Cost to carpet a house
What Does Carpet Installation Cost? (2022 Guide)
Over the past several decades, carpeting has remained a popular choice among homeowners. Carpet prices vary by material, but professional installation is usually relatively inexpensive.
Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 09/22/2022 2:00 pm
In This Article: Carpet Installation Costs | Cost Factors | Additional Costs and Considerations | When to Replace Carpets | Benefits of New Carpet | DIY vs. Professional | How to Save | Our Conclusion
Carpet makes for a cozy, comfortable flooring that hides dust and absorbs sound. Unfortunately, even high-end carpet doesn’t last forever. Whether you need your carpet replaced or you’re having it installed for the first time, it’s important to budget for carpet installation costs before you begin the project.
The national average cost of carpet installation in a 200-square-foot room ranges from $650 to $2,050. We’ll break down the costs of different materials and styles of carpet as well as the different factors that go into determining the labor costs of the project. Finally, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about the process to help you decide whether now is the right time to have carpet installed in your home.
Carpet Installation Costs
The cost to re-carpet a room can range depending on material, padding, and labor. On average, new carpet itself costs $2–$8 per square foot, although luxury brands can cost much more. Padding costs about $0.75–$1.25 per square foot, and you’ll pay $0.50–$1 per square foot for labor.
Carpet Cost by Material
When looking at the cost per square foot of carpet, the material it’s made of plays the most significant role in determining price. Polyester and polypropylene, which is also called olefin, are the least expensive. They resist fading and staining, but they are not particularly durable or easy to clean.
Nylon carpet is the most popular type in the U.S., as it’s durable and resistant to mold and mildew, but it’s not as soft as other types and it’s prone to building up static.
Acrylic isn’t as popular, since it has a tendency to form pills and isn’t the most durable of the synthetic materials. Triexta is gaining popularity as a more eco-friendly version of nylon, since it’s partially made from plant materials. It does offer the same durability and stain resistance as nylon, but it’s a little more expensive.
Finally, natural fibers like wool and sisal are the most expensive. Sisal, made of fibers from the agave plant, is highly durable but a little rough to the touch. Wool carpet, on the other hand, gets high marks for comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness, but it’s prone to mold and mildew and requires special care to clean.
Cost Per Square Foot of Carpet Material
| Material | Cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $3–$7 |
| Nylon | $2–$8 |
| Olefin | $1–$5 |
| Polyester | $1–$6 |
| Sisal | $5–$15 |
| Triexta | $2–$7 |
| Wool | $5–$20 |
Carpet Cost by Style
The individual names assigned to types of carpet can be a bit confusing since they overlap and don’t always have clear definitions, even within the industry.
For example, velvet, plush, and saxony carpet may all refer to the same style of twisted cut pile, though some sources say plush has a lower height than saxony. Similarly, shag and frieze carpets are both taller cut pile carpets, but they may be twisted or upright. Here are some general terms to know when considering carpet styles.
- Berber carpet: This is a loop carpet with a low pile. It is dense and stain-resistant, making it a good choice for hallways, stairs, and other high-traffic areas.
- Cut pile: This carpet style is relatively easy to clean since there are no loops to trap dirt and debris. However, its exposed ends are prone to fraying over time.
- Low-pile carpet: This carpet stands up better to foot traffic than high pile, but it doesn’t provide as much cushion underfoot.
- Cut-pile: This pile variation combines exposed strands with fiber loops to create a unique texture. This style also hides footprints and vacuum marks well, though it’s usually more expensive than other varieties.
Different carpet materials are better suited to certain styles. For example, nylon is versatile enough for several styles, but olefin carpet is usually low-pile because it’s inherently less durable. Material is a bigger determinant of cost than carpet type is. Wool will always be more expensive than polyester carpet regardless of cut or style. Below is an average cost table for how much each style of carpet costs per square foot.
Free Quote: Get your quote on carpet installation today
Carpet Style Cost by Square Foot
| Style | Cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Berber | $1–$6 |
| Cut and Loop | $3–$12 |
| Cut Pile | $1–$10 |
| Level Loop | $1–$5 |
| Low Pile | $1–$5 |
| Patterned Loop | $3–$12 |
| Plush | $2–$8 |
| Saxony | $2–$8 |
| Textured | $2–$12 |
| Twist Pile | $2–$8 |
Factors in Calculating Carpet Installation Cost
The carpet itself is only one factor in the total cost.
