By Katie Flannery | Updated Nov 1, 2022 2:15 PM

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Carpeting can bring a subdued and comfortable atmosphere to a home. When considering carpet installation cost, it helps to know the factors that go into calculating the price of carpet installation or replacement. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range of carpet installation is between $756 and $2,591, with the national average at $1,673. Expect to pay between $3.50 to $11 per square foot or approximately $32 to $100 per square yard. The average price of carpeting materials runs from $2 to $7 per square foot but can range from $1 to upward of $20 per square foot. Labor adds an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot to the overall carpet installation cost. To find prices on carpet installation, search for “carpet installers near me.” Keep in mind that carpet costs can vary due to the quality, style, and material of the carpeting.

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To stay on budget, calculate how much carpet is needed and how much it will cost. First, find the width and length of each room. Don’t forget to measure for doorways and divide irregularly shaped rooms into smaller sections. Multiply those two numbers together and you’ll have the square footage of the area that needs to be carpeted. For example, the formula to carpet a 15-foot by 15-foot room with carpeting that costs $7 per square foot would be:

15 feet x 15 feet = 225 total square feet x $7 = $1,575

Calculating carpet installation cost depends on a few factors. Prices can differ from the national average due to labor costs in your area; the material, style, and quality of the carpet; the size and shape of the room; and what kind of padding is used.

Common carpet materials include nylon, polyester, cotton, polypropylene/olefin, sisal, and wool. Long lasting and easy to clean, nylon costs between $2 and $5 per square foot. It’s suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with children and pets. Another budget-friendly carpet material is polyester. Polyester carpeting can run between $1 and $3 per square foot. It’s not recommended for high-traffic areas, but it resists mold and mildew and is good for those with allergies. Cotton carpeting is more expensive than synthetic materials and can cost between $6 and $7 per square foot. Since it’s a natural material, it easily fades and stains. Made from recycled plastic, polypropylene or olefin costs $1 to $3 per square foot. It’s durable and is fade- and moisture-resistant. Sisal carpeting averages between $5 and $15 per square foot. This carpeting is made from agave leaves and has a rough woven texture, and it’s recommended for high-traffic areas. Eco-friendly wool carpeting can cost between $4 and $20 per square foot, but it averages around $5 to $7 per square foot. Wool is a durable, quality material that resists fading. Regardless of the material, the cut, pile, and loop will also affect the price.

Carpet installation costs vary due to the size and shape of the area. The more carpet needed, the more expensive the project will be. Most carpet comes in 12- or 15-foot-wide rolls. Expect to add an additional 5 to 20 percent for extra carpeting and padding depending on the shape and size of the room.

Padding is a layer under the carpet that adds extra cushion and acts as a sound absorber. Certain types of padding are recommended for specific areas or types of carpets. Urethane foam is the least expensive and is recommended for lighter traffic areas. It costs around $0.75 per square foot. The most common type of padding is bonded urethane. It’s comfortable, durable, and avoids compression. It runs around $0.90 per square foot. Waffle rubber padding averages around $1 per square foot. It’s an uncommon choice, and it’s used when low carpet clearance is needed. Fiber cushion padding uses a blend of natural fibers and is a green option that costs around $1.25 per square foot. Flat rubber padding is used for very high-traffic areas, and it’s considered the most durable type of carpet padding. It costs around $2 per square foot.

In addition to the cost of carpet and padding, labor is usually $0.50 to $1 per square foot. Keep in mind that this price doesn’t include repairs or tearing out an existing floor.

When budgeting to cover carpet installation costs, there are usually additional price factors and considerations. These can include moving furniture, carpet removal, stain-resistance treatments, subfloor and flooring repair or replacement, or custom cuts.

If you need assistance with moving heavy furniture, an additional charge of $200 to $370 is common.

If you’re planning on carpet replacement, the existing carpet will need to be removed. Carpet removal usually costs between $2 to $3 per square foot on average, and pad removal runs from $1.50 to $2 per square foot.

Adding stain resistance to the carpet typically costs about $80 per gallon, which covers up to 1,000 square feet.

If the subfloor needs to be repaired or replaced due to water damage or age, it can run $600 or more on average.

If the flooring needs to be repaired or replaced before new carpeting can be installed, the cost to remove old flooring is $1 to $3 per square foot.

Custom-cut carpets to fit an unusually shaped room can cost extra due to the extra time and additional materials. The price will vary depending on the shape and size of the room.

The type of carpeting you choose will affect the overall price of carpet installation. Each type has a unique appearance, texture, and wear level. Some carpet types are more appropriate for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs, while others are more suited to low-traffic zones like bedrooms.

Cut pile carpeting usually costs between $1 to $12 per square foot. This type of carpeting has cut fiber loops that are tufted at the ends. This type is smooth, soft, and has four subcategories:

A carpet with a low pile has yarn that’s cut to ¼ inch or less. The height of the pile directly affects the wear of the carpet. The shorter the pile, the more wear it can withstand.

Plush carpeting is dense and soft. Instead of the loops being cut, they’re sheared to create a distinctive texture. Plush carpeting averages between $2 and $8 per square foot.

Textured carpet features strands of different lengths that create a carpet that is durable and trackless. It usually features a two-tone appearance and works great for families and high-traffic areas. Textured carpets can run between $2 and $12 per square foot.

