How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost? (2023)

Installing new carpet can be a significant investment for homeowners, with prices ranging from $3–$11 per square foot.* Before you take your first steps in finding the new flooring of your dreams, make sure you understand what goes into carpet installation costs.

Below, we’ll explore what affects carpet pricing, the differences between do-it-yourself (DIY) and professional installation, and how to choose the right carpet and padding for your home.

*Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and HomeAdvisor.

 

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Carpet Installation Major Cost Factors

Carpet type, room size, and labor costs are critical points to consider when planning for new carpet installation. You will also need to factor in the cost of carpet padding and any additional services required, such as removing the old flooring.

Carpet Material

Homeowners can choose from a range of different carpet materials to suit their needs or budget. High-end wool and sisal carpet tend to be the most expensive, with prices as high as $15–$20 per square foot. Synthetic materials such as polyester and olefin, meanwhile, often cost $5 or less per square foot.

The material you choose will impact the cost, longevity, appearance, ease of maintenance, and stain resistance of your new carpet.

Cost by Carpet Material

Material	Cost Per Square Foot
Olefin	$1–$3
Polyester	$1–$3
Nylon	$2–$5
Cotton	$2–$7
Acrylic	$3–$8
Triexta	$3–$8
Wool	$4–$20
Sisal	$5–$15

Carpet Style

Two carpets made from the same material but with a different pile or texture can have vastly different price points. Here’s a breakdown of cost by carpet style.

Cost by Carpet Style

Style	Cost Per Square Foot
Loop	$1–$5
Frieze	$1–$8
Cut-and-loop	$1–$10
Textured	$1–$12
Patterned	$2–$6
Saxony/Plush	$2–$8
Cable	$4–$8
Berber	$3–$20

Size and Shape of Room

The larger the room, the more material you’ll need to carpet it, and the more your project’s total cost will be. Rooms with irregular shapes will also cost more because they involve more cutting and seaming, which increases labor costs and waste.

Cost by Room Size

Room Size	Square Footage	Cost (Installed)
8′ x 10′	80	$240–$880
10′ x 12′	120	$360–$1,320
12′ x 14′	168	$504–$1,848
14′ x 18′	252	$756–$2,772
14′ x 20′	280	$840–$3,080
16′ x 20′	320	$960–$3,520
18′ x 30′	540	$1,620–$5,940
22′ x 28′	616	$1,848–$6,776

Labor Costs

Labor costs for a new carpet installation tend to be lower than labor associated with other flooring options, with an average cost of $0.50 to $1 per square foot. This includes the cost of laying down the new carpet, padding, tack strips, and transitions. More complex jobs, such as those involving stairs or custom cuts, may cost $2 to $3 per square foot.

If you are replacing existing carpet or another type of flooring, expect to pay about $1 to $3 per square foot for removal and disposal of the old flooring. You may need to pay an additional $3 to $10 per square foot if you need to address water damage, too.

 

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How to Choose the Right Carpet for Your Home

Selecting the right carpet will dictate the style and function of your space as well as the cost of your flooring project. Here’s what to consider as you shop:

• Carpet fibers: Carpet fiber materials affect durability just as much as face weight does, and different materials have distinct attributes. Synthetic materials are cheaper than natural fibers, for example, but they can also be more durable and versatile.
• Construction: Carpet construction is the process through which carpet fibers are woven together to create the surface texture. Cut pile carpets feature individual fibers that are cut at the ends, resulting in a soft and even surface. Loop pile carpets feature uncut loops for a more durable surface. Cut-and-loop carpets combine these styles to achieve a wider range of textures.
• Face weight: Face weight refers to the density of the carpet fibers. The higher the number, the better the quality of the carpet and the higher the cost. Carpets with a low face weight will wear down more quickly, especially in busy areas of your home.
• Pile height: Pile height refers to the length of the carpet fibers, from the backing to the tip. High-pile carpet provides a soft and luxurious feel, while low-pile carpet is more durable and easier to clean.
• Stain resistance: Some carpet materials and constructions are naturally more stain-resistant than others, but many come pre-treated with chemicals that repel liquids and prevent staining.

Here’s how a few common carpet materials compare:

Material	Price Range	Durability	Stain Resistance	Suitable For	Other Attributes
Olefin	$1–$3	Moderate	High	Areas prone to water damage	Resists moisture, mold, and fading; easily damaged by friction
Polyester	$1–$3	Moderate	Moderate	Low-traffic areas	Hypoallergenic and hydrophobic; less durable than nylon
Nylon	$2–$5	High	High	High-traffic and outdoor areas	Resists fading, pilling, crushing, and mildew
Acrylic	$3–$8	Low	Low	Areas with low or moderate traffic	Hypoallergenic; susceptible to pilling
Triexta	$3–$8	High	High	Moderate and high-traffic areas	Eco-friendly; resistant to crushing, moisture, and stains
Wool	$4–$20	Moderate	Moderate	Dry areas with moderate traffic	Flame-resistent and resilient; prone to water damage

Carefully consider the carpet’s location in your home before making your choice. Stain resistance may be the top priority for people with pets or children, while others may prioritize a low-pile hypoallergenic option. High-traffic areas may require carpet with a high face weight and durable synthetic fibers, while moisture-resistant nylon is perhaps the best choice for basements and sunrooms.

 

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How to Measure the Size of Your Room for Carpet Installation

If you pay for professional installation, the retailer or contractor will typically measure the room for you as part of an in-home consultation. This ensures accurate measurements and saves you some hassle.

