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How Much Is It to Install Carpet Per Square Foot

Carpet installation cost

Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot to replace. New carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot and the labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Recarpeting a 10x12 room costs $200 to $900 and changing carpet in a house costs $1,800 to $7,500.

Carpet installation cost - Chart

Carpet installation cost
Location Average cost to install
Cost per square foot $2 – $8
Cost per square yard $18 – $72
10x12 room $200 – $900
12x12 room $250 – $1,100
12x15 room $300 – $1,400
15x15 room $400 – $1,700
20x20 room $700 – $3,000
800 sq. ft. apartment* $800 – $3,200
1,000 sq. ft. house* $1,100 – $4,500
1,500 sq. ft. house* $1,600 – $6,700
2,000 sq. ft. house* $2,100 – $9,000
Flight of 13 stairs $150 – $600

*Based on carpeting in 60% of the home.

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Table of contents

[hide] [show]

  1. Carpet installation cost
  2. Carpet prices
    • Per square foot & yard
    • Glue-down carpet
    • Carpet tiles
    • Wall-to-wall carpet
  3. Carpet installation cost calculator
    • Labor
    • Home Depot & Lowe's
    • Commercial
  4. Cost to carpet a house
    • By bedrooms
    • Apartment / mobile home
  5. Cost to carpet a room
    • Bedroom
    • Basement
    • Living room
    • Stairs
  6. Carpet replacement cost
    • Carpet and pad
    • Features & considerations
  7. Carpet cost estimator by type
    • Cut pile
    • Loop pile
    • Cut and loop
  8. New carpet cost by material
    • Nylon, sisal, wool...
  9. Best carpet brands & prices
  10. DIY carpet installation cost
  11. Frequently asked questions
  12. Free carpet installation quote estimates
  13. Carpet Installation Near Me

Average cost of carpet installation

Average cost of carpet installation - Chart

Average cost of carpet installation
National Average Cost $1,525
Minimum Cost $175
Maximum Cost $10,000
Average Range $650 to $2,400

*Based on 1,392 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Carpet prices

Carpet installers and retailers price carpet per square foot or square yard, depending on the material, style, brand, and grade quality.

Carpet Prices Per Square Foot - Chart

Carpet prices
Grade Cost per square foot Features
Cheap builder grade $0.50 – $1.50
  • Lasts 3 to 5 years
  • Wears down quickly
  • Nylon, polyester
Mid-grade $1.50 – $6.00
  • Lasts 6 to 12 years
  • Sisal, olefin, Triexta
High-quality $6.00 – $21.00
  • Lasts 12 to 20 years
  • Designer or high-end brands
  • Wool

*Material prices only.

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Carpet cost per square foot

Carpet costs $1 to $5 per square foot on average for the materials. Carpet prices start at $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for cheap, builder-grade nylon, polyester, or olefin. Medium grade to high-quality carpet costs $2 to $10 per square foot on average.

Carpet prices per square yard

Carpet prices are $9 to $45 per square yard for the materials only and from $18 to $72 per square yard installed. Each square yard equals 9 square feet. Check the estimate to make sure the price has clear labeling.

Glue-down carpet cost

Glue-down carpet costs $3 to $7 per square foot to replace, including materials and installation. Most glue-down installations have no padding, making it less comfortable. Glued-down carpeting is ideal for concrete floors, carpet tiles, and commercial settings.

Carpet tile installation cost

Installing carpet tiles costs $2 to $8 per square foot total on average. Carpet tiles cost $1 to $5 per square foot itself. The labor cost for laying carpet tiles is $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on if contractors use adhesive or peel-and-stick tiles.

Carpet tiles are mostly nylon, polyester, and olefin. Tiles come in cases of 8 to 24 tiles with standard sizes of 18"x18" to 24"x24". Carpet tiles are easy to replace and great for basements, home offices, and commercial buildings.

Wall-to-wall carpet cost estimator

Wall-to-wall carpet costs $1 to $4.50 per square foot on average, but the full selection ranges from $0.50 to $21 per square foot. Pricing depends on the fiber type and style, with higher costs being better quality. Wall-to-wall carpeting comes in rolls 12 to 15 feet wide.

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Carpet installation cost calculator

Installing new carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average. Carpet cost estimates depend on the carpet material and quality, carpet style, room size and shape, furniture moving, removing old flooring, and install labor.