The more twists the fibers have, the more durable the carpet will be. Twist pile carpets are considered the most durable and work well in high-traffic areas.

Level loop carpet has yarn loops that are sewn into the carpet. The uncut loops provide a uniform appearance with no variation. It’s recommended for high-traffic zones since it’s relatively stain resistant and durable. Level loop carpeting costs between $2.78 and $5 per square foot on average.

Berber carpet has a knotty texture that’s created by upright yarn loops. It wears better than cut pile carpeting since it is resistant to shedding and fraying. Traditionally, Berber carpets were made of hand-knotted wool from the Berber region of Africa. Today, machine-made Berber carpets are made from nylon and run about $5 per square foot.

Patterned loop pile gives a patterned or sculpted look to the carpet. It hides wear and dirt and is durable for medium traffic areas.

Cut-loop carpet combines low loops and high-cut tufts that form designs in the carpeting. This textured carpet is durable and hides dirt and footprints. It’s good for medium- to high-traffic areas and costs between $1 and $10 per square foot.

Carpeting can bring warmth and style to a home. If you haven’t replaced the carpet in over 10 years, it may be time for a replacement. In addition to changing the color, type, or texture of the carpet, there are a few red flags when carpet replacement is necessary. If there are worn spots, stains, odors, rips, tears, water damage, or mold, it’s definitely time for a new carpet.

Wear and tear on carpets can show. If you notice loose threads, rips, holes, or loops that have come undone, it’s time for replacement. Older carpeting can have stains that aren’t easily removed from food and drink spills, pets, grass, dirt, or mud. It’s common for carpeting to absorb smells from pets, cigarette smoke, cooking, and mold. Once the carpeting has soaked up those odors, they’re hard to get out.

Carpeting typically lasts between 5 to 20 years, but many homeowners don’t replace it within that time frame. Carpeting will show its age first in high-traffic areas such as stairs, hallways, and entrances. If you notice wear in these areas, it’s time to replace it.

Carpet padding can wear and age just like carpeting. If you notice that the carpet feels thinner when you walk across it, it may be time for a replacement. Padding also absorbs spills and dirt and will break down over time. If the padding has stains, a musty odor, or has significantly flattened, not only is it time for new padding but new carpet as well.

Carpeting can trap many allergens like dust, dirt, mold, pet dander, mites, and more. If you or a family member has noticed an increase in allergy symptoms, an old carpet may be to blame. Sometimes a deep cleaning will remedy allergy symptoms, but if the carpet is beyond saving, a replacement is in order. When shopping around for a new carpet, consider hypoallergenic options that can repel allergens.

If there has been water damage in your home due to flooding or plumbing issues, the carpeting will need to be replaced. Water damage can lead to mold growth. Mold is a serious health hazard that causes respiratory distress. Even if you don’t see visible mold growth on the carpeting, it could be growing on the padding underneath. If you notice a musty odor, check under the rug to see if mold or mildew is growing.

Installing a new carpet can quickly update the look of your home. If your current carpet is over 10 to 15 years old, it’s most likely showing its age. An outdated style or color can age a home, and new carpet will create a clean, modern look. Here are some benefits of getting a new carpet.

Installing a new carpet will add an appealing update to your home. There are many types, textures, and colors to choose from to match your home’s aesthetic.

Carpeting adds to the insulation of your home. When you combine new carpet with new padding, you have a layer that absorbs sound and keeps the floors soft and warm.

Carpeting creates a surface with more traction throughout the home. Carpeted floors reduce the potential for slips and injury for family members of all ages.

Installing new carpeting increases the value of your home. Flooring is one of the first features that prospective buyers see when they walk into a house. Installing modern, new carpeting with a warranty is an appealing perk.

If you don’t know how to install a carpet, it’s recommended to leave it to the professionals. Professionals have the tools and the experience to properly install new carpeting. When you consider that renting the tools can cost the same as hiring carpeting professionals, saving $0.50 to $1 per square foot on labor doesn’t amount to much. Professional installation comes with a warranty, the installers know how to precisely measure to reduce waste, and they can repair or replace subflooring if needed. If the carpeting isn’t correctly stretched or tacked, it will wrinkle and be costly to repair.

Carpet installation costs can be pricey, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on carpet installation is to buy the least expensive carpet, but there are other ways to save on costs without compromising on quality.

Asking a professional the right questions about carpet installation can minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. Here are some questions to ask about carpet installation costs.

Deciding on the right carpet for your home while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about carpet installation costs to help guide you in your decisions.

The cost to carpet a 12-foot by 12-foot bedroom is between $500 and $1,600. If the bedroom is smaller, you may pay more than $2 to $7 per square foot since carpet usually comes in 12-foot or 15-foot rolls. Keep in mind that you’ll be paying for the total width, even if you don’t need it.

Yes. Well, someone will have to move the furniture. You can move the furniture to save on labor costs or you can pay the professional installers to move the furniture for you.

It’s recommended to install carpeting first before painting a room. Professional painters will take care to carefully cover the carpet and protect it from drips and splatters, and it’s easier for them to paint after carpet installation. Carpet installation can also result in scrapes or nicks to the walls.

Carpet can last from 5 to 20 years. How long it lasts depends on the level of maintenance, carpet quality, and amount of traffic.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, The Home Depot, Fixr

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