You also need to consider the process of laying the carpet. The most common elements that factor into carpet installation cost include these:
- Type and material of carpet
- Room shape in size
- Padding
- Labor costs
Type and Material
A high-end carpet will usually cost the same to install as a lower quality carpet. The exception to that rule is carpet tiles, which are squares of synthetic material that are self-adhesive or can be glued to the floor. These are quicker and easier to install than whole-room carpet and will reduce labor costs.
Room Size and Shape
The more floor space you have to cover, the more expensive materials and installation will be. Carpet is sold by the square foot or square yard, and if you have to cut it to fit a room with an unusual shape, you may have some carpet left over. Similarly, stairs and unusually shaped areas will cost more in labor.
Padding
Carpet can be installed directly onto the existing floor, but most homes first lay down some type of carpet padding to make it more comfortable to walk on and to provide extra insulation.
However, thicker isn’t always better, and thick padding may not work with all styles of carpet. Padding will typically add $0.75–$1.25 per square foot, although some types of carpet, like peel-and-stick tiles, may have padding already attached.
Labor
Unlike many remodeling jobs, labor represents only a small portion of carpet installation costs. Most professional contractors will charge per hour or per square foot to install carpet. On the other hand, some big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot offer free installation if you purchase both carpet and padding. You can also call local contractors to get estimates or place your ZIP code in the form below.
Free Quote: Get your quote on carpet installation today
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond just materials and labor, here are some other factors to take into account which may determine final project costs. You may need to calculate added expenses:
- Carpet removal
- Floor repair or replacement
- Moving furniture
- Stain-resistant treatments
- Subfloor repair or replacements
Carpet Removal
In many cases, you’ll need to have your old carpet removed and hauled away before the new one can be installed.
You can remove existing carpet yourself, if you’d like. Homeowners paying for professional carpet replacement may include removal as part of the job, which can add $0.25–$1 per square foot. You may be able to recycle your old carpet or reuse portions of it as rugs, doormats, or soundproofing material.
Floor Repair or Replacement
Any structural problems with your old flooring will need to be fixed before the carpet is laid down. If the damage is extensive, you could pay $1.50–$4.50 per square foot in labor and materials for repairs. In some cases, the underlayment may need to be entirely replaced, and contractors will usually charge $70–$100 per hour for this work.
Moving Furniture
Before the carpet can be installed or replaced, any furniture in the area will need to be moved out of the way. This may be included as part of labor costs, or it may be separate. For very heavy or specialty items that require careful handling, like grand pianos, you’ll probably pay an extra $50–$100.
Thankfully, this is a step many homeowners can save costs on by handling on their own.
Stain-Resistant Treatments
If the carpet you choose hasn’t had any stain-resistant treatment applied during the manufacturing process, you can have it sprayed on after installation. Sold under brand names like Teflon or Scotchgard, these treatments coat the carpet fibers to help them repel liquids. You can usually treat 1,000 square feet of carpet for about $80.
Subfloor Repair or Replacement
The subfloor is the plywood, fiberboard, or concrete that sits atop your floor joists beneath the finished flooring. It helps evenly distribute the weight of anything that’s on your floors. If this material is old or substantially water damaged, it may need to be repaired or even replaced entirely. This will cost an additional $1–$4 per square foot.
Signs You Should Replace Your Carpet
Most of the time, it’s apparent when you need new carpet.
If the old carpet is ripped, stained, worn, smelly, or moldy, it’s time to have it replaced. Here are some other things to look for when considering carpet replacement:
- Visible signs of old age: Carpet typically has a lifespan of five to 20 years, so if your carpet is older, it may need replacement.
- Signs of significant wear: These signs may include loose threads, undone loops, fading, and crushed pile.
- Unpleasant smells: If you have pets or smokers in the house, your carpet will pick up and hold onto those aromas.
- Uneven thickness: Carpet that feels thinner even if it doesn’t look crushed can be a sign of worn or damaged padding.
- Allergy symptoms: If you or your family notices signs of hay fever out of season, your carpet may be full of allergens, such as dust and dander. If a deep carpet cleaning doesn’t help, replacement may be in order.
- Water damage: Carpeted areas that have experienced flooding usually need to be replaced.
Even if you don’t see visible signs of mold or mildew, moisture trapped in the padding or backing can lead to mold growth.
Free Quote: Get your quote on carpet installation today
Benefits of New Carpet
You can update the look of your home’s interior by replacing the carpet, which should help increase the value and make it a more comfortable place to live. Even better, new carpet can actually make your home slightly safer since it will have improved traction and grip. Finally, a new carpet will also add to your home’s insulation and sound absorption.
