Table of Contents
- Is your carpet looking a little “worried,” which makes you feel worried as well? If so, it’s likely high time to replace your pile carpet or loop carpet with a new one. An average carpet enjoys its life to the full only for about 3-5 years, especially if it stays in high-traffic areas of the house.
- You don’t want your Berber carpet, nylon carpet, wool carpet, or other to look and smell worn off, do you? So how about having a new carpet installed in your house?—the eternal question is “how much?”. Carpet costs have two core variables: carpet price and carpet installation cost. Additional costs include removing old carpet, demanding surfaces, plumbing, or plywood exchange.
- First, we’ll review the factors that mean you have an old carpet. Then, we’ll check up with the average cost of carpet materials, apartment carpet replacement cost (removing existing carpet/old carpet), carpet maintenance cost, carpet installation, and carpet installers charge.
Types of carpets
Carpet price and its padding and installation cost will depend on the carpet material of your choice.
Indoor carpet comes in three main carpet type constructions:
1. texture carpet or twist carpet—the most popular indoor carpet style for family rooms and bedrooms. Luckily for its users, these carpets resist absorbing dirt. This carpet type uses two-toned yarn and has a tightly twisted construction. As a result, it’s soft and subdued in appearance.
2. Berber carpet or loop carpet—has a dense construction appropriate for heavily trafficked areas. The yarn is uncut and looped, making it good at stain resistance. These are some of the best carpets for stairs, hallways, and basements.
Important: Pet claws can snag on this type of carpet.
3. Pattern carpet—a combination of texture and Berber carpets constructions. Their looped yarn is slightly shorter than the cut yarn; therefore, this carpet type seems to have its pattern cut into the surface. Its sophisticated charm makes it suitable for family rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Moreover, there are five main types of carpet fibers:
Nylon—is the most popular carpet fiber; it has it all: strength and durability. In addition, nylon carpets resist fading, mildew, staining, and crushing.
Polyester fibers—are hydrophobic, resist stains, and offer vibrant color options. However, polyester fibers are known for not being of the best quality. They easily fade in the sun and are less durable than nylon fibers.
Triexta—has a similar appearance to nylon fibers but is much softer. In addition, Triexta is naturally hydrophobic, easily repelling stains and moisture damage.
Wool—has a soft and luxurious feel; it’s traditional and made of natural fibers. Wool is strong and can hold up to heavy foot traffic and compaction from furniture. However, it needs to be cleaned and maintained properly. Also, chemicals and stains can easily damage the wool carpet.
Olefin—durable and colorfast fiber, suitable for high-traffic areas. Olefin is the least expensive type of carpet material.
Finally, the main types of carpet when it comes to the pile structure are:
- cut pile—carpet loops that have been cut (for example, Velvet, Saxony, Frieze, Shag, and Cable),
- loop pile carpet—when loops remain in their natural state (for example, Berber carpet),
- cut & loop carpet pile;
What about the length of piles?
- low pile carpet—has short fibers that look and feel flat and dense. This carpet type doesn’t catch much dirt or debris and is easy to clean. It’s also durable. It’s the best carpet for high-traffic areas,
- medium pile carpet—offers ease and comfort. It’s softer to the touch than low piles and holds up to moderate foot traffic and dirt. A common choice for living rooms and bedrooms. You can clean it easily with a vacuum with a brush roller,
- high pile carpet—long fibers create a plush and fluffy look, adding a feeling of an extra cushion underfoot; these carpets, however, easily collect dust and debris, so frequent maintenance is necessary. Also, this carpet type is more prone to being crushed and holding impressions from furniture and foot traffic. Use this pile height to add a touch of warmth and luxury or to dampen noise.
Then, there is the matter of a carpet pad.
Tip: Unless you’re installing carpet tiles! Then, you don’t need a carpet pad because the padding is already incorporated into the carpet tile.
So, after you have determined your carpet type, choose the underlying carpet pad.
