How much are carpet prices per square foot?
How much are carpet prices per square foot?
$1 – $5 average cost per square foot (materials only)
$2 – $8 average cost per square foot (materials & installation)
Carpet prices per square foot
Carpet prices are $1 to $5 per square foot on average for the materials. Carpet prices start at $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for cheap, builder-grade nylon, polyester, or olefin. Medium grade to high-quality carpet costs $2 to $10 per square foot on average.
Carpet installation costs $1 to $3 per square foot more for labor, for an average total cost of $2 to $8 per square foot installed.
| 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 prices per square yard
Carpet prices are $9 to $45 per square yard for the materials only and from $18 to $72 per square yard installed. Each square yard equals 9 square feet. Check the estimate to make sure the price has clear labeling.
Carpet prices by type
Carpet prices depend on the material, type, brand, and grade quality.
The types of carpet are cut pile, loop pile, and cut and loop. Carpet pile describes the length of the fibers and their cut or knotted-loop design. Uncut loop-pile carpets are more durable. Cut-pile has trimmed fiber loops and typically costs less. Cut-and-loop pile has geometric designs.
| Type | Price per square foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cut pile | $0.60 – $9.00 |
|
| Loop pile & berber | $0.50 – $8.00 |
|
| Cut & loop | $1.00 – $9.00 |
|
*Material prices only.
Cut pile carpet prices
Cut pile carpet costs $0.60 to $9 per square foot. The woven loops are cut to the same height, dense and soft, and create carpets like short-fiber Saxony, textured, velvet, or frieze. The pile density and twist determine the carpet’s look and durability. Shag carpets are taller cut-pile carpeting.
The heavier the fiber twist, the more it hides wear and dirt. But, high-twisted fibers are harder to clean.
| Type | Cost per square foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Textured | $0.60 – $9.00 |
|
| Saxony | $1.00 – $4.50 |
|
| Plush / velvet | $0.65 – $8.00 |
|
| Frieze / shag / cable | $1.00 – $8.00 |
|
*Material prices only.
Loop pile / berber carpet cost
Loop pile and Berber carpet costs $0.50 to $8.00 per square foot. Uncut looped fibers are durable and withstand high foot traffic. The fibers can be short and tight-knit or tall and soft. Loop-pile carpet has a flat (level-loop) or textured (multi-level-loop) surface.
| Type | Cost per square foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Berber | $1.00 – $8.00 |
|
| Level loop | $0.50 – $7.50 |
|
| Multi-level loop | $2.50 – $5.00 |
|
*Material prices only.
Cut and loop carpet prices
Cut and loop carpet costs $1 to $9 per square foot. The combined high-cut tufts and lower loops form geometric designs with the fibers that hide dirt and footprints. These sculpted pile and patterned carpets are ideal for high-traffic areas.
Average price of carpeting by material
New carpet costs $0.50 to $21 per square foot depending on the material and quality. Sisal, nylon, acrylic, and Triextra carpeting costs $0.75 to $9 per square foot on average, while wool costs $3 to $21 per square foot.
| Material | Price per square foot |
|---|---|
| Nylon | $0.75 – $9.00 |
| Polyester | $0.50 – $6.00 |
| Polypropylene / olefin | $0.70 – $5.00 |
| Sisal | $1.50 – $9.00 |
| Wool | $3.00 – $21.00 |
| Triexta / Smartstrand / Sorona | $1.50 – $7.00 |
Synthetic carpets like nylon, polyester, olefin, and Triexta have a larger variety, better stain resistance, and more affordable prices.
Organic fibers like wool and sisal are more eco-friendly and long-lasting but cost more.
Nylon carpet prices
Nylon carpet costs $0.75 to $9 per square foot and is the most durable for high-traffic areas, easiest to clean, and hypoallergenic. Nylon lasts 3 to 15 years, depending on the quality and amount of foot traffic. Nylon is ideal for homes with pets or children. The stain-resistance of nylon varies by brand depending on the type of coating applied.
