How to Calculate Carpet Installation Cost?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
33 min read

A home with carpeting might have a softer, cozier feel to it. When assessing the cost of carpet installation or replacement, it is helpful to know the various aspects that go into determining the price. The nationwide average cost of carpet installation is $1,673, according to HomeAdvisor’s estimates. Between $3.50 and $11 per square foot, or $32 to $100 per square yard, is a reasonable price range. In general, the cost of carpeting is between $2 to $7 per square foot, however this can vary widely. Installing carpet typically costs between $0.50 and $1 more per square foot for labor. Search for “carpet installers near me” to see how much it will cost to have carpet installed in your home. The quality, style, and substance of the carpet can have a significant impact on the price of the carpet.

Contents

How to Calculate Carpet Installation Cost

Calculate how much carpet is needed and how much it will cost in order to stay within your budget. The first step is to measure the dimensions of each room. Remember to measure doors and divide rooms with odd shapes into smaller parts. The square footage of the space that needs to be carpeted can be calculated by multiplying the two values. Rug a 15’x15′ room using $7/sqft carpeting and the following formula would result:

Factors in Calculating Carpet Installation Cost

A number of variables are involved in determining the cost of carpet installation. The cost of labor in your area; the material, design, and quality of the carpet; the size and shape of the room; and the type of padding utilized all affect the price.

Average Cost Of Carpet Installation – Forbes Advisor

Material, Style, and Quality

Carpets are commonly made from a variety of synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene/olefin, nylon, cotton, sisal, and wool. Nylon costs between $2 and $5 per square foot and is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Use it in locations with a lot of foot activity and in houses where children and pets are present. Polyester is another another low-cost carpeting material to take into consideration. A square foot of polyester carpet can cost anywhere from $1 to $3. It’s not advised for high-traffic areas, but it is resistant to mold and mildew and is beneficial for people with allergies. As compared to synthetic materials, the price of cotton carpeting can range from $6 to $7 per square ft. It’s prone to fading and staining because it’s made of natural materials. Polypropylene or olefin, which is made from recycled plastic, costs $1 to $3 per square foot. It is long-lasting and resistant to fading and dampness. Between $5 and $15 per square foot, sisal carpeting is available. Agave leaves are used to make this carpet, which is suitable for locations with a lot of foot traffic. A square foot of eco-friendly wool carpeting can cost anywhere from $4 to $20, but the average cost is between $5 and $7. When it comes to longevity and resistance to fading, nothing beats wool. regardless of the type of cloth used, cut, pile, and loop will all influence the price of the garments.

Room Size and Shape

Size and shape of the room are factors in carpet installation prices. More carpet means a higher price tag for the job. Most carpet is sold in rolls of 12 to 15 feet wide. Based on the size and form of the room and the additional carpet and padding needed, budget an additional 5 to 20 percent.

Padding

Underneath the carpet, padding functions as an additional layer of cushion and noise reduction. It is important to use the correct sort of padding for the area or type of carpet you are working with. The least expensive option is urethane foam, which is best suited for low-traffic areas. The price per square foot is about $0.75. Bonded urethane is the most prevalent type of padding. It’s soft, long-lasting, and doesn’t cause compression when you’re wearing it. The cost per square foot is about $0.90. The cost of waffle rubber cushioning per square foot is approximately $1. If you’re looking for a low carpet clearance, this is an unusual option. Using fiber cushion padding, which is made from a blend of natural fibers, is an environmentally friendly choice that costs about $1.25 per square foot. In high-traffic areas, flat rubber padding can be the most resilient carpet padding. A square foot of this product costs about $2.50.

Labor

Rugs can be anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per square foot, not including padding or installation fees. A new floor will cost you more because it does not include any repairs or demolition costs from the old one.

Additional Costs and Considerations

For carpet installation, there are frequently additional costs and concerns to take into account when budgeting. Moving furniture, removing carpet, stain-resistance treatments, repairing or replacing subfloors and flooring, or making bespoke cuts are examples of these services.