Let’s first discover what carpet padding actually is. It’s the cushioning layer underneath the carpet that
- makes walking on the carpet more comfortable,
- insulates the room,
- dampens noise, and
- extends the life of the carpet,
- has a spill-safe moisture barrier (not all the padding);
We want to look at its thickness when choosing the right carpet padding.
- thicker carpet pads are more comfortable and durable, yet, it’s not ideal for all styles of carpet: thick carpet pads won’t go well with thin carpet styles, such as Berber, and can damage the carpet in the long term,
- thinner carpet padding is great in commercial settings or for those who need steadier footing;
Tip: Carpet brands have recommendations regarding the padding thickness.
Signs of an old carpet
“Fitting a carpet is probably the easiest and cheapest way to brighten up a room,”—claims HomeownerCosts, and we couldn’t agree more!
Professional carpet installers can optically update your room size as well.
But what if you already have a carpet and have no intention of changing it?
How do you know that change is necessary?
Sometimes, there’s just nothing left to do to bring your favorite carpet back to life; its time has come.
What shows that the time is now? Several factors tell that it’s time to say goodbye to the old flooring and proceed to the new carpet purchase.
- Age
An average carpet is designed to last 5-15 years; it gives us an idea of when to change it.
Indeed, we rarely think about carpet replacement. It’s the part of furnishing that gives a feeling of being there since ever and for ever. Yet, this is not the case.
So, think for a moment: How old is your carpet? Look especially around the high-traffic areas. Isn’t it time to replace carpet?
- Mold and water damage
This one seems obvious, but many of us will resist and just wait too long to replace carpet.
Mold and water damage make part of the natural wear and tear of wool carpeting or polyester carpeting.
We eat and drink in our living rooms. There is foot traffic. Children leave all kinds of moistures when they’re growing up. Adults will also drop a drink on the floor every now and then.
Yet, if the signs of water damage, mold, and mildew don’t go off, it shows that you need new carpeting.
Mold can become a real threat, especially to small kids people with asthma and allergies. It can cause more frequent sneezing, coughing, and red eyes.
Tip: Regularly check your beloved carpeting. Mold appears in the form of white, green, or black stains that grow and change shape and have a musty smell, even after heavy ventilation of the room. A mold testing kit will help if you have any doubts.
Water can also leave severe marks on the carpeting.
Leaking pipes can cause water damage in bathrooms, kitchens, or ceilings in multi-story homes.
Mold and water stains are hard to get rid of, and they look awful. So rather than dealing with it, consider an immediate carpet replacement.
Tip: Carefully monitor your pipes for leaks. It’s best to avoid any water damages in the first place than having to deal with the consequences, such as carpet removal and carpet installation.
- Wear and tear
Ok, so we’re all aware of what “wear and tear” means.
If your carpeting shows signs of intense wear and tear, the entire house won’t look nice. In addition, it will probably seem dirty no matter how much you clean it.
What does “wear and tear” refer to precisely?
- tears,
- worn, nearly see-through patches,
- matting,
- fraying, and
- flat areas on the carpet;
Where to expect wear and tear? To discover if it’s time for carpet removal, look around the room and investigate especially high-traffic areas. Areas especially susceptible to wear and tear are
- hallways,
- walkways,
- entrances,
- stairs, and
- living areas;
If your carpet has a feel of being “tired,” consider if it’s time to replace carpeting.
- Old padding
“The most important is invisible for eyes.”—they say.
Carpet padding is a good example. It’s hidden, yet it’s a necessary part that keeps the carpet safe and in place.
As a rule of thumb, carpet padding has a longer lifespan than carpeting itself. For example, the best padding urethane lasts about 25 years. The most popular foam-based carpet padding is Rebond, and it lasts about ten years.
Nonetheless, carpet padding also degrades and ages, just like carpeting. It gets flattened, dirty, getting dirt and grime ground into it, ruining the carpeting that it holds.
- Smell
The smell is rather hard to overlook (ba dum tss!). It’s also vital for the overall impression of the place.
