 3 bedrooms?
The total cost to carpet 3 bedrooms measuring an average 500 square feet runs $1,750 to $5,500. Actual estimates vary based on room dimensions.
How much does it cost to install carpet and pad?
The labor cost to install carpet and pad ranges from $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
How long does carpet last?
Carpet usually lasts 5 to 20 years. Lifespan depends on material quality, traffic and maintenance.
How much does it cost to re-carpet a room?
Carpet replacement costs $9.50 to $19 per square foot. This includes removal, preparing the surface and installation.
How much is it to change from hardwood to carpeting?
The cost to replace hardwood with carpeting runs $3.50 to $11 per square foot if you plan to leave the old flooring in place. You'll pay an extra $1 to $3 per square foot to remove it.
Can I install carpet on concrete?
In most cases, you can install carpet on concrete. Some types allow you to place it directly on the subfloor. Others require a pad or moisture barrier.
How much does carpet removal and installation cost?
Carpet removal costs $2 to $3 per square foot, on top of $3.50 to $11 per square foot to install new material. This does not include disposal of the old flooring.
How much does carpet maintenance cost and what's involved?
Carpet cleaning costs $125 to $250. Maintenance may include steaming, dry-cleaning and spot treatment. If you have holes or burns, carpet repair averages $150 to $275.
How much does rug installation cost?
The cost to install a rug ranges from $3.50 to $11 per square foot, depending on size and style. If you want to convert a wall-to-wall product, add an extra $4 per linear foot to bind the edges.
How much does an indoor-outdoor carpeting cost?
The average indoor-outdoor carpeting costs $2 to $3 per square foot. This type usually does not need a pad.
How much are commercial carpet prices?
Commercial carpet prices range from $2 to $7 per square foot, similar to residential. Property owners looking to buy for a business may want to choose styles known for durability, like a loop pile.
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How Much Does It Cost to Install Carpet
Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/flooring/install-carpeting/#:~:text=Carpet%20Installation%20Costs,to%20%241%20per%20square%20foot.