How much does carpet installation cost?
How much does carpet installation cost?
$2 – $8 Per square foot installed
$200 – $900 Replace carpet in 10x12 room
$1,800 – $7,500 Carpet 1,000 sq. ft. in house
Average carpet installation cost
Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot. New carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot and the labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The cost to replace carpet in a 10' x 12' room is $200 to $900. The average cost to carpet 1,000 sq. ft. is $1,800 to $7,500.
Recarpeting a 3-bedroom house costs $1,600 to $6,700.
The cost to carpet stairs is $150 to $600.
| Location | Average cost to install |
|---|---|
| Cost per square foot | $2 – $8 |
| Cost per square yard | $18 – $72 |
| 10x12 room | $200 – $900 |
| 12' x 12' room | $250 – $1,100 |
| 12' x 15' room | $300 – $1,400 |
| 15' x 15' room | $400 – $1,700 |
| 20' x 20' room | $700 – $3,000 |
| 800 sq. ft. apartment* | $800 – $3,200 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. house* | $1,100 – $4,500 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. house* | $1,600 – $6,700 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. house* | $2,100 – $9,000 |
| Flight of 13 stairs | $150 – $600 |
*Based on carpeting in 60% of the home.
Carpet installation cost calculator
Installing new carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot. Carpet cost estimates depend on the carpet material, style, and quality, the room size and shape, furniture moving, removing old flooring, and installation labor.
| Component | Average price per square foot |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1.00 – $4.50 |
| Pad | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Labor | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Additional services* | $0.25 – $2.00 |
*Furniture removal, old flooring removal and hauling away, prep work, repairs, and special cuts.
Labor cost to install carpet
The average labor cost to install carpet is $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Projects requiring carpet removal, subfloor repair, carpeting stairs, or extra labor cost $0.25 to $2.00 per square foot more.
Carpet installers charge $35 to $80 per hour to lay carpet, with a $75 to $150 minimum.
| Task | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Measuring service | $35.00 – $55.00 or free with install |
| Move or rearrange furniture | $25.00 – $75.00 per room |
| Extra labor & prep work | $35.00 – $80.00 hourly | Thresholds / transitions | $25.00 – $100.00 each |
| Old carpet & pad removal | $0.70 – $1.60 per square foot |
| Old tile or hardwood flooring removal | $1.00 – $3.00 per square foot |
| Subfloor repair or replacement | $1.75 – $4.70 per square foot |
| Carpet installation labor | $0.50 – $1.50 per square foot |
| Trim / baseboard removal & reinstall | $1.85 – $4.15 per linear foot |
| Trim / baseboard replacement | $2.35 – $12.65 per linear foot |
Home Depot carpet installation cost
Home Depot carpet installation costs $1.60 to $5.00 per square foot, including old carpet removal, new carpet, and labor. Home Depot carpet prices are $0.57 to $6.99 per square foot for the material alone.
Free installation only applies to purchases of $499+ on carpets $0.99+ per square foot.
Installation includes a lifetime warranty on labor with financing options.
Express installation is available 5 to 7 days after measurements.
An in-home carpet measurement costs $50 max and is credited toward the carpet purchase.
Additional costs apply for tack strips, floor prep, transitions, third-story carpeting, glue-down carpeting, or subfloor work.
Lowe's carpet installation cost
Lowe's carpet installation costs $4 to $6 per square foot for new carpet and pad materials, removing the old carpet, and installation. Carpet materials alone cost $0.55 to $7.98 per square foot, depending on the type. Additional fees apply for tack strips, lead testing, or subfloor work.
Lowe's provides a 1-year labor warranty and offers financing options.
In-home measurement service is free with carpet purchase.
Fees include furniture-moving service.
Seasonal promotions include free installations with a $600 carpeting purchase or with the purchase of certain brands.
Commercial carpet installation cost
Commercial carpet installation costs $5.00 to $9.50 per square foot for wall-to-wall replacement of low-pile carpet. Replacing low-pile commercial carpet tiles costs $2.50 to $6.75 per square foot installed. Prices for the materials alone are $1 to $3 per square foot.