Read “How To Get Rid Of Cooking Smells In A Small Apartment“
The smell of an old carpet brings to mind:
- feet,
- food, and
- dirt;
To put it simply—think about replacing your old carpet if it stinks and you can’t get free of the smell by washing it.
- Allergies
Truth be told: Carpets are the best friends of allergens.
If you’re looking for:
- dust,
- dirt,
- mites,
- pollen, and many other unhealthy particles
go to the carpeting in your living room.
Even if you clean your carpeting every day, these guys will return.
Regular carpet cleaning is essential to maintain good hygiene and health. Yet, cleaning hastens wear and tear. So it’s best to have your carpet professionally cleaned about once a year, as a carpet maintenance cost. It’s an optimal solution to have it well-cleaned and protect its lifespan from shortening.
- Aesthetics
There is fashion in carpets as well.
They may not change every season, but your carpet will become outdated at some point.
Also, how about updating your living room to give a fresh look to your space? You won’t believe how much a new carpet can influence the house’s overall look.
To make this new carpet adventure fancier, check with your neighbors what’s stylish nowadays in your area, or ask a local decorator.
Tip: Your carpet should reflect your style, so don’t worry too much about what’s fashionable.
- Stains
Is your carpet a stain-resistant model?
If not, expect stains to be present on the old flooring.
Again, stains result from normal wear and tear; red wine, mustard, and coffee will land on your carpeting, eventually.
Yet, there is nothing worse than dirty carpeting, for example, if you invite guests or want to sell a house.
Consider renting a rug doctor or other carpet cleaning tool. The best solution is to call a professional and have your carpet shampooed.
If these methods don’t work, maybe it’s time to get free of this burden and move on with carpet removal and carpet replacement. No worries, cheap carpet installation is possible. Keep reading to discover how.
Carpet installation costs
You decided to remove the old carpet and go for a new one. What are the costs?
The entire carpet replacement cost comprises of:
- carpet price (only if a carpet purchase is the case; if you have a carpet waiting in the basement, there is no such cost),
- labor cost for carpet removal,
- labor costs to install carpeting (depending on the room size, etc.);
1. Carpet material prices depend on
- type of carpet (the most expensive carpets are woven carpets),
- carpet’s stain resistance,
- other carpet materials factors, etc.
Carpet cost is on average $2-7 per square foot with a broad range of $1-20 per square foot.
If the price is $1 for carpet materials per square foot, it’s considered cheap and low-quality carpet costs.
Price per square foot of carpeting varies, depending mainly on the carpet grade:
- high-grade carpeting costs $5-20 per square foot,
- mid-grade carpeting costs $3-7 per square foot,
- low/builder-grade carpeting is achievable for $1-3 per square foot;
So, carpet prices range from $1 per square foot for builder-grade olefin and polyester carpet materials to $20 per square foot for high-end wool carpet.
Most homeowners will pay an average of
- $3.50-11 per square foot or
- $32-100 per square yard of a new carpet.
Carpet installation costs will also depend on the square footage/room size.
Tip: To assess the carpet material and installation cost precisely, there is an online tool called carpet cost estimator or carpet cost calculator.
2. labor cost for carpet removal,
What are the costs for carpet removal and new carpet installation per square foot?
To get free from the old carpet and replace it with a new one, you’ll need $100-300 depending on the room size and the contractor.
The carpet removal labor cost ranges from 11-22 cents per square foot or $1-2 per square yard.
Tip: The best way to ensure everything goes well is when installing carpet service is supplied by trusted carpet installers.
Removing the carpet comprises
- labor cost,
- waste disposal, and
- cleanup,
and it takes about three hours.
3. labor costs to install carpeting
The labor cost for installing a new carpet ranges from $0.5 per square foot to one dollar per square foot.
Of course, unless you do your wall-to-wall carpeting all by yourself, which is challenging but possible.
The cost to install a carpet ranges from $789 and $2,792, averaging $1,758.
All in all, carpet installation costs $2-8 per square foot to replace.