DIY vs. Professional Carpet Installation
Some carpeting projects may be DIY-friendly, including small jobs and the laying of peel-and-stick carpet tiles. However, large-scale jobs are usually better left to the professionals. If you’re replacing carpet, you’ll have to deal with things like removing old tack strips and scraping up dried adhesive before you can even get around to rolling out, stretching, and securing the new carpet.
You’ll need a carpet stretcher and a staple hammer-tacker, and you’ll need to be careful when you cut the carpet so you don’t waste material.
If not properly stretched and secured, carpet can become both an eyesore and a trip hazard. You may also void the carpet’s warranty if you lay it incorrectly. Since labor is usually such a small proportion of the total cost of carpet installation, it’s usually a good idea to bring in a professional service.
How to Save on Carpet Installation Costs
Even if you choose a professional carpet installation service, there are several ways you can cut down on the cost of this service:
- Get multiple quotes to ensure you receive the best price
- Use high-quality carpet padding to extend the life of your carpet
- Select a more durable style of carpet to increase your new carpet’s lifespan
- Remove all furniture from the room yourself
- Take out all old carpet and padding yourself rather than paying for the service
Our Conclusion
The best carpet for your home is the one that stands up to the amount of foot traffic you anticipate while also fitting your price range and your home’s aesthetics.
Take the time to explore some different styles before making your choice.
Homeowners can save money by moving their own furniture or removing old carpet. We recommend professional installation to keep your warranty intact, give your carpet the best look, and extend its lifespan. To get a quote from a carpet installation company near you, use the free quote tool below to connect with professionals in your area.
FAQs About Carpet Installation
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].
Average Cost Of Carpet Installation – Forbes Home
Carpet Installation Cost
Carpet installation costs, on average, $700 to $2,000 to redo an area up to 200 square feet. Carpet material prices average $2.50 per square foot, or $10 per yard. Underneath padding costs about $0.60 per square foot.
Competitive flooring retailers offer free installation service with your carpet purchase.
NOTE: The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.
| Average Cost | $2.50 | |
| Highest Cost | $12 | |
| Lowest Cost | $0.65 | |
| *Costs per square foot | ||
Carpet Cost Per Square Foot/Yard
On average, carpet costs $2.
50 per square foot, and that price can range between $0.65 and $12 per square foot, or around $10 per square yard. The price can vary depending on the material, weave and pile style. Read more about those below.
Carpet Tile Cost
Peel and stick carpet tile costs average $2.25 per square foot. Commercial-use carpet tiles can range from as little as $0.94 cents per 2 square feet to $47 per square foot.
Carpet Cost Per Material
Carpet costs vary among retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. For the best price, compare online catalogs with your local flooring showroom and flooring contractor. Wool, polyester, nylon and olefin are the most common carpeting options respectively. If you’re unsure which material is right for your home, you can request free samples to compare at home.
Natural fibers, like wool, are more expensive than synthetic materials like polyester or olefin. Affordable fiber blends, like polyester, may be mildew-resistant but usually contain a higher level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
NOTE: Carpet and padding materials can emit VOCs. Wool selections may be low- or no-VOC. Shop for carpeting latex backing. Talk to your flooring contractor about how to reduce your family’s exposure to VOCs after installation and make sure that you’re choosing the best type of flooring for you.
| Wool | $10.00 | $5.25 | $5.50 | |||
| Polyester | $2.00 | $2.75 | $2.50 | |||
| Nylon | $6.50 | $5.00 | $3.50 | |||
| Olefin | $8.50 | $3. 50 | $2.00 | |||
| *Costs per square foot | ||||||
Wool Carpet Cost
Wool carpeting is the most expensive fiber type, averaging $7.50 per square foot. It’s best for low- to moderate-traffic areas depending on the weave. Wool may be prone to color fading in direct sunlight. It quickly accumulates static and absorbs water, making it prone to mold and mildew. Cleaning and caring for this material may be more expensive too.
You may be able to find alternative natural fiber carpeting, such as cotton, sisal or jute, but these are more common in rugs. Ask your contractor about their natural fiber carpet selection.
Polyester Carpet Cost
Polyester carpeting is affordable, averaging about $2 per square foot. It’s great at blocking stains, moisture, mildew and mold. This makes it perfect for basements. However, its slip also makes it less durable in high-traffic areas.
Nylon Carpet Cost
Nylon carpeting costs around $3.50 per square foot. You may get the highest return on your carpet investment with nylon. It’s perhaps the most durable carpeting material and suitable for high-traffic areas.
Triexta is a new, slightly more expensive, alternative to nylon. It is marketed as more eco-friendly and stain-resistant than nylon, but it may be too soon to claim that as definite. Ask your flooring contractor about triexta carpet samples and benefits.
Olefin (Polypropylene) Carpet Cost
Olefin carpeting is among the least expensive materials, costing just $2 per square foot. It’s best installed in low- to moderate-traffic areas since it matts down quickly and attracts oils.
Carpet Cost Per Style
Texture/Cut Pile Carpet Cost
Textured, cut pile carpet is the most common style and costs $2 to $4 per square foot on average. Textured carpet is tall, plush and comparable to a short-haired shag rug or tapestry.
It’s relatively durable although prone to fraying. Taller piles are more expensive and best for low-traffic bedrooms.
Patterned Carpet Cost
Patterned carpet, which creates an almost embossed look, costs $2 to $6 per square foot. Carpet patterns can be abstract or traditional and be mono-texture or multi-texture, using multiple fiber types or loop styles.
Berber Carpet Cost
Berber carpet is durable enough for both home and commercial use and averages $5.50 per square foot. This tightly-looped weave is perfect for high-traffic areas.
Advertisement
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Find a Contractor
Carpet Installation Prices
Big box carpet retailers offer installation services for free with a qualifying purchase, such as brand or minimum square yardage. Otherwise, installation service professionals may charge $0.99 to $6 per square foot. Compare quotes from a few local flooring installers to get the best price.
WARNING: VOC odors can be harmful to humans. Before re-entering your house after new carpet installation, you need to wait at least 72 hours after to allow VOC odors to dissipate.
Carpet Replacement Cost
Replacing old carpet with new costs about $10 to $20 per square foot. This includes the cost to remove old carpet and padding, scrape and level the subfloor and install new padding and carpet.
Dry cleaning of carpets, floor coverings in Magadan order at home inexpensively
Carpet is a popular type of flooring for apartments and offices.
The room, where there is a carpet, looks very cozy and comfortable. However, there is a significant drawback - the pile needs constant cleaning, as dust and harmful microorganisms accumulate in it. Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner should be done at least twice a week. Dry cleaning helps to get rid of dust, but does not eliminate various types of dirt. Then specialists from the Gore-Master company in Magadan will come to the rescue. nine0003
Our masters will carry out works on deep cleaning of a carpet. With the help of specially selected products, we will eliminate odors left by pets and remove stains of various origins. An important stage of cleaning is disinfection from dust mites that provoke allergic reactions. To keep carpets in top condition, we recommend professional cleaning at least twice a year.
Carpet cleaning steps
We do all the cleaning work for your carpets at home, so you don't have to worry about having to remove the carpet to transport it anywhere.
Our masters will make high-quality cleaning using certified cleaning products. The equipment used by Gormaster specialists removes various types of contaminants. As a result, the carpet is cleaned not only superficially, but also along the entire length of the pile. nine0003
Professional cleaning consists of several stages:
- Diagnosis of the degree of contamination of carpets, determines the type of contamination (stains, odors).
- Experts choose the optimal type of cleaning for your carpet: dry or wet, special chemicals are selected that will best clean these products.
- Dry and/or wet carpet cleaning depending on the type of soiling.
- Deep vacuum cleaning of the carpet surface from grains of sand and dust. nine0014
- Removal of existing stains and unpleasant odors with special products.
Based on an initial assessment of the condition of the carpet, we individually select the best way to clean it. Professional chemicals comply with safety requirements and are approved for use in apartments and offices.
They carefully remove dirt and various odors that have accumulated in the carpet during its operation.
Advantages of Gor-Master
Residents of Magadan order a carpet and floor cleaning service from us, because our database employs professionals with at least two years of experience. All our specialists do not have bad habits, which is also very important for customers. We promptly respond to your application, and send the master on the same day. You can apply at any time, as "Gore-Master" works without days off and breaks. We guarantee order and cleanliness in your home.
We work at fixed prices set in the price list. Before starting work, we carry out diagnostics, and at this stage we agree with the customer on the cost of cleaning, depending on the degree of contamination, type of carpet and coverage area. nine0003
To order a professional carpet and carpet cleaning service, call our hotline at 8-800-550-1998. You can also call the wizard if you leave your phone number in a special form, and our manager will call you back.
Dry cleaning of carpet in an office in Moscow
Light beige carpet or white high-pile carpet is an essential attribute of a cozy and at the same time airy interior. Impeccably clean, soft and fluffy, like a picture in gloss, carpets and carpets remain in the absence of animals and children in the house, in fact, under the conditions of museum storage. In offices, floor coverings literally become dirty before our eyes, covered with stains. nine0003
Dry cleaning of carpet in the office
To prevent the carpet or carpet from looking dusty, old, trampled, it is enough to regularly clean and refresh the pile.
