True Cost Guide Flooring Install Carpeting

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Carpet?

Typical Range:

$786 - $2,799

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 8,011 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated May 25, 2022

Reviewed by Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

The cost to install a new carpet ranges from $786 and $2,799, with the average price of a carpet installation running at about $1,766. “A well-chosen, professionally installed carpet will add warmth and beauty to any room,” says Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert. “Plus, the material is very soft and sound-absorbing, resulting in a relaxed, cozy environment." Budgeting for a new carpet will depend on several factors, including the size of the space, carpet material, and carpet type you choose.

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National Average	$1,766
Typical Range	$786 - $2,799
Low End - High End	$200 - $5,000

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 8,011 HomeAdvisor members.

Carpet Installation by Size of the Space

The size of your space will be the most significant determinant of your carpeting cost. We'll provide some guidelines for carpeting in various sizes in the table below.

Square Feet	Materials Only	Materials and Installation
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

Room Size

While size is important, the price to carpet different room types may stray from the average, even if they're similar sizes. For example, you may need to budget for a moisture barrier in the basement or a higher-quality carpet in a busy living room. The chart below breaks down the cost to install carpet by room size.

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
16’ x 16’+	$800 – $2,800	$1,400 – $4,400

Staircase

Carpeting stairs cost $3.50 to $11 per square foot, plus $11 to $26 per step. The additional price accommodates a more complicated installation process, which includes:

Extra cutting
More tack strips
Unusual shapes (like a rounded stairway)

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Carpet Installation by Carpet Material

There are pros and cons to each different type of carpet material, and what works best in one room might not be your best option for another. Considering the level of foot traffic, amount of direct sunlight, and moisture level—as well as your budget—will help you narrow down the most suitable options for each room in your home.

Carpet Material	Average Price Range per Square Foot
Polyester	$1 – $3
Polypropylene/olefin	$1 – $3
Nylon	$2 – $5
Wool	$4 – $20
Sisal	$5 – $15
Cotton	$6 – $7

Polyester

Polyester carpeting is a popular synthetic material that 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. But the 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. Here are some home locations you may want to consider:

Kitchen or bathroom areas that might be prone to spills or stains
Sunny spots with direct sunlight
Rooms or homes that need to be recarpeted frequently

Polypropylene or Olefin

Polypropylene or olefin carpets cost $1 to $3 per square foot and are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. As a common plastic, the carpet may be made from recycled materials. It’s also known for its durability and many pros, such as:

Stain resistance
Well-suited for wet areas since it doesn’t lock in moisture
Works well in sunlit areas since it’s resistant to sun-fading
Bleach resistance

Nylon

Nylon carpet costs $2 to $5 per square foot. This material has replaced acrylic carpeting in popularity because acrylic pilled easily. Nylon is durable, easy to clean, and is suitable for:

High-traffic areas
Families with kids and pets
Both indoor and outdoor use

Wool

The price of wool carpeting runs from $4 to $20 per square foot. The best-known style is Berber, and the cost to install a Berber carpet ranges from $375 to $600. Wool is the most traditional, eco-friendly choice, and it's 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. But because it's natural, wool is more susceptible to fading and static. It also absorbs moisture, possibly leading to mold and mildew in wetter areas like basements. Some other pros are that it's suitable in:

High-traffic areas
Dining and living rooms
Spaces where you’d like to add a luxurious look and feel

Sisal

Made of leaves from the agave plant, this woven material provides a very strong surface and ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. Sisal carpets can feel rough underfoot so it might not be a good fit for bedrooms, but they could prove to be a perfect choice for:

High-traffic areas
Rooms with lots of direct sunlight
Living rooms

Cotton

Cotton carpeting costs $6 to $7 per square foot. As a natural product, its prices are higher than synthetic types, and it's most notable for its softness and low amounts of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). However, like garments made of the same material, it stains and fades easily, which might make it best for:

Homes or rooms without young children or pets
Spaces without lots of direct sunlight

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Carpet Installation by Carpet Type

Different carpet types also affect the total project price. See the table below for price ranges.

Type	Average Price Range per Square Foot
Loop	$1 – $5
Frieze	$1 – $8
Cut and loop	$1 – $10
Saxony/plush	$2 – $8
Textured saxony	$2 – $12
Cable	$4 – $8

Loop Pile Carpet

Loop pile carpet runs from $1 to $5 per square foot. This style features uncut yarn and is commonly used in high-traffic areas of homes and businesses. Since the loops connect to the backing on both ends, it's 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

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. Cut and loop carpet is ideal for any part of the home that’s high traffic.

Stands up well and easily conceals carpet lines
Good choice for medium- to high-traffic areas

Cut Pile Carpet

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 carpeting can be used for the whole house and includes four subcategories:

Saxony or plush: The most common type, this looks like a freshly mowed lawn. However, it's subject to fluffing or shedding, so it may last five 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. 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's subject to wear and matting, making it more practical for low-traffic areas.

Labor for Carpet Installation

Labor alone for a new carpet install is $0.50 to $1 per square foot. If you factor in materials, the price range increases to $3.50 to $11 per square foot. This cost usually doesn't include removing an existing flooring or preparing the subfloor. And projects that require extra features, like stairs, can cost an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.

Carpet Replacement

The cost to replace carpet runs from $9.50 to $19 per square foot. This includes the carpet removal price and subfloor preparation, which runs from $6 to $8 per square foot. Some of the associated costs are listed below.

Carpet Replacement Process	Price per Square Foot
Scrape adhesive	$0.50
Demolish tack strips	$0.50 – $1
Level concrete floor	$1
Remove carpet pad	$1.50 – $2
Remove carpet	$2 – $3

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DIY Carpet Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Professional carpet installation represents a small portion of the total price. This project is easy to get wrong and costs a lot more in buying new material to fix, so it’s best to hire a local carpet installation pro.

How to Find Affordable Carpet Installation

As you browse our carpet buying guide, keep in mind that prices vary widely from one business to the next. Contractors make money on labor and a 50% to 75% markup on materials. However, major home improvement stores and even some local companies periodically offer a free installation with purchase. These deals often require a minimum square footage to justify the work.

How to Receive a Free Carpet Estimate

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.

FAQs

What carpet material is the most affordable?

The most inexpensive carpets are usually made of polyester or olefin.

How much does it cost to carpet three bedrooms?

The total cost to carpet three bedrooms measuring an average 500-square-foot area runs from $1,750 to $5,500. Actual estimates vary based on room dimensions.

How much does it cost to install a carpet and pad?

The labor cost to install a carpet and pad ranges from $0.50 to $1 per square foot.

How long does carpet last?

Carpets will generally last five to 20 years. Its life span depends on the material quality, foot traffic, and maintenance.

How much does it cost to recarpet a room?

A 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 from $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 carpet types allow you to place it directly on the subfloor, while 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 doesn't include the disposal of the old flooring.

How much does carpet maintenance cost, and what is involved?

Carpet cleaning costs $125 to $250 if you hire a carpet cleaner near you. Maintenance may include steaming, dry-cleaning, and spot treatment. If you have holes or burns, carpet repair costs around $150 to $275.

How much does indoor-outdoor carpeting cost?

The average indoor-outdoor carpeting costs $2 to $5 per square foot. This type usually doesn’t need a carpet pad.

How much does it cost to replace the carpet in an apartment or condo?

It costs $9.50 to $11.50 per square foot to replace the carpeting in an apartment or condo because property owners tend to choose builder-grade products.