Sisal carpet cost
Sisal carpet costs $1.50 to $9 per square foot. The natural agave plant fibers in sisal are more durable than wool. Sisal works well in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and offices. This eco-friendly material has a rough texture that’s not suitable for kids’ playrooms or bedrooms.
Only dry cleaning or vacuuming cleans sisal. Steaming or shampooing damages the fibers.
Sisal works best with a thin felt carpet pad.
Wool carpet cost
Wool carpet prices are $3 to $21 per square foot, averaging $6 per square foot. Wool is a 100% natural fiber that's hypoallergenic, stain and flame-resistant, repels oils, and resists dirt. Wool lasts 8 to 20 years, but absorbs moisture that can cause mold and mildew in humid areas. Wool is susceptible to fading and requires careful cleaning to avoid shrinking.
Polyester carpet prices
Polyester carpet costs $0.50 to $6 per square foot and lasts 5 to 15 years. Polyester is hypoallergenic, resists water-based stains, and is ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and playrooms. Polyester offers the biggest color selection and resists fading. Avoid polyester in rooms prone to oil-stains.
Polypropylene or olefin carpet prices
Polypropylene or olefin carpet costs $0.70 to $5 per square foot and lasts 3 to 10 years. Olefin resists water-based stains, mildew, mold, and color-fading. This synthetic carpeting is hypoallergenic and best for indoor/outdoor areas, damp spaces, and low-traffic rooms. Avoid olefin in rooms prone to oil stains.
Triexta / Smartstrand / Sorona carpet prices
Triexta carpet costs $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Polyester-blend Triexta has stain-resistant fibers that don’t need protective coatings. Triexta (PTT) is ideal for homes with young children, pets, and moisture-prone areas like basements. Triexta carpeting lasts for 10 to 20 years.
Carpeting prices by brand
The best carpet brands are Shaw Floors, Stainmaster, and Mohawk Industries. These top brands provide better warranties, superior moisture and stain protection, and high-quality carpet fibers.
| Brand | Cost per square foot | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shaw Floors | $0.50 – $11.00 |
|
| Stainmaster Carpet | $1.00 – $7.00 |
|
| Mohawk Industries / Smartstrand | $0.60 – $5.50 |
|
| Anderson Tuftex | $1.50 – $11.00 |
|
*Material prices only.
Carpet prices installed
Carpet prices with installation is $2 to $8 per square foot on average, depending on if additional prep work is needed.
| 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.
Carpet buying guide
Modern carpets have features to ensure they resist stains, wear, and moisture to last longer. Compare carpet durability by checking the carpet density, face weight, pile height, fiber type, and twist level.
| Features | Facts |
|---|---|
| Material / fiber choice |
|
| Pile height |
|
| Twist level |
|
| Face weight |
|
| Carpet density |
|
| Fade / UV resistance |
|
| Moisture resistance |
|
| Hypoallergenic |
|
| Pet-friendly |
|
| Wheelchairs |
|
How is carpet sold?
Carpet installers and retailers price carpet per square foot or square yard, depending on the material, style, brand, and grade quality.
Most carpet is sold in rolls 12 to 18 feet wide and priced by the square foot or square yard.
Stores cut carpeting to any length beyond 2 feet and also sell leftover remnants.
Carpet rolls are 200 to 1,080 square feet or 22 to 120 square yards.
Getting estimates from carpet companies
Before hiring a carpet installation company near you, be sure to:
Get at least three 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 with a full breakdown of all costs.
Avoid making large payments upfront.
Questions to ask carpet installers
Are they licensed and bonded with liability insurance?
Have they installed carpeting for at least 5 years?
Can they provide references for past work?
Which carpet padding is required to maintain the warranty?
What other expenses may arise?
Can they do subfloor work if they find damages?
Does their quote include moving furniture and removing old carpet and padding?
Can they provide a warranty on their work?
What’s their payment schedule?
Does their quote include clean up afterward?
Can they provide a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations?