How Much Does It Cost To Have A Carpet Installed

On average a typical carpet installation will cost you a trip to Bali. Jk.

According to Forbes Home, the average cost to install carpet is around $700 to $2000. A trip to Bali costs $3000. So we were close! Yep, I googled it.

So you’re considering a more subdued, cozy, and inviting feel for your home sweet home. That’s great! And what’s a better option than a nice new comfortable carpet? With some warmth and comfort, a carpet can also bring a touch of style and sophistication to any room. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of their footsteps being muffled by a plush, luxurious carpet?

But whether you need your carpet replaced or you’re installing it for the first time, you need to consider how much carpet installation costs. In this article, let’s talk about a few factors affecting carpet installation costs.

Factors Affecting Carpet Installation Costs

1. Type of carpets and their textures
2. Materials used to make the carpet
3. Size and shape of rooms and stairs
4. Labor cost to remove old carpet and install new carpet
5. Deciding if you’re going to do it yourself or hire-a-professional

Types And Textures of carpet

The first and foremost factor that affects your carpet installation cost is the type and texture of the carpet you choose for your flooring. Also, each type has a unique appearance, texture, and wear level. The quality of the carpet also depends on the type of carpet you choose.

 There’s a lot of confusion between multiple carpet names out there. Let’s have a look at some carpet styles and materials, available in the market and what these terms really mean. Mainly, carpets types come in three main textures: cut and loop, loop pile, and cut pile but can be further categorized as below:

Cut and Loop Pile Carpet: 

This type of carpet combines cut yarn and looped yarn to create a patterned or textured surface. The variations in texture and color can help to hide stains and foot traffic, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Some common styles include:

Patterned Carpet:

This style features a repeating pattern, such as geometric shapes or floral designs.  A patterned style is best for living areas and bedrooms, it can also work well in high-traffic areas because of its ability to hide dirt and stains. Typically costs around $2 to $6 per square foot.

Textured Carpet: 

This style is versatile and can work in most spaces, including bedrooms, hallways, and living areas. Its subtle texture can add visual interest without overwhelming a room. A textured style can cost between $1.50 to $4 per square foot.

Loop Pile Carpet:

Loop pile carpets feature uncut loops of yarn, creating a durable and textured surface. This type of carpet is popular for its durability and ability to hide dirt and stains. Some common styles include:

Berber Carpet:

This style features a looped construction that can create a textured, flecked appearance. It’s one of the low-pile carpets that have shorter fibers that are tightly woven together.  Berber carpet is best known for high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, and family rooms and costs around $5.5 per square foot.

Level Loop:

This style features even, uncut loops of yarn, creating a uniform surface. It is also highly versatile and can work in most areas, including bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Its even surface can create a clean and modern look. This one costs between $1 to $4 per square foot.

Cut Pile Carpet: 

Cut pile carpets feature cut yarns, resulting in a soft and plush surface. This type of carpet is popular for its luxurious feel and comfort. Some common styles include:

Plush Carpet:

This style features a dense, even surface that can create a luxurious and inviting feel. This style is ideal for bedrooms, formal living rooms, and other areas where comfort and luxury are a priority. Plush carpets cost between 2.50 to $7 per square foot, recommended for areas such as bedrooms and formal living rooms.

Saxony Carpet: 

This style is similar to plush but features longer, twisted yarns that can create a more textured appearance. It is suitable for most areas but may show footprints and vacuum marks more easily. Average cost: $2 to $8 per square foot.

The material used in Carpet

Your cost to install a carpet also depends on the type of carpet material used. It’s like dating – some materials are high maintenance, while others are low maintenance and more budget-friendly. 

Nylon is the diva of the carpet world, demanding a higher installation cost for its durability and stain resistance. It can you between $2 to $8 per square foot.

Polyester is the soft and cuddly sweetheart, costing less but still providing quality performance. It can cost between $1.50 to $5 per square foot.

Olefin carpet is the frugal friend, offering moisture resistance and durability at a lower price point. It can cost from $1 to $4 per square foot.

And wool? Well, wool carpet is the luxurious high roller that commands the highest installation cost for its natural insulation properties and plush feel. Wool carpets are natural fiber carpets that are sustainable and eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who are conscious of their environmental impact.