Carpet installation cost Per Square Foot - Chart

Carpet installation cost per square foot
Component Average price per square foot
Carpet $1.00 – $4.50
Pad $0.25 – $1.00
Labor $0.50 – $1.50
Additional services* $0.25 – $2.00
Total installation cost $2.00 – $9.00

*Furniture removal, old flooring removal and hauling away, prep work, repairs, and special cuts.

Labor cost to install carpet

The average labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Projects requiring carpet removal, subfloor repair, carpeting stairs, or extra labor adds $0.25 to $2 per square foot. Carpet installers charge $35 to $80 per hour to lay carpet with a $75 to $150 minimum.

Labor cost to install carpet - Chart

Labor cost to install carpet
Task Average cost
Measuring service $35 – $55 or free with install
Old carpet & pad removal $0.25 – $1.00 per square foot
Old tile or hardwood flooring removal $1 – $3 per square foot
Subfloor repair or replacement $1.75 – $4.70 per square foot
Carpet installation labor $0.50 – $1.50 per square foot
Extra labor & prep work $35 – $80 hourly
Thresholds / transitions $25 – $100 each
Trim / baseboard removal & reinstall $1.85 – $4.15 per linear foot
Trim / baseboard replacement $2.35 – $12.65 per linear foot
Move or rearrange furniture $25 – $75 per room

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Home Depot carpet installation cost

Home Depot carpet installation costs $1.60 to $5 per square foot, including old carpet removal, new carpet, and labor. Home Depot carpet prices itself are $0.57 to $6.99 per square foot, but free installation only applies to purchases $499 and up on carpets $0.99 per square foot and up.

  • Includes a lifetime warranty on labor with financing options.
  • Express installation is available 5 to 7 days after measurements.
  • An in-home carpet measurement costs $50 max and is credited toward the carpet purchase.
  • Additional costs apply for tack strips, floor prep, transitions, third-story carpeting, glue-down carpeting, or subfloor work.

Lowe's carpet installation cost

Lowe's carpet installation costs $4 to $6 per square foot for new carpet and pad materials, removing the old carpet, and installation. Carpet materials cost $0.55 to $7.98 per square foot, depending on the type. Additional fees apply for tack strips, lead testing, or subfloor work.

  • Lowe's provides a 1-year labor warranty and offers financing options.
  • Free in-home measurement service with carpet purchase.
  • Fees include furniture-moving service.
  • Seasonal promotions offer free installations with a $600 carpeting purchase or by purchasing certain brands like Stainmaster.

Commercial carpet installation cost

Commercial carpet installation costs $5 to $9.50 per square foot for wall-to-wall replacements of low-pile carpet. Replacing low-pile commercial carpet tiles costs $2.50 to $6.75 per square foot installed. Prices for the materials itself are $1 to $3 per square foot.

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Cost to carpet a house

The average cost to carpet 1,000 sq. ft. in a house is $1,800 to $7,500. Recarpeting a full 3-bedroom house costs $1,600 to $6,700 when carpeting 60% of the home. Replacing 2,000 square feet of carpet in a house costs $3,500 to $15,000.

Cost to carpet a house - Chart

Cost to carpet a house
Square feet of carpet Average total cost
500 $850 – $3,800
600 $1,000 – $4,500
800 $1,400 – $6,000
900 $1,600 – $6,800
1,000 $1,700 – $7,500
1,100 $1,900 – $8,300
1,200 $2,100 – $9,000
1,400 $2,400 – $10,500
1,500 $2,600 – $11,200
1,800 $3,100 – $13,500
2,000 $3,500 – $15,000

*Prices include materials and labor.

Prices are for square feet of carpeting, not house size. Most homes have 60% carpeted.

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Cost to recarpet a house by bedrooms

Cost to recarpet a house by bedrooms
Size Average total cost
2-Bedroom house $1,300 – $5,400
3-Bedroom house $1,600 – $6,700
4-Bedroom house $2,000 – $9,000

*Based on carpeting in 60% of the home.

Apartment carpet replacement cost

Replacing carpet in a 2-bedroom apartment costs $1,100 to $3,200 on average or $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Landlords often use builder-grade carpet and rebond foam padding in rental properties, lasting 3 to 5 years. Property owners often replace carpeting after each tenant.

Apartment Carpet replacement cost - Chart

Apartment carpet replacement cost
Size Average cost To replace
Studio $600 – $1,800
1-bedroom $800 – $2,700
2-bedroom $1,100 – $3,200
3-bedroom $1,400 – $4,300

*Includes new carpet, padding, installation, and removing and disposing of old carpet.

Before installing carpet in an apartment:

  • Get permission from the property owner.
  • Check the flooring guidelines from the homeowner's association (HOA).

Cost to carpet a mobile home

Carpeting a mobile home costs $2,500 to $10,000 on average or $2 to $8 per square foot for general replacement. Installers use carpet rolls from 14 to 16 feet wide in mobile homes to replace without carpet seams.

Mobile home carpeting cost
Square feet Average total cost
800 – 1,400 (single wide) $1,900 – $8,300
1,000 – 2,200 (double wide) $2,800 – $12,000

*For materials and labor.

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Cost to carpet a room

The average cost to carpet a 10x12 room is $200 to $900 installed. Recarpeting a bedroom, living room, or basement costs $2 to $8 per square foot for old carpet removal, new carpet and padding, and labor to install.

Cost to carpet a room - Chart

Cost to carpet a room
Room Average total cost
Bedroom $200 – $1,100
Master bedroom $300 – $1,700
Living room $400 – $3,000
Basement $1,000 – $6,000
Stairs $150 – $600
Hallway $70 – $300

*Prices for materials and labor. Additional costs may apply for prep work, moving furniture, and removing and disposing of old carpet.

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Bedroom carpet cost

The average cost to carpet a 12x12 bedroom is $250 to $1,100 total or $2 to $8 per square foot to install. Recarpeting with plush, frieze, or wool carpet adds more comfort and insulation to bedrooms. A memory foam padding underlay creates softer bedroom flooring.

Cost to carpet A Bedroom Chart

Cost to carpet a bedroom
Size Average total cost
10x10 $175 – $750
10x12 $200 – $900
12x12 $250 – $1,100
12x15 $300 – $1,400
14x14 $350 – $1,500
15x15 $400 – $1,700
20x20 $700 – $3,000

*For both materials and labor.

Cost to carpet basement

The average cost to carpet 800 square feet of basement is $1,400 to $6,000. Using synthetic carpet like polyester, olefin, or Triexta in basements repels moisture, mold, and mildew. Basement subfloors may need additional insulation or a moisture barrier to protect the carpet.

Basement carpet cost
Square feet of carpet Average total cost
600 $1,000 – $4,500
800 $1,400 – $6,000
1,000 $1,800 – $7,500

*For both materials and labor.

Cost to recarpet a living room

Replacing living room carpet costs $400 to $1,700 total for a 15x15 room. Installing new carpet in a 20x20 living room costs $700 to $3,000. Carpet prices for living rooms are $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and installation.

Cost to replace living room carpet
Size (feet) Average total cost
15x15 $400 – $1,700
18x18 $550 – $2,400
20x20 $700 – $3,000

*For both materials and labor.

When selecting living room carpets, look for softer, stain-resistant, short-pile fibers that can handle heavy foot traffic and cushion bare feet.

Cost to carpet stairs

The average cost to carpet stairs is $150 to $600 to install, including replacing the landing. Some carpet installers charge by the stair at $10 to $25 per step to lay a basic set of box stairs or $20 to $45 per stair if there are spindles from a handrail. Short-pile nylon, polyester, or olefin are the most durable carpets for stairs.

Cost to carpet Stairs - Chart

Cost to carpet stairs
Task Average cost per step
Carpet $5 – $25
Padding $2 – $5
Labor $5 – $15
Total per step $12 – $45

*Additional fees apply for removing old carpet or wrapping carpet over the sides of each stair.

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Carpet replacement cost

The average cost to replace carpet is $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the carpet type, material, and labor rates. Carpet replacement costs increase if a job requires subfloor repair, floor leveling, furniture moving, custom cuts, or transitions.

Carpet replacement cost
Task Cost per square foot
Old carpet removal $0.25 – $1.00
New padding material $0.25 – $1.00
New carpet material $1.00 – $4.50
Installation labor $0.50 – $1.50
Total $2.00 – $8.00

Cost to install carpet and pad

Carpet and pad installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average. Carpet padding costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot installed itself, depending on the material, density, and thickness.