Carpet material costs
Carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot, without installation. Carpet comes in various grades, forms, piles, and materials. The carpet's grade has the biggest impact on the price:
| Grade | Price per square foot* | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap builder grade | $0.50 – $1.50 |
|
| Mid-grade | $1.50 – $6.00 |
|
| High-quality | $6.00 – $21.00 |
|
*Material prices only.
Carpet comes in wall-to-wall rolls or glue-down tiles.
The main types of carpet are cut pile, loop pile, and cut & loop.
Carpeting uses either synthetic or organic fiber materials.
Synthetic carpets like nylon, polyester, olefin, and Triexta cost $0.50 to $9.00 per square foot.
Organic fibers like wool and sisal cost $3 to $21 per square foot.
Glue-down carpet cost
Glue-down carpet costs $3 to $7 per square foot to replace, including materials and installation. Most glue-down installations have no padding, making them less comfortable. Glued-down carpeting is ideal for concrete floors, carpet tiles, and commercial settings.
Carpet tile installation cost
Carpet tile installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot for labor and materials. The carpet tiles alone cost $1 to $5 per square foot. The labor cost to lay carpet tiles is $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on if contractors use adhesive or peel-and-stick tiles.
Carpet tiles are mostly nylon, polyester, and olefin.
Tiles come in cases of 8 to 24 tiles with standard sizes of 18" x 18" to 24" x 24".
Carpet tiles are easy to replace and great for basements, home offices, and commercial buildings.
Wall-to-wall carpet cost estimator
Wall-to-wall carpet costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot installed, but the full selection ranges from $0.50 to $21.00 per square foot. Pricing depends on the fiber type and style, with higher costs being better quality.
Wall-to-wall carpeting comes in rolls from 12' to 15' wide.
Cost to carpet a house
The average cost to carpet 1,000 SF in a house is $1,800 to $7,500. Recarpeting a full 3-bedroom house costs $1,600 to $6,700 when carpeting 60% of the home. Replacing 2,000 square feet of carpet in a house costs $3,500 to $15,000.
| Square feet of carpet | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 500 | $850 – $3,800 |
| 600 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| 800 | $1,400 – $6,000 |
| 900 | $1,600 – $6,800 |
| 1,000 | $1,700 – $7,500 |
| 1,100 | $1,900 – $8,300 |
| 1,200 | $2,100 – $9,000 |
| 1,400 | $2,400 – $10,500 |
| 1,500 | $2,600 – $11,200 |
| 1,800 | $3,100 – $13,500 |
| 2,000 | $3,500 – $15,000 |
*Prices include materials and labor.
Prices are for square feet of carpeting, not house size. Most homes are 60% carpeted.
Cost to recarpet a house by bedrooms
| Size | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom house | $1,300 – $5,400 |
| 3-Bedroom house | $1,600 – $6,700 |
| 4-Bedroom house | $2,000 – $9,000 |
*Based on carpeting in 60% of the home.
Apartment carpet replacement cost
Replacing carpet in a 2-bedroom apartment costs $1,100 to $3,200 or $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Landlords often use builder-grade carpet and rebond foam padding in rental properties, lasting 3 to 5 years.
Property owners often replace carpeting after each tenant.
| Size | Average cost To replace* |
|---|---|
| Studio | $600 – $1,800 |
| 1-bedroom | $800 – $2,700 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,100 – $3,200 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,400 – $4,300 |
*Includes new carpet, padding, installation, and removing and disposing of old carpet.
Before installing carpet in an apartment:
Get permission from the property owner.
Check the flooring guidelines from the homeowner’s association (HOA).
Cost to carpet a mobile home
Carpeting a mobile home costs $2,500 to $10,000 or $2 to $8 per square foot for general replacement. Installers use carpet rolls from 14' to 16' wide in mobile homes to replace without carpet seams.
| Square feet | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 800 – 1,400 (single wide) | $1,900 – $8,300 |
| 1,000 – 2,200 (double wide) | $2,800 – $12,000 |
*For materials and labor.