Moving Furniture

Additional fees of $200 to $370 are normal for heavy-furniture relocation services.

Carpet Removal

To replace your carpet, you’ll need to get rid of the old one. The average cost of removing carpet is $2 to $3 per square foot, while the cost of removing padding is $1.50 to $2 per square foot.

Stain-Resistance Treatments

About $80 per gallon covers up to 1,000 square feet of carpet stain resistant.

Subfloor Repair or Replacement

Costs can range up to $600 if the subfloor is damaged or old and needs to be replaced, on average.

Flooring Repair or Replacement

Removing existing flooring might cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot if it needs to be repaired or replaced before new carpeting can be laid.

Custom Cuts

Due to the additional time and materials required, custom-cut carpets for strangely shaped rooms may cost more. The cost of renting a room will depend on its dimensions and layout.

Carpet Installation Cost: Types of Carpets

The overall cost of carpet installation is influenced by the carpet you select. The appearance, texture, and wear level of each variety are distinct. For high-traffic areas like corridors and staircases, some carpet types are better suited, while others are better suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.

Cut Pile

A square foot of cut-pile carpet can cost anywhere from $1 to $12. Cut fiber loops are tufted at the ends of this sort of carpeting. The four subdivisions of this class are as follows:

  • Twisted fibers, primarily nylon, are the primary component of Saxony carpeting. It’s cushy and comfortable, making it ideal for places with little foot traffic. The price of a square foot of this carpet often ranges from $2 to $8.
  • Saxony: Textured saxony carpet costs $2 to $12 per square foot and features twisted fibers that resist crushing and don’t leave a trace. It’s ideal for rooms with moderate to high traffic.
  • Frieze: This is a tightly twisted carpet that has long, curled tufts. It’s dense and resilient in high-traffic areas. Frieze carpet costs between $1 and $8 per square foot.
  • Fleece: This type of rug is made of long, curled tufts of yarn woven together firmly. thick and resilient in places where there is heavy traffic. Carpet prices range from $1 and $8 per square foot for frieze carpet.

Low Pile

There are carpets that have a low pile because the yarn is cut to less than 1/8 of an inch in length or less. To a large extent, the carpet’s lifespan is determined by the pile’s height. The more wear and tear a pile can bear, the shorter it is.

Plush

Plush carpeting is dense and luxuriously plush.. The loops are sheared rather than sliced to give the fabric a unique look. Prices for plush carpets range from about $2 to about $8 per square foot on the market these days.

Textured

In addition to being extremely durable and easy to clean, this type of carpet is also virtually undetectable to the naked eye. It has a two-tone look and is ideal for families and high-traffic areas. The price of a square foot of textured carpet can range from $2 to $12.

Twist Pile

It’s more durable if the fibers have a lot of twists in them. In terms of durability, twist pile carpets are regarded as the best for high-traffic areas.

Level Loop

The yarn loops in level loop carpet are sewed into the material. There is no variety in the look of the uncut loops, which have a consistent color. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas because it’s stain-resistant and long-lasting. The average price per square foot for level loop carpeting is from $2.78 to $5.

Berber

The upright yarn loops of Berber carpet give it its knotty appearance. It is more resistant to shedding and fraying than cut pile carpeting. Hand-knotted wool from the Berber region of Africa was used to make traditional Berber carpets. Nylon is now the primary material used in machine-made Berber carpets, which sell for around $5 per square foot.

Patterned Loop

Carpet with a sculpted look can be achieved with patterned loop pile. For medium traffic areas, it is resistant to wear and filth.

Cut Loop

Low loops are combined with high-cut tufts to create unique patterns in the carpet’s surface. Durable and good at hiding dirt, this carpet has a textured surface. With a price range of $1-$10 per square foot, it’s suitable for regions with moderate to heavy footfall.

Carpet Measurement Calculator

Carpet Installation Cost: Do I Need a New Carpet?