Carpet replacement considerations

Modern carpets have features to ensure they resist stains, wear, and moisture to last longer. Compare carpet durability by checking the carpet density, face weight, pile height, fiber type, and twist level.

Carpet features
Features Facts
Material / fiber choice
  • Wool insulates best for cold & dry climates.
  • Natural fibers repel oil & dirt stains best.
  • Synthetic fibers repel water-based stains best.
  • Wool and nylon last longest.
Pile height
  • Low-pile lasts longer, is denser, and easier to clean.
  • High-pile carpets are soft but harder to clean.
  • High-pile fibers show footprints & tread marks.
Twist level
  • High-twist level carpets like frieze are more durable.
  • Low-twist level carpets like velvet wear out faster.
Face weight
  • Less than 30 oz. per SY carpet lasts less than 7 years.
  • 30 – 40 oz. per SY carpet lasts 7 – 12 years.
  • More than 40 oz. per SY carpet lasts 12+ years.
Carpet density
  • 3,000 – 3,600 oz. per cubic yard is the minimum for homes
  • 4,000 – 5,000 oz. per cubic yard carpet lasts 12+ years
  • 5,000+ oz. per cubic yard is for commercial spaces
Fade / UV resistance
  • Triexta and polyester blends
  • Olefin
  • Indoor/Outdoor carpets
  • Any solution-dyed carpet
Moisture resistance
  • Olefin, Triexta, and nylon repel moisture best
  • Natural carpets (wool & sisal) absorb the most moisture
  • Indoor/Outdoor carpets are entirely waterproof
Hypoallergenic
  • Synthetic carpets like Olefin repel mold & mildew.
  • Natural fibers have the least moisture resistance.
  • High-pile & shag carpets are the worst for allergies.
Pet-friendly
  • Stain-resistant materials: Triexta, nylon, polyester, indoor/outdoor carpet
  • Worst materials for pets: Berber weave, wool, sisal
Wheelchairs
  • Short-pile nylon with rubber padding lasts longer
  • Commercial-grade carpets resist crushing
  • Berber, frieze, & loop-pile carpets resist heavy traffic well

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Carpet cost estimator by type

The types of carpet are cut pile, loop pile, and cut and loop. Carpet pile describes the length of the fibers and their cut or knotted-loop design. Uncut loop-pile carpets are more durable. Cut-pile has trimmed fiber loops and typically costs less. Cut-and-loop pile has geometric designs.

Types of Carpet By Pile

Carpet types and prices
Type Price per square foot Features
Cut pile $0.60 – $9.00
  • Evenly cut or textured cut loops
  • Soft and smooth
  • For low-traffic areas
  • Less durable than Berber or loop-pile
  • Comes in nylon, polyester, and wool
Loop pile & berber $0.50 – $7.50
  • Uncut round yarns
  • Great durability and easy to clean
  • Resists heavy foot traffic
  • Leaves no footprints, vacuum marks, or furniture indentations
  • Made from olefin, nylon, wool, or fiber blend
  • Tight loops are stiffer and less soft than cut-pile
  • Pet claws can snag on the carpet loops and cause damage
Cut & loop $1.00 – $9.00
  • Patterned or sculptured look
  • Hides dirt, wear, and footprints
  • Average durability
  • Easy to clean
  • Less durable than low-pile loop

*Material prices only.

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Cut pile carpet prices

Cut pile carpet costs $0.60 to $9 per square foot. The woven loops are cut to the same height, dense and soft, and create carpets like short-fiber Saxony, textured, velvet, or frieze. The pile density and twist determine the carpet's look and durability. Shag carpets are taller cut-pile carpeting.

The heavier the fiber twist, the more it hides wear and dirt. But, high-twisted fibers are harder to clean.