Now, there are two more things to do before installing new carpet:
- molding
Molding is installed at the exterior edges of the room to give a clean appearance. And not surprisingly, the room size and the type of molding will impact the overall rug installation cost.
- padding
Install the underlay under the main carpeting for a stable and soft carpet experience.
Carpet installation costs per square footage
- What is the cost to carpet a 10-foot by 12-foot room?
Recarpeting a 10×12 room (120 square feet room size) costs $200-900, and changing carpet in a house costs $1,800-7,500—based on carpeting in 60% of the home.
Always add a waste factor—i.e., a coefficient included to account for oddities and irregularities associated with the type of carpet and room geometry—to the length and width of the room.
A waste factor of 10% on 120 square feet means that you need 132 square feet of carpet to install carpet successfully.
- What is the cost to carpet a 1000 square feet surface?
Tip: You can provide your house with an optical continuity by carpeting many adjacent rooms with the same flooring.
Did you know that the average cost to carpet one big room is more affordable versus carpeting many small adjoining rooms? Labor costs are higher for multiple rooms.
You’ll need about $7,000-12,000 to carpet a 1,000-square-foot space.
The cost will depend on the carpet type a great deal. Use the carpet cost estimator for accurate numbers.
- Next, what is the cost to carpet the entire house?
Pricing varies significantly, and depend on
- the size of the house,
- location, and
- the type of carpeting;
On average, you can expect to pay $7-12 per square foot or $63-108 per square yard.
A space 10 feet by 14 feet will cost between $980 and $ 1,680.
While installing new carpet in three to four rooms at once in about 860-square-foot space, the carpet installation cost is as follows:
- nylon carpet will cost $4,000-4,500 at the low end, $4,600-5,200 for an average product, and more than $5,300 for a high-end nylon carpet.
- wool carpet will run about $5,680-6,200 at the low end, $6,300-6,900 for an average product, and at least $7,000 for high-end wool new carpeting.
- What is the cost of carpet replacement at Home Depot?
How much does it cost to install carpet with Home Depot?
We checked it out to get a general idea of the cost of installing a carpet.
The average cost of the carpet per square foot at Home Depot ranges from $1-4, depending on the type, its style, and construction.
The average cost of the padding per square foot is $0.61, depending on the thickness and density of the chosen type.
There is a free installation service at Home Depot if you buy a new carpet there.
Carpet installation cost―variables
Several factors may influence the cost of installing carpet.
- Plumbing
If subfloors or underground plumbing systems in your house are damaged, there is no way to avoid repairs before installing new carpet.
You have to consider these costs—complete these repairs, even if you didn’t give it a second of thought at first, before removing the carpet.
- Plywood
Homes usually have standard plywood as the subflooring. Did you notice any peculiar squeaking when walking on your carpet? It has nothing to do with the carpet material.
If you feel something weird under your feet and hear these noises, it’s possible that the plywood is broken and must be replaced.
Mind that you’ll discover it only after the carpet removal.
Installing new plywood is necessary—it ensures the surface is smooth and silent.
There is a possibility that carpet installers at your house just won’t let you proceed without completing this step. And they can be stubborn.
You’ll need to spend about $900-2,000 on a new plywood subfloor.
- Demanding surfaces
Removing the old flooring and repairing the subfloor can be a great deal of extra work and expense—and it’s all included in the carpet installation cost.
Consider that the cost to carpet stairs will also differ. Stairs call for more extraordinary expertise in carpet installation.
What’s the cost to carpet stairs? With better skills come higher costs.
How much does carpeting stairs cost?
It’s, on average, a $1-2 per square foot extra.
The cost to install carpeting on stairs is different from that on flat surfaces—carpet installation requires specialized skills, and there are additional costs for dedicated tools.
You’ll pay $150-600 on average, including new carpet for the landing.
Otherwise, if you hire contractors who charge per step, the average cost ranges from $10-45 per step.
Carpeting cost also depends on the type of carpet; polyester, olefin, and pile nylon are the cheapest carpet materials for stairs. Berber carpet and loop carpet are the best carpet materials for stairs, hallways, and basements.
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