Natural fiber carpets offer a range of benefits, including durability, insulation, and texture. However, they can be more expensive than synthetic fiber carpets. And can their price per square foot can around $5 to $15. So, choose your carpet material wisely, and find an installer who can handle your carpet’s personality!

Shape and Size of rooms

When it comes to installing carpet, the shape and size of the room can definitely affect the cost. A simple rectangular room is usually the easiest and most straightforward to install carpet in. But what if your room has weird angles or curves? Well, that can definitely affect the cost of installation. Installers may need to spend extra time measuring and cutting the carpet to fit properly and may need to use specialized tools and techniques to get the job done right.

Also, the larger the room, the more carpet is needed, which means a higher cost for materials. But that’s not all – larger rooms may require more labor and time to properly install the carpet. And let’s be real, no one wants to spend all day watching a group of strangers crawling around on their hands and knees!

On the flip side, smaller rooms may also be more expensive to install carpets in. Why? Because they can be more difficult to work in! A small room with lots of corners and angles can be a real challenge to properly cut and fit the carpet. And if you’ve ever tried to install carpet yourself, you know that cutting it to the right size and shape can be a real pain in the you-know-what.

And let’s not forget about the stairs! Installing carpet on stairs can be a real challenge, and can definitely increase the cost of installation. Each step needs to be measured and cut precisely to fit, and the carpet needs to be securely anchored to prevent slipping and sliding. Plus, let’s face it – who wants to fall down the stairs because their carpet wasn’t properly installed? Not me!

So, the bottom line is, when it comes to carpet installation, the size, and shape of your room definitely matter. But don’t let that scare you off – a professional carpet installer can help you navigate any tricky room configurations and ensure that your carpet looks and performs its best.

Labor Costs To Install Carpet

Lastly, another major factor that goes into determining your cost to install a carpet in a room is the labor cost.

The labor cost of installing a carpet can be a significant portion of the total cost. Installers mainly charge per square foot to install carpet. Now coming to the most frequently asked questions. 

To hire or not to hire? Is DIY worth the effort? Let’s talk about both options and find out.

Professional installation can be around $2 to $6 per square foot on top of the carpet cost depending on the complexity of the job and the installer’s expertise. For a standard 12×12 room, that could mean paying anywhere from $288 to $864 for installation alone! Yikes!

Also, highly professional carpet installers may charge you more due to their experience, but of course, that will reduce the chances of any errors like wrinkles, bumps, unfinished corners, etc. Less skilled carpet installers won’t be heavy on your wallet but may cost you long-term.

Carpet And Furniture Removal Cost

Also, if you have an existing carpet, you’ll have to get it removed before you install a new carpet. If you’re also hiring your carpet guys to remove furniture as well as your old carpet for too, the total cost of carpet installation can shoot up. Some of you may have vinyl or some other kind of flooring. The more time it consumes and the more space is there to scrape old flooring, the more costly it can be.

Do It Yourself

Planning to do it yourself already? Yes, you might save some bucks this way. But there are some things to consider before getting your hands dirty. Installing a new carpet is not all fun and games. It’s important to have the right tools and know how to use them. You need more than just a staple gun and a pair of scissors. You’ll need a power stretcher, knee kicker, carpet knife, and seam roller, among other things. If you don’t already have these tools, you’ll need to purchase or rent them, which could add up to a few hundred dollars.

Note: It’s important to know what you’re doing with those tools. Especially if you have weirdly shaped rooms and you want to install carpet on stairs as well. A poorly installed carpet can result in wrinkles, lumps, and bumps that will drive you crazy every time you walk into the room. And let’s not forget about the potential for injury. Using a power stretcher and knee kicker can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

So, can a DIY carpet installation help you save money on labor costs? Yes, it can. But it’s important to weigh the potential savings against the cost of tools and the risk of doing the job incorrectly. If you’re confident in your skills and have the necessary tools, go for it! But if you’re unsure, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.

Now you know DIY carpet installation may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s important to consider all the factors involved. And if you do decide to take on the task yourself, don’t hesitate to watch a few YouTube videos on how to do it yourself.

Just remember: measure twice, cut once, and may the carpet gods be with you.

Conclusion

Now you know what factors carpet installation costs include. In short, for calculating carpet installation cost you have to consider the type and style of carpet, the size, and shape of the room, and whether or not you’ll hire professional carpet installers. 

Let us know if you’re the cool do-it-yourself person or the smart hire-a-pro person!

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