Cost to carpet a room
The average cost to carpet a 10' x 12' room is $200 to $900 installed. Recarpeting a bedroom, living room, or basement costs $2 to $8 per square foot for old carpet removal, new carpet and padding, and installation labor.
| Room | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $200 – $1,100 |
| Primary bedroom | $300 – $1,700 |
| Living room | $400 – $3,000 |
| Basement | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Stairs | $150 – $600 |
| Hallway | $70 – $300 |
*Prices for materials and labor. Additional costs may apply for prep work, moving furniture, and removing and disposing of old carpet.
Bedroom carpet cost
The average cost to carpet a 12' x 12' bedroom is $250 to $1,100 installed or $2 to $8 per square foot.
Recarpeting with plush, frieze, or wool carpet adds more comfort and insulation to bedrooms.
A memory foam padding underlay creates softer bedroom flooring.
| Size | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 10' x 10' | $175 – $750 |
| 10' x 12' | $200 – $900 |
| 12' x 12' | $250 – $1,100 |
| 12' x 15' | $300 – $1,400 |
| 14' x 14' | $350 – $1,500 |
| 15' x 15' | $400 – $1,700 |
| 20' x 20' | $700 – $3,000 |
*For both materials and labor.
Cost to carpet basement
The average cost to carpet 800 square feet of basement is $1,400 to $6,000. Using synthetic carpet like polyester, olefin, or Triexta in basements repels moisture, mold, and mildew.
| Square feet of carpet | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 600 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| 800 | $1,400 – $6,000 |
| 1,000 | $1,800 – $7,500 |
*For both materials and labor.
Basement subfloors may need additional insulation or a moisture barrier to protect the carpet.
Cost to recarpet a living room
Replacing living room carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot or $400 to $1,700 total for a 15' x 15' room. Installing new carpet in a 20' x 20' living room costs $700 to $3,000.
| Size (feet) | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 15' x 15' | $400 – $1,700 |
| 18' x 18' | $550 – $2,400 |
| 20' x 20' | $700 – $3,000 |
*For both materials and labor.
When selecting living room carpets, look for softer, stain-resistant, short-pile fibers that can handle heavy foot traffic and cushion bare feet.
Cost to carpet stairs
The average cost to carpet stairs is $150 to $600 for labor and materials, including replacing the landing. Some carpet installers charge by the step at $10 to $25 per step to lay a basic set of box stairs or $20 to $45 per stair if there are spindles from a handrail.
Short-pile nylon, polyester, or olefin are the most durable carpets for stairs.
| Task | Average cost per step* |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $5 – $25 |
| Padding | $2 – $5 |
| Labor | $5 – $15 |
| Total per step | $12 – $45 |
*Additional fees apply for removing old carpet or wrapping carpet over the sides of each stair.
Carpet replacement cost factors
Carpet replacement costs $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the carpet type, material, and labor rates. Carpet replacement costs increase if a job requires subfloor repair, floor leveling, furniture moving, custom cuts, or transitions.
| Task | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old carpet removal | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| New padding material | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| New carpet material | $1.00 – $4.50 |
| Installation labor | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Total cost to replace | $2.00 – $8.00 |
Cost to install carpet and pad
Carpet and pad installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot. Carpet padding costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot installed on its own, depending on the material, density, and thickness.
DIY carpet installation cost
DIY carpet replacement costs $1.25 to $6.00 per square foot, and renting carpeting tools costs the same as hiring a pro.
Hiring a professional carpet installer costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot in labor and has many advantages:
Professional installation comes with a labor and material warranty.
Installers reduce waste by taking more precise measurements.
Contractors will prepare and repair the subfloor.
Pros use tools like power stretchers, knee kickers, and hammer tackers, and know where to hide seams for the best results.
Improperly installed carpet wears quickly and voids the warranty.
Carpet replacement FAQs
What is a good price for carpet installed?