Cut pile carpet prices
Type Cost per square foot Features
Textured $0.60 – $9.00
  • Resists stains and easy to clean
  • Medium to high foot traffic
  • Twisted fibers at varying lengths
  • Duo-tone appearance
  • Hides footprints and vacuum marks
  • Great for active families
Saxony $1.00 – $4.50
  • For low foot traffic
  • Short, tightly twisted fibers
  • Soft and average density
  • Shows footprints and vacuum marks
  • Twisted and heat-set for resilience
  • Subject to fluffing or shedding
Plush / velvet $0.65 – $8.00
  • For low foot traffic
  • Short, dense, lightly twisted fibers
  • Smooth uniform and elegant look
  • Comes in many solid colors
  • Shows dirt, stains, footprints, & vacuum marks
  • Prone to pooling
Frieze / shag / cable $1.00 – $8.00
  • Tightly twisted with long curly tufts
  • Dense, soft, and resilient for active areas
  • Hides seam, footprints, vacuum marks
  • Harder to clean
  • Subject to wear and matting

*Material prices only.

Loop pile / berber carpet cost

Loop pile and Berber carpet costs $0.50 to $7.50 per square foot. Uncut looped fibers are durable and withstand high foot traffic. The fibers can be short and tight-knit or tall and soft. Loop-pile carpet has a flat (level-loop) or textured (multi-level-loop) surface.

Loop pile & berber carpet cost
Type Cost per square foot Features
Berber $0.50 – $6.00
  • Low-piled loop
  • Light color with flecks of darker tones
  • Short and thick yarns
  • Color variation hides stains and dirt
  • Comes in level and multi-level loop
Level loop $0.50 – $7.50
  • Uncut loops of same height
  • Consistent tight texture without variation
Multi-level loop $2.50 – $5.00
  • Multiple loops in varied height
  • Patterned look

*Material prices only.

Cut and loop carpet prices

Cut and loop carpet costs $1 to $9 per square foot. The combined high-cut tufts and lower loops form geometric designs with the fibers that hide dirt and footprints. These sculpted pile and patterned carpets are ideal for high-traffic areas.

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New carpet cost by material

New carpet costs $0.50 to $21 per square foot depending on the material and quality. Sisal, nylon, acrylic, and Triextra carpeting costs $0.75 to $9 per square foot on average, while wool costs $3 to $21 per square foot.

Carpet material prices per square foot
Material Price per square foot
Nylon $0.75 – $9.00
Polyester $0.50 – $6.00
Polypropylene / olefin $0.70 – $5.00
Sisal $1.50 – $9.00
Wool $3.00 – $21.00
Triexta / Smartstrand / Sorona $1.50 – $7.00
  • Synthetic carpets like nylon, polyester, olefin, and Triexta have a larger variety, better stain resistance, and more affordable prices.
  • Organic fibers like wool and sisal are more eco-friendly and long-lasting but cost more.

Nylon carpet prices

Nylon carpet costs $0.75 to $9 per square foot and is the most durable for high-traffic areas, easiest to clean, and hypoallergenic. Nylon lasts 3 to 15 years, depending on the quality and amount of foot traffic. Nylon is ideal for homes with pets or children. The stain-resistance of nylon varies by brand depending on the type of coating applied.

Sisal carpet cost

Sisal carpet costs $1.50 to $9 per square foot. The natural agave plant fibers in sisal are more durable than wool. Sisal works well in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and offices. This eco-friendly material has a rough texture that's not suitable for kids' playrooms or bedrooms.

  • Only dry cleaning or vacuuming cleans sisal. Steaming or shampooing damages the fibers.
  • Sisal works best with a thin felt carpet pad.

Wool carpet cost

Wool carpet prices are $3 to $21 per square foot, averaging $6 per square foot. Wool is a 100% natural fiber that's hypoallergenic, stain and flame-resistant, repels oils, and resists dirt. Wool lasts 8 to 20 years, but absorbs moisture that can cause mold and mildew in humid areas. Wool is susceptible to fading and requires careful cleaning to avoid shrinking.

Polyester carpet prices

Polyester carpet costs $0.50 to $6 per square foot and lasts 5 to 15 years. Polyester is hypoallergenic, resists water-based stains, and is ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and playrooms. Polyester offers the biggest color selection and resists fading. Avoid polyester in rooms prone to oil-stains.

Polypropylene or olefin carpet prices

Polypropylene or olefin carpet costs $0.70 to $5 per square foot and lasts 3 to 10 years. Olefin resists water-based stains, mildew, mold, and color-fading. This synthetic carpeting is hypoallergenic and best for indoor/outdoor areas, damp spaces, and low-traffic rooms. Avoid olefin in rooms prone to oil stains.