A home’s interior can be made cozier and more stylish with the addition of carpeting. There may be a need to replace the carpet if it has been more than 10 years since it was last replaced. When it’s time to replace your carpet, there are a few telltale signs that it’s time to do so. It’s time for a new carpet if there are worn patches, stains, odors, rips, tears, water damage, or mold.

Get your new carpet put by a pro.

Wear and Tear, Stains, and Smells

Carpets can show signs of wear and tear. Replacement is necessary when there are loose threads, tears, holes, or loops that have come undone. To remove food and drink stains from old carpeting that are difficult to remove with soap and water is not always an option. Carpets are notorious for absorbing odors, including those from dogs, cigarette smoke, cooking, and even mold. Once the carpeting has absorbed the odors, it’s nearly impossible to remove them from the surface.

Age

Many people don’t change their carpets until they’ve been in their homes for at least five to twenty years. Steps, hallways and entryways are the places where carpeting begins to show signs of wear and tear the fastest. Wear in these regions means it’s time to replace the part.

Old or Damaged Carpet Padding

Just like carpet, padding for carpets can degrade over time. 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.

Water Damage and Mold

Carpet padding is subject to the same wear and tear as carpet. If you walk over the carpet and it feels thinner than it used to, it’s probably time to replace it. Additionally, padding will degrade over time, absorbing spills and grime in the process. Stains, musty smells, and flattening of the padding necessitate new padding and new carpeting.

Carpet Installation Cost: Benefits of Getting a New Carpet

It’s easy to transform the aesthetic of your home with a new carpet. If your carpet is more than ten to fifteen years old, it’s probably time to replace it. If you’re looking to freshen up the aesthetic of your home, a new carpet will do the trick. Get a new carpet and reap these benefits!

Improved and Updated Aesthetics

Installing new carpet in your house can give it a fresh look. Your home’s style can be matched with a variety of materials, colors, and textures.

Insulation

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.

Safety

Your home will be more energy efficient if you install carpeting. Your floors will be more comfortable and quiet when fresh carpet and padding are used together.

Increased Home Value

Adding new carpeting to your property boosts its worth. When a potential buyer enters a home, the floor is the first thing they notice. Installing brand-new carpet that comes with a lifetime guarantee is an enticing benefit.

Carpet Installation Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Carpet installation should be left to the pros if you are unsure of how to do it. New carpeting can only be installed correctly by someone with the requisite training, equipment, and experience. The labor savings of $0.50 to $1 per square foot are insignificant when you consider that renting the tools might be as expensive as paying carpet installers. Subfloor repairs and replacements can be done if necessary by professional installers, who are trained to accurately measure and avoid waste. Incorrect stretching or tacks can cause the carpet to wrinkle and be expensive to fix.

In the market for new carpet?

How to Save Money on Carpet Installation Cost

Costs associated with the installation of carpet might quickly escalate. You can save money by purchasing a lower-quality carpet, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality in the process.

  • Look around. It will take some time to find the correct carpet for you and your home at a reasonable price. Shop around and compare prices and services at other stores and suppliers. In the autumn, many businesses hold carpet sales. Find out whether your area has any carpet wholesalers. Carpet installation services near me can be found by doing an internet search for “carpet installation nearby me.”
  • Choose a long-lasting design. Berber, frieze, and other looped and twisted carpets are good choices if you want to prevent the wear and tear that comes with cut and loop types.
  • Make your own way through the space. To save money on labor charges, transfer your own furniture and personal things out of the room instead of hiring a moving company.
  • Remove the old carpet and padding off the floor. Rather than paying a contractor to remove your old carpets and padding, do it yourself.
  • Quality padding is needed. Higher-quality padding may seem contradictory, but it will help keep your carpet in better shape for longer.

