How Much Does It Cost To Install New Carpet?

Carpet remains a popular flooring option for many homes because of its comfort, warmth and affordability.

But the cost of carpeting can quickly catch you off guard if you're not careful. This guide will walk you through the average price of carpeting and carpet installation and what affects those costs, as well as give you tips for finding a quality carpet that fits your budget.

How Much Does New Carpet Installation Cost on Average?

The average cost to install new carpeting is $1,780, and ranges from $200 to $5,000. But the final price can vary depending on the material you choose, the type of space you're carpeting and other factors.

Per square foot, carpet installation prices typically range from $3 to $11 but can cost more. Generally, the bigger the room, the higher the final cost. For example, if you're carpeting a 2,000-square-foot space, you're looking at an average cost range of $6,000 to $22,000.

The price can also vary based on where you live, since regions with a higher cost of living will also have higher material and labor costs.

Calculating the Cost of Carpeting

To estimate your carpeting cost, you'll need to know the square footage of the room you're carpeting, along with the price of the carpet material per square foot.

Square footage is calculated by measuring the length and width of the room. It's usually recommended to add 10% to 20% to that figure to account for waste from cutting the carpet around doors and stairways.

Let's say you're carpeting the basement of your home, which is 20 feet wide and 20 feet long. To calculate the square footage:

20 feet wide x 20 feet long = 400 square feet

If you add an extra 10% for waste, you'll need 440 square feet of carpeting.

Once know how much carpet you need, you can estimate the cost of materials. Let's say the cost of your carpet is $3 per square foot:

440 square feet x $3 per square foot = $1,320 for the carpet materials alone

But this is only your baseline cost. Other factors, such as labor and padding, will increase your final bill.

7 Variables That Impact the Price of New Carpet

Many factors impact how much carpet installation will cost, such as material type, carpet style, padding, labor, room size, removal work and upgrades.

1. Material type

The material you choose plays a big role in your final price. Here's a quick look at some of the more common carpet types and how much they range in cost per square foot.

Often, the more durable or soft the carpet, the more expensive it will be. Choosing a stain-resistant carpet will also add to the price.

2. Carpet style and construction

Carpet construction also impacts the price. The two main carpet construction styles are loop pile and cut pile.

Loop pile fibers are made into tight, compact loops for higher density, stain resistance and durability. However, this carpet has little cushioning. Here are four types:

• Level loop (uncut pile, Berber): The entire loop is on the surface. Good for high-traffic areas.
• Patterned loop (multilevel loop): Fiber loops are in varying heights, giving a patterned and textured appearance. Marks from footprints or vacuums are harder to see.
• Cut and loop (sculpted carpet): Blends level and patterned loops for more visual interest, and also protects against footprint marks.
• Sisal: Loops are in rows of varying colors and heights for a patterned surface and standout texture.

Cut pile fibers are similar to loop pile, except the tops of the loops are cut, creating a denser and softer carpet. Different types include:

• Saxony pile: Dense, soft fibers create a lush surface that feels springy. Easily crushed in high-traffic rooms and shows footprint marks.
• Plush pile (velvet cut): Densely packed with shorter fibers. Feels luxurious, but is less likely to withstand foot traffic and wear.
• Textured cut pile (trackless): Uneven fibers are twisted into spirals, creating a textured feel. Doesn't show footprints, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Frieze cut (short shag, cable carpet, tight twist carpet, casual texture): Yarn is twisted tightly to withstand foot traffic.
• Cable cut pile: Long, thick fibers. Feels luxurious but shows foot traffic more easily. Better for low-traffic areas.

Price will vary based on the carpet construction you choose. For example, Berber costs $1.50 to $3, while Frieze is $1.50 to $4. Cut and loop costs the most, at $2 to $4 per square foot.

3. Padding and underlayment

Carpet isn't installed directly onto a subfloor. Instead, a layer of padding adds cushioning between the carpet and subfloor. The type you choose can impact like how long the carpet lasts, how comfortable it is and how much sound it absorbs.

On average, carpet padding costs about $510, but can range from as little as $60 to more than $1,350. The size of the room you're carpeting, the thickness and density of the padding, installation, and removal of old padding can all impact the price.

Here's a quick look at some common types of carpet padding, their costs per square foot when installed by a professional, and some pros and cons of each.

If cost is a key factor, look for the thinnest padding that works with your carpet type and the amount of foot traffic in the room.

4. Labor and installation complexity

Hiring professionals generally adds anywhere from $.50 to $1.50 extra per square foot of carpet. But this price may increase because of:

• Subfloor repair: This can range from around $3 to $10 per square foot.
• Removing furniture: This can cost about $.30 per square foot.
• Staircases: Staircases and unusual-shaped rooms that require custom cuts may cost about $1 to $2 extra per square foot.

You may be tempted to install carpet yourself to cut costs. But in the end, you might not save much money. Beyond the price of the materials, you'll likely also need to buy specialized tools, rent a vehicle to transport the carpeting or have the carpeting delivered for an extra fee, and pay to dispose of old carpeting. These extra costs can quickly add hundreds of dollars to your total project cost, resulting in a savings of only about 20% on installation fees. Plus, you won't have a warranty on the installation if something goes wrong later.

In addition, installing carpeting yourself is tricky. The product is unwieldy and difficult to transport, and the job typically requires at least two people to complete. You should factor in how much your time and the disruption to your home is worth. DIY-ing a carpet install can take days.

5. Room size and layout

The cost to install carpet will be much higher if you're doing the entire top floor of a 1,500-square-foot house versus a single room of just 200 square feet.
For example, the average national cost for carpeting 500 square feet ranges from $1,500 to $5,500, while carpeting 2,000 square feet costs an average of $6,000 to $22,000. If you have an oddly shaped room requiring custom cuts, the cost could go even higher.

6. Carpet removal and prep work

Prep work, including removing old carpet, can also add to your overall cost. The average cost for carpet removal is $280, with a low end of $70 and a high end of $1,600.

In general, carpet removal typically costs about $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the quality of your carpet, how it was installed and the size of the room.
Other factors may increase the cost of removal, such as:

• Carpeted stairs
• Glued-down carpet
• Oddly shaped rooms
• Subflooring repairs

7. Additional features or upgrades

There are also additional features for carpet that can add to the price. Some of the most common include:

• Stain treatments: This can add to the durability of your carpet. You can get it pre-applied before your carpet is installed or you can apply it yourself later for about $0.08 per square foot.
• Upgraded baseboards and trims: If you're going to have new carpet, you'll likely want the baseboards and trims to look equally nice.
• Custom colors: If you need to order a custom carpet in a color that's not in stock, this can add to your price.

How To Keep Your Carpet Project on Budget

With so many options to choose from, it's important to be proactive to make sure your carpet installation project stays on budget. Decide how much you want to spend, and then keep costs down by:

• Getting multiple quotes from licensed installers.
• Comparing in-stock vs. custom-ordered carpet. In-stock carpet typically costs less and may still match what you're looking for.
• Timing your project with seasonal sales.
• Mixing and matching higher-end carpeting in key rooms with lower-cost options in other areas.
• Tracking all estimates, including extras and removal fees, to avoid surprise costs.
• Choosing a less expensive padding.
• Taking advantage of discounts for carpeting multiple rooms at once. These can range from 15% to 20% discounts.

Choosing Carpet With Confidence

Carpet is a long-term investment in both comfort and design. Your final costs depend on multiple factors, from the size of your room to the material and padding you choose. It's important to shop around so you can understand the pros and cons of different material types and other options. With the right planning, you can avoid surprise expenses and find carpet to match your style and budget.

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