Triexta / Smartstrand / Sorona carpet prices

Triexta carpet costs $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Polyester-blend Triexta has stain-resistant fibers that don't need protective coatings. Triexta (PTT) is ideal for homes with young children, pets, and moisture-prone areas like basements. Triexta carpeting lasts for 10 to 20 years.

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Best carpet brands & prices

The best carpet brands are Shaw Floors, Stainmaster, and Mohawk Industries. These top brands provide better warranties, superior moisture and stain protection, and high-quality carpet fibers.

Carpet cost by brand
Brand Cost per square foot Benefits
Shaw Floors $0.50 – $11.00
  • Extensive selection of colors & styles
  • Warranties lasting up to 20 years
  • R2X soil & stain protection for nylon
  • Waterproof carpet backings
  • Carpet-recycling program
Stainmaster Carpet $1.00 – $7.00
  • Stainmaster Pet Protect carpets have built-in odor & stain resistance
  • Carpets that repel pet hairs for easier vacuuming
  • Nylon carpets with top-quality stain-resistant treatments
  • The Active Family line is extra-durable carpeting
  • TruSoft is their softest carpeting with stain-resistance
Mohawk Industries / Smartstrand $0.60 – $5.50
  • Longest reputation in carpeting
  • Vast choices of polyester
  • SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet with an "All Pet Protection" lifetime warranty
  • Patented Triexta-fiber carpets with top stain-resistance among most carpets
  • Large selection of recycled and eco-friendly carpets
Anderson Tuftex $1.50 – $11.00
  • Wide selection of twist, textured, & loop carpets
  • Good stain & soil resistance
  • 10-year warranties available

*Material prices only.

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DIY carpet installation cost

DIY carpet replacement costs $1.25 to $6 per square foot, and renting carpeting tools costs the same as hiring a pro. Improperly installed carpet wears quickly and voids the warranty.

Hiring a professional carpet installer costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot in labor and has many advantages:

  • Professional installation comes with a labor and material warranty.
  • Installers reduce waste by taking more-precise measurements.
  • Contractors will prepare and repair the subfloor.
  • Pros use tools like power stretchers, knee kickers, and hammer tackers, and find the best places to hide seams for better results.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a good price for carpet installed?

A good price for carpet is $2.00 to $7.50 per square foot installed. Good quality carpet that costs $1.50 to $6+ per square foot lasts longer and wears better. Low carpet prices or free installation can indicate low-quality material or hidden fees.

How much does cheap carpet cost?

Cheap carpet material costs $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for low-grade nylon, polyester, olefin, or polypropylene. Cheap carpet installation costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot if there's no floor prep, moving furniture, or carpet removal required.

  • Cheap carpets have the shortest lifespans suitable for low foot-traffic areas.
  • The largest discounts are available for leftover carpet remnants.
  • The biggest carpet sales occur in Fall.

How much does carpet removal cost?

Carpet and pad removal costs $0.25 to $1 per square foot, which includes disposal. Extra costs apply for scraping adhesive off the ground after removing glued-down carpeting.

How much does rug installation cost?

Rug installation costs $75 to $150 and up, depending on the rug style and size. Professional rug installation prevents rug damage, wrinkles, and slips that can cause falls. Synthetic felt pads are the most firm and stable option.

How much does it cost to replace hardwood with carpet?

Carpeting over hardwood flooring costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average for carpet, padding, and installation. Removing the hardwood floor costs $0.85 to $3.25 per square foot more if it's in bad condition.

Hardwood & subfloor repair costs for carpeting
Task Average cost per square foot
Basic floor prep (labor) $0.25 – $1.00
Hardwood floor removal $0.85 – $3.25
Replace hardwood patch $11.80 – $36.00
Replacing subfloor $1.00 – $4.00

How long does carpet last?

Carpet lasts 5 to 20 years, depending on carpet and padding quality, material, foot traffic, and maintenance frequency. Carpets with a face weight (or fiber density) of less than 30 oz. last less than 7 years. A 40 oz.+ face weight carpet lasts 12+ years.

Carpet life expectancy
Material Lasts (years)
Olefin 3 – 10
Nylon 3 – 15
Polyester 5 – 15
Sisal 7 – 10
Wool 8 – 20
Berber 10 – 15
Triexta 10 – 20

Look at the carpet specifications to find face-weight listings and verify the length of the warranty.