Dry cleaning of carpet in an office in Moscow is possible in several ways. The choice of method depends on the degree of soiling and the regularity of normal care.
Bonnet cleaning
The key to keeping your floor looking good is regular removal of dirt and dust. Stubborn dirt contributes to the deformation of the pile and the degradation of color.
nine0003
Bonnet cleaning should be carried out regularly after standard vacuuming. Bonnet is a special material that can effectively absorb dirt left after a vacuum cleaner.
Extractor cleaning
Extractors are priors for wet carpet cleaning. They are effective in cases where, after vacuuming and bonnet cleaning, the carpet cannot be completely cleaned.
With the help of extractors, a deep cleaning of the pile is carried out.
Dry cleaning with microsponge
Dry cleaning for delicate carpets - silk or viscose. This method is also good because you can walk on the floor immediately after cleaning - it will remain dry. The process of dry cleaning with a microsponge consists in the fact that powdered wood or corn sawdust, or fine foam rubber with a cleaning composition, are applied to the surface. A machine with roller brushes rubs a special cleaning powder or crumb into the pile, and after 10-20 minutes, during which the powder collects dirt, the surface is vacuumed.
nine0003
Shampooing
Shampooing is an economical way of regular wet cleaning. It is suitable for large areas with intensive traffic.
The carpet is first vacuumed, then covered with a damp mixture of detergent and left to dry. After drying, the remnants of the detergent, together with the dirt, are collected with a vacuum cleaner.
Shampooing with extractor cleaning
This is an intensive wet cleaning of carpets and carpets, which can be carried out as part of general cleaning. nine0003
Foamed detergent is applied to the pre-vacuumed floor, then removed with an extractor. With strong, stubborn dirt, shampooing with extractor cleaning can be carried out in several stages. At the end, you can dry the coating.
Price for rotary extractor carpet cleaning
| Coverage area | Cost nine0080 |
| Up to 25 m2 | 5000 ₽ |
| 26-50 m2 | from 6000 ₽ |
| 51-100 m2 | from 8000 ₽ | nine0085
| 101-500 m2 | from 10000 ₽ |
| 501 m2 or more | from 35000 ₽ |
Dry-cleaning of carpets at home
The list of traditional winter fun includes beating carpets in the snow: as soon as the first snow-white layer covers the lawns, the residents of high-rise buildings take out their carpets, and after a few hours, instead of a magnificent landscape, dirt and debris remain.
nine0003
Carpets that are cleaned only once a year, instead of decorating the house, turn into giant dust collectors, become habitats for mites, fungus, sources of allergies and unpleasant odors.
Even if we do not take into account the ethical aspects of cleaning personal carpets in public places, there are questions of rationality and safety: not everyone is physically able to take the carpet out of the apartment, thoroughly clean it and bring it back, with the current ecology, snow can only seem clean. A civilized way is to dry-clean carpets at home, it is inexpensive and effective. nine0003
Onsite dry cleaning services may include:
- removal of old stains, odors, animal hair, mites;
- restoration of color, softness, freshness;
- deep antifungal or antibacterial treatment.
Advantages of dry cleaning at home
- By ordering the services of a cleaning company, there is no need to transport the carpet to a specialized workshop; nine0013 In-home dry cleaning of carpets eliminates additional costs and ensures that the flooring is cleaned safely, using powerful equipment, an environmentally friendly detergent;
- Eliminates the likelihood of mold, fungi, which often occurs when washing carpets on your own;
- In addition to the complete elimination of stains, professional carpet cleaning is aimed at restoring color and softness.
Carpeting will look like just out of the store. nine0014
How often should carpet or carpet be cleaned? You can call specialists at home once a year - for general cleaning. If there are children or animals in the house, then for prevention it is worth carrying out chemical cleaning every 3-4 months.
Carpets in halls and offices need to be cleaned much more often - at least once a week.
Carpets in offices need to be freshened daily, subject to high traffic. If a thorough cleaning is carried out daily, then it is enough to order a general dry cleaning once a month. nine0003
How much does dry cleaning of carpets cost
Tariffs for dry cleaning of carpets and carpets are primarily determined by the size of the surface, the height of the pile and the degree of pollution, the type of product is also important.
| Type of carpet | Cost |
| Low pile synthetic carpet | nine0077 |
| High pile synthetic carpet | 1200 ₽ |
| Adhesive carpets | 1700 ₽ |
| Silk, woolen, exclusive handmade carpets | 2500 ₽ |
Visual Order Fulfillment
Watch the following video to learn how to clean 1000 m² office carpet.