Your Carpet Journey

Set realistic goals for yourself before you begin looking for a new carpet. There are carpets for every event and every home. The following questions can help you select which carpet is best for your home:

  • You’ll require what kind of carpet. What if you have a busy family or even pets that need to be taken care of? And what about the location of this carpet? Once you’ve figured out what you need, it will be easy to find a carpet in the perfect style and color to match your personal preferences.
  • Do you have an idea of the style and color that you want to incorporate? Carpets come in a wide range of styles, so it’s crucial to know what your style is before you begin your search. This will make it much easier to look through all of our many designs and hues.
  • A carpet cushion can be an option. The appropriate carpet cushion enhances the carpet’s comfort and prevents stains from reappearing, making cleaning easier.
  • Is there a specific date on which you require new carpet? What’s the urgency of your situation?
  • How much money do you have to burn? Remember that the carpet, padding, and installation are all part of the total cost. If you need help figuring out the scope of your project, you can use our Carpet Measurement Calculator.
  • Consider the timing of your installation as well. Installing your new carpet can be scheduled at Lowe’s once you’ve selected it. Your carpet will last longer if it is installed correctly. Check out the Lowe’s Carpet Installation page for more information about the process.
  • What should I do to keep my new carpet in good condition? Regardless of how much foot traffic your carpet is subjected to, appropriate care will ensure that its quality, appearance, and feel will survive for years to come. Your guarantee will remain valid if you get your carpet professionally cleaned in accordance with the terms of your contract. Your limited warranty leaflet will tell you what kind of maintenance is required.
  • Is there a warranty for this product? Accidents do happen from time to time. If you want the most comprehensive coverage, be sure to read your guarantee and register your carpet.

So, are you all set for a price quote? If so, you may begin by scheduling an in-home floor measurement right now.

Lowe’s and STAINMASTER® Carpet

Lowe’s exclusively sells STAINMASTER® Carpet to meet your home design needs. For over 30 years, STAINMASTER® Carpets have been designed for the way you live because they’re stain- and soil-resistant, quick and easy to clean, and durable for proven performance. In fact, STAINMASTER® tests its carpets above industry standard to ensure that they can perform when it matters most. Today, STAINMASTER® is not only the most recognized brand in carpet, but it’s also the most trusted (Hall & Partners STAINMASTER® brand tracker January – June 2020).

STAINMASTER® Carpet is available exclusively at Lowe’s to fulfill your interior design needs. More than three decades of stain and filth resistance, ease of cleaning, and long-lasting performance have made STAINMASTER® Carpets a favorite among busy families. Indeed, Stainmaster Carpet is subjected to rigorous testing above and beyond what is required by the industry. A Hall & Partners STAINMASTER® brand tracker from January to June 2020 shows that STAINMASTER® is both the most recognized and the most trusted name in carpet.

STAINMASTER® PetProtect® carpet

Carpet from STAINMASTER® PetProtect® utilizes a solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fabric, one of the industry’s most durable fibers. It’s okay for loved ones, close friends, and other trusted companions to just enjoy life as it comes. Because of this:

  • Resists the most difficult pet stains
  • Even the toughest pet stains won’t stick to it.
  • Easily releases pet hair while vacuuming
  • Pet hair is easily vacuumed up with this attachment.

STAINMASTER® Signature™ carpet

STAINMASTER® SignatureTM carpet, available only at Lowe’s, is designed to withstand the messes of everyday life. It’s up to the task of running a household because of the following:

  • Incredibly resistant to stains and soiling
  • Is quite long-lasting.
  • From $1 to $6 per square foot.

STAINMASTER Essentials® carpet

Polyester-fiber STAINMASTER Essentials® carpet, available only at Lowe’s, is an excellent choice for homes with light usage. You’ll get certified STAINMASTER® protection at a reasonable price if you choose this carpet, which:

  • Resilient to stains from food and beverages.
  • Costs between $1 and $4 per square foot

Carpet Samples

You may get carpet samples from Lowes.com to see how any of our carpets will look in your space once you’ve narrowed down your carpet list.