How much does carpet maintenance cost?

Carpet cleaning costs $25 to $70 per room or $0.20 to $1 per square foot for steaming or hot water extraction. Re-stretching carpet to remove wrinkles costs $50 to $80 per room, and repairing carpet damage by patching holes costs $150 to $225 and up.

How much does indoor-outdoor carpet cost?

Indoor-outdoor carpet costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot installed. This low-profile carpet doesn't need padding, is low maintenance, contains strong UV and mold-resistant fibers, and is glued and taped down to concrete floors. Artificial grass carpet prices are $6 to $20 per square foot installed.

How long does carpet installation take?

Installing carpet takes 4 to 8 hours for an average room. In some cases, preparation adds another day for moving furniture, removing the old carpeting, removing the baseboards, and repairing the sub-floor.

How is carpet sold?

Most carpet is sold in rolls 12 to 18 feet wide and priced by the square foot or square yard. Stores cut carpeting to any length beyond 2 feet and also sell leftover remnants. Carpet rolls are 200 to 1,080 square feet or 22 to 120 square yards.

Can I install carpet on concrete?

Installing carpet over concrete works best with anti-bacterial rubber or polyurethane foam padding and synthetic carpets. Humid areas require sealing the concrete with latex floor enamel or installing DRIcore or insulated plywood carpet underlayment as a mold and moisture barrier.

Still have questions? Ask a carpet pro. View Pros

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Free carpet installation quote estimates

Most carpet installers provide free carpet installation quotes. In-home measurements services, consultations, and detailed estimates cost $35 to $55 upfront, and are often credited toward the total cost.

Hiring a carpet installer

Hiring a professional flooring contractor ensures longer-lasting carpet with labor and manufacturer warranties. Be sure to:

  • Get at least three estimates to compare.
  • Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
  • Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
  • Ask for a written contract and warranty.
  • Get a full breakdown of all material and labor costs involved.
  • Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions to ask carpet installers

  • Are they licensed and bonded with liability insurance?
  • Have they installed carpeting for at least 5 years?
  • Can they provide references for past work?
  • Which carpet padding is required to maintain the warranty?
  • What other expenses may arise?
  • Can they do subfloor work if they find damages?
  • Does their quote include moving furniture and removing old carpet and padding?
  • Can they provide a warranty on their work?
  • What's their payment schedule?
  • Does their quote include clean up afterward?
  • Can they provide a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted carpet installers:

Get free estimates

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  • Hicks, Ray F. "2020 National Home Improvement Estimator." (2020). PDF file.
  • Russell, Jonathan. "2020 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator." (2020). PDF file.
  • Pray, Richard. "2020 National Construction Estimator." (2020). PDF file.
  • Actual Project Costs Reported By 1,392 HomeGuide Members. (2020).
  • N., Sarah. "Carpet & Padding Installation Cost Survey - 30 Participants." (2020). HomeGuide Survey.
  • How Much Does it Cost to Install Carpet? (2020).
    https://www.homedepot.com/c/cost_install_carpet
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    homedepot.com/b/Flooring-Carpet-Indoor-Carpet/
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    carpetcaptain.com/carpet-buying-guide/prices/
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    flooringamerica.com/flooring/carpet/guide
  • The Costs of Replacing Carpet. (2016).
    marionscarpets.com/blog/articles/The-Costs-of-Replacing-Carpet
  • Carpet Ultimate Guide – Prices, Installation and Best Brands. (2020).
    flooringclarity.com/carpet/
  • 2020 Carpet installation cost Guide. (2020).
    flooringinc.com/buyers-guide/carpet-cost
  • Carpet installation cost. (2020).
    abccarpets.com/carpet_installation_cost.htm
  • Estimate Total Project Cost. (2020).
    mohawkflooring.com/budget-flooring/estimate-total-project-cost
  • Ramie Lantz. Carpet Advantage. Personal Communication. (2020).
  • Mike Erickson. Floor Coverings International. Personal Communication. (2020).
  • Thomas Easters. Florida Floor & Bath. Personal Communication. (2020).

How Much Is It to Install Carpet Per Square Foot

Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/carpet-installation-cost