A good price for carpet is $2.00 to $7.50 per square foot installed. Good quality carpet that costs $1.50 to $6.00+ per square foot lasts longer and wears better. Low carpet prices or free installation may indicate low-quality material or hidden fees.
How much does cheap carpet cost?
Cheap carpet material costs $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for low-grade nylon, polyester, olefin, or polypropylene. Cheap carpet installation costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot and does not include floor prep, moving furniture, or carpet removal.
Cheap carpets have the shortest lifespans suitable for low foot-traffic areas.
The largest discounts are available for leftover carpet remnants.
The biggest carpet sales occur in Fall.
How much does carpet removal cost?
Carpet and pad removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, which includes disposal. Extra costs apply for scraping adhesive off the ground after removing glued-down carpeting.
How much does rug installation cost?
Rug installation costs $75 to $150+, depending on the rug style and size. Professional rug installation prevents rug damage, wrinkles, and slips that can cause falls. Synthetic felt pads are the firmest and most stable option.
How much does it cost to replace hardwood with carpet?
Carpeting over hardwood flooring costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average for carpet, padding, and installation. Removing the hardwood floor costs $0.85 to $3.25 per square foot more if it's in bad condition.
| Task | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Basic floor prep (labor) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Hardwood floor removal | $0.85 – $3.25 |
| Replace hardwood patch | $11.80 – $36.00 |
| Replacing subfloor | $1.00 – $4.00 |
How long does carpet last?
Carpet lasts 5 to 20 years, depending on carpet and padding quality, material, foot traffic, and maintenance frequency.
Carpets with a face weight (or fiber density) of less than 30 oz. last less than 7 years.
A 40 oz.+ face weight carpet lasts 12+ years.
| Material | Lasts (years) |
|---|---|
| Olefin | 3 – 10 |
| Nylon | 3 – 15 |
| Polyester | 5 – 15 |
| Sisal | 7 – 10 |
| Wool | 8 – 20 |
| Berber | 10 – 15 |
| Triexta | 10 – 20 |
Look at the carpet specifications to find face-weight listings and verify the warranty length.
How much does carpet maintenance cost?
Carpet cleaning costs $25 to $70 per room or $0.20 to $1.00 per square foot for steaming or hot water extraction.
Re-stretching carpet to remove wrinkles costs $50 to $80 per room.
Repairing carpet damage by patching holes costs $150 to $225 and up.
How much does indoor-outdoor carpet cost?
Indoor-outdoor carpet costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot installed. This low-profile carpet doesn't need padding, is low maintenance, contains strong UV and mold-resistant fibers, and is glued and taped down to concrete floors.
Artificial grass carpet prices are $6 to $17 per square foot installed.
How long does carpet installation take?
Carpet installation takes 4 to 8 hours for an average room. In some cases, preparation adds another day for moving furniture, removing the old carpeting, removing the baseboards, and repairing the subfloor.
Can I install carpet on concrete?
Installing carpet over concrete works best with anti-bacterial rubber or polyurethane foam padding and synthetic carpets. Humid areas require sealing the concrete with latex floor enamel or installing DRIcore or insulated plywood carpet underlayment as a mold and moisture barrier.
Free carpet installation quote estimates
Most carpet installers provide free carpet installation quotes. In-home measurement services, consultations, and detailed estimates cost $35 to $55 up front, and are often credited toward the total cost.
Hiring a carpet installer
Hiring a professional flooring contractor ensures a longer-lasting carpet with labor and manufacturer warranties. Remember to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a written contract and warranty.
Get a full breakdown of all material and labor costs involved.
Never pay in full before the work is done. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.
Questions to ask carpet installers
Are you licensed and bonded with liability insurance?
How long have you been installing carpet?
Can you provide references for past work?
Which carpet padding is required to maintain the warranty?
What other expenses may arise?
Can you do subfloor work if you find damages?
Does the quote include moving furniture and removing old carpet and padding?
Will you provide a warranty on your work?
What’s your payment schedule?
Does your quote include cleanup afterward?
Can you provide a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.