Carpet Terms

When searching for the ideal carpet, it’s critical that you comprehend the following terms:

  • The carpet’s fibers are what make it up. Weaved backing is then connected to the two-, three-, or four-ply yarn to make a finished product.
  • Face or nap: Pile is a term used to describe the height of the fiber, which is also known as face or nap.
  • When it comes to fabric density, it’s all about how tightly-packed the fibers are to one another. Higher the carpet’s density, the more durable it will be.
  • Surface Weight: Surface weight is a measure of how much fiber is on the carpet’s surface. For the most part, a thicker carpet will be more pleasant and lasting.
  • Fibers are looped, twisted, or chopped in a specific way to create texture. When it comes to the look and feel of the carpet, as well as its durability, this is critical.
  • Twist: The number of times a 1-inch length of fibers turns is referred to as the “twist.” Twists with a higher count are more durable and can withstand traffic and crushing better.
  • The higher the number, the more easily it retains its appearance. The PAR Rating is a 1 to 5 scale for performance, appearance, and retention.

Carpet Fibers

Most of the carpet produced in the United States contains one of the four primary residential carpet fibers: nylon, triexta, polyester, and polypropylene or olefin.

  • Nylon, triexta, polyester, and polypropylene or olefin make up the vast majority of domestically produced carpet in the United States.
  • The four basic residential carpet fibers, nylon, triexta, polyester, and polypropylene or olefin, make up the majority of the country’s carpet production.
  • The four primary residential carpet fibers, nylon, triexta, polyester, and polypropylene or olefin, make up the majority of the carpet sold in the United States today..

Carpet Cushion

Nylon, triexta, polyester, and polypropylene or olefin make up the vast majority of domestically produced carpet in the United States.

With a STAINMASTER® Carpet Cushion from Lowe’s, mold and mildew can be prevented via a breathable moisture barrier. With STAINMASTER® PetProtect carpet, it helps reduce pet odors after thorough cleaning. If you’re having trouble deciding on the proper cushion for your flooring, a Lowe’s flooring specialist can help. A square foot of STAINMASTER® Carpet Cushion costs about $1.

Let Lowe's Install Your New Carpet | Lowe's

Carpet Installation

The next step is to measure your floors and receive an estimate once you’ve done your research, tasted carpets and chosen the best one for your space. See our Carpet Installation page for more information on what to anticipate on installation day and how to prepare for your new carpet’s arrival.

Carpet Tile

It’s an excellent DIY flooring choice to use glue-down or peel-and-stick carpet tiles. The carpet is held in place by an adhesive technique that prevents curling. As a result, there is no need to purchase a separate carpet padding because the tile is all-in-one. Between $1 and $3 per square foot is the normal price for carpet tiles.

Carpet Care

The quality, appearance, and feel of your carpet will last for many years, regardless of how much or how little usage it receives. Maintaining the beauty, warranty, and life of your carpet is simple if you follow these guidelines:

  • Vacuum on a regular basis to keep your home clean.
  • Spills should be cleaned up as soon as they occur.
  • Rearrange furniture occasionally.

Rearrange the furnishings every now and then.

Warranty

Registering your new carpet immediately after installation will ensure complete peace of mind. Emails like cleaning advice and reminders for your first professional clean will also be sent to you. Please see your STAINMASTER® limited warranty brochure or contact a Lowe’s flooring consultant for additional information.

The 13 Best Carpet Colors for the Home

1. Sway by Shaw

Sway’s balance of warm and cool neutrals will go with practically any wall, trim, or furniture color, according to Katy Chmela, a trend analyst for Empire Today. R2X® Stain and Soil Resistant System is part of Shaw’s In the Know Collection, and Sway features this technology.

2. Moon Dust by Mohawk

Moon Dust, a soft blue-gray, is a great way to get into 2020’s trend of colder neutrals. Mohawks’ Tailor Made series has a linear, monochrome style that’s stylish but simple enough to withstand the test of time for regularly traveled spaces.