If you plan to handle the carpet replacement yourself, you will need to measure the room with a measuring tape or laser measure. Here’s what to do:

• Measure the length: Choose a starting point on the shortest wall and measure the distance from there to the opposite wall. Be sure to hold the tape or laser measure level. Read and record the measurements in feet and inches.
• Measure the width: Choose a starting point on the longest wall and measure the distance from there to the opposite wall. Read and record the measurement.
• Calculate the area: Multiply the length by the width to determine the area of the room. If a measurement contains both feet and inches, instead of an exact number of feet, convert the figure to a decimal. To do this, multiply the number of feet by 12, add the leftover inches, and divide by 12.
• Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process above for each room or area you plan to cover. Break irregularly shaped rooms into multiple rectangular sections, if necessary. Add up the square footage of each section to calculate the total area.
• Measure stairs: If your project involves stairs, measure the rise and run of one stair. Add them together (plus a couple of extra inches for the nose) and multiply by the number of stairs to determine the total length. Then measure the width of the staircase and multiply by the length to calculate the area.
• Account for waste: Multiply the total square footage by 1.1 or 1.2 to account for 10% or 20% of waste, respectively. This step is important for irregularly shaped rooms. Use this adjusted area as the final estimate for how many square feet of carpet you need.

Here are a few sample measurements and calculations:

Description	Dimensions	Formula	Area (Square Feet)	Adjusted Area (20% waste)
Living room	16′ x 20′	16 x 20	320	384
Hallway	3′ 6″ x 8′ 3″	3.5 x 8.25	28.88	34.656
Bedroom	10′ 2″ x 12′ 4″	10.17 x 12.33	125.4	150.48
Stairs	9″ x 9″ x 4′ (13 steps)	(0.75 + 0.75 + 0.17) x 13 x 4	86.86	104.232
Total:				673.368

 

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How to Choose the Right Padding for Your Carpet

The right padding for your chosen carpet provides an extra layer of cushioning and insulation to keep your family comfortable. It can also help reduce noise, extend the life of your carpet, and protect the subfloor.

Carpet padding is occasionally included in the price of a carpet, but if it isn’t, consider that it costs $0.25 to $3 per square foot on its own or $0.75 to $3.75 installed. Here’s how the most popular types of carpet padding stack up:

Padding Type	Cost Per Square Foot	Cost Installed	Pros	Cons
Rebonded foam	$0.25–$0.80	$0.75–$1.55	Eco-friendly	Less durable; not suitable for all types of carpet
Prime foam	$0.25–$1.50	$1–$2.25	Typically included; feel soft at first	Short lifespan; compresses quickly
Felt/fiber	$0.35–$1.25	$0.85–$2	Dense and durable; great insulator	Less cushion; susceptible to mold
Memory foam	$0.50–$1	$1–$1.75	Super soft	Less durable; may cause carpet to stretch
Waffle rubber	$0.50–$1	$1–$1.75	Comfortable; mold-resistant	Less dense and durable than rebonded rubber
Frothed foam	$0.50–$2	$1–$2.75	Most durable foam option	Pricier than other options
Flat rubber	$0.75–$3	$1.25–$3.75	Very dense and durable	Most expensive option

 

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Professional vs. DIY Carpet Installation

You have two options when it comes to carpet installation: hiring a professional carpet installer or tackling the job yourself. The decision comes down to your budget, time constraints, and comfort with DIY projects.

Professional

Most places that sell carpet also offer installation services. Springing for professional installation will increase the overall cost of your new flooring, but the following benefits may be worth it:

• Convenience: Professional installers work efficiently, completing the job faster than the average DIYer. They can also take care of everything from removing your old flooring to replacing the underlayment.
• Peace of mind: Reputable contractors typically offer warranties on their workmanship, which provides peace of mind.
• Quality: Professionals have the skills, tools, and experience necessary to ensure a smooth, high-quality carpet installation.

DIY

DIY carpet installation is feasible if you have the skills and patience for it. You will need to measure carefully, determine the best carpet and padding for your space, and ensure the subfloor is properly prepared.

With a DIY installation, your costs will be limited to the carpet, padding, tools, and other supplies. Assuming labor costs $1 per square foot for installation, $1 for carpet removal, and $0.50 for padding installation, you could save $800 on a 16-by-20-foot room.

Consider whether you have the necessary skills, how long the project will take, and how you will handle any unexpected issues that arise during installation before you proceed on your own.

 

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How to Reduce Carpet Installation Costs

The primary way to reduce carpet installation costs is to choose a less expensive style or material. Here are some other suggestions:

• Bundle your carpet installation with other services.
• Prepare the subfloor and handle any other site prep.
• Remove the old carpet and padding yourself.
• Shop around and compare quotes.
• Take advantage of free installation offers.
• Wait for a seasonal sale or clearance event.

Remember that high-quality carpet and padding may cost more to install but will likely last longer than less expensive alternatives.

 

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How to Hire a Professional

Look for reputable flooring companies in your area through online searches, referrals, or local directories. Ensure that any installer you hire is properly licensed and insured to protect yourself from liability.

Visit a few showrooms to determine the type of carpet you want, and request quotes or in-home consultations from multiple providers. Ask for a breakdown of the price of the carpet and padding, labor rates, and any additional costs. Compare pricing and the projected timeline, professionalism, and payment options.

Once you’ve selected an installer, read the contract carefully. Ensure that all terms, costs, and details are clear and accurate.

 

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Our Recommendation

There’s no substitute for seeing and feeling different carpet samples and asking questions in person, so we recommend visiting a few showrooms before making your decision. Companies such as Floor Coverings International carry a wide variety of colors, materials, and brands.

If you’re considering DIY installation, look for video tutorials and step-by-step guides from trusted brands. National home improvement chains such as Lowe’s and Home Depot often post detailed how-to guides on their websites.

 

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