3. Sonora by Empire Today

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to update the look of your home, this is the product for you. Whether you’re looking for a traditional look or something more contemporary, Empire Today’s Incomparable HOME FreshTM collection has what you’re looking for. In addition to being hypoallergenic and asthmatic-friendly, this easy-to-clean carpet is created from 90% recycled materials and can be recycled back to its original form if you grow tired of the classic shade.

4. Match Play by Shaw

Colors like gray are taking over brown and beige as the most popular neutrals—and Shaw’s Match Play, a warm dove gray, is a perfect match. You can count on this plush carpet to retain its tight weave for many years to come, eliminating the risk of shedding as well as stains and grime.

5. Astonish by Engineered Floors

What sets Astonish apart from normal gray plush carpeting are the small light gray stipples. Living rooms benefit from Astonish’s opulent feel and restrained pattern, which won’t conflict with the room’s other colors and textures. Stains and pet accidents aren’t a problem because of the polyester weave, which also holds up well under heavy use.

6. Livos (Macadamia) by Sisal Carpet

Because of its hypoallergenic features, sisal has long been a favorite carpet material, and Livos is one of the most beautiful. Despite the fact that Livos is available in 17 earth tones ranging from black to alabaster, Macadamia, a blend of nutty tans and light grays, is the current color of choice.

8. Prague (Taupe) by Couristan

Couristan’s simple design for Prague features subtle grays and blues. Taupe is a versatile, dirt-defying color that comes in a variety of mixes, ranging from navy to cloud. The little gloss provides a little pizzazz without going overboard.

10. Antelope by Karastan

When it comes to animal prints, Taupe Antelope is a year-round favorite. This gently speckled brown has a soothing, savannah-inspired flair that is sure to linger. Kashmere nylon threads are used in the carpet’s construction to give it a super-soft and durable finish.

7. Vanilla Bean by Unique

A typical Berber carpet, which has fiber loops instead of chopped pile, is the best option for both beauty and endurance. 100% sheep’s wool, this eco-friendly Berber is available in a variety of neutrals, including Vanilla Bean, a soft ivory that won’t seem bleached out in light-filled environments. Vanilla Bean

9. Nouveau by Mohawk

Nouveau nuances a neutral beige with a hint of lilac to create a soothing atmosphere in any area It’s as comfortable to walk on as it is to look at, thanks to the addition of Mohawks’ SmartCushion pads. This carpet is part of Mohawk’s Air.O range, which is the first recycled carpet in the industry.

11. Shipyard by PetProof

Flooring merchant Matt Bare of The Home Depot believes that today’s homeowners are choosing more tonal and multi-colored options for the versatility they provide in terms of future design choices. Playful Moments II by PetProof’s Shipyard Textured Tonal provides a neutral elephant gray color with olive undertones and tremendous depth in the fissures. In addition, the carpet’s stain-resistant qualities will keep it from becoming discolored by dirt or accidents.

12. Rain Drop by LifeProof

Patterns with a delicate repeating pattern can provide a secondary color that enhances the sophistication of the neutrals in the room. Because of its flowing ogee design, the Rain Drop carpeting from LifeProof’s Kensington collection features an unexpected pop of brushed nickel color. In addition to the R2X Stain and Soil Resistant System, this flooring also has the benefit of a light carpet tone underfoot.

13. Abbey by Home Decorators Collection

The Home Decorators Collection’s Abbey Soft Breath II Texture Carpet’s marbling of pebble, oat, and cream tones makes it a great choice for spaces that border wood and stone surfaces. The PureColor technology in the Home Decorators Collection ensures that these floors remain clean and vivid for a longer period of time.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to carpet a bedroom?

Between $500 and $1,600 is the cost of carpeting a 12-foot by 12-foot room. Carpet often comes in 12- or 15-foot rolls, so if your bedroom is smaller, you may have to pay more than $2 to $7 per square foot. Remember that even if you don’t use the entire width, you’ll be charged for it.

Q. Do I need to move my furniture before installing carpeting?

Yes. Someone has to move the furniture, I suppose. To save money, you can do the moving yourself, or you can hire the professionals to do it for you.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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