How much does carpet stretching cost?
How much does carpet stretching cost?
$0.50 – $1.50 average stretching cost per square foot
$100 – $300 average stretching cost (1 room)
Average cost to stretch carpet
Carpet stretching costs $100 to $300 on average for one room, and $50 to $75 for each additional room. The cost to stretch carpet based on size ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The total cost of carpet stretching depends on the carpet type, condition, room size, and job complexity.
| Number of rooms | Average price* |
|---|---|
| 1 room | $100 – $300 |
| 2 rooms | $150 – $375 |
| 3 rooms | $200 – $450 |
| 4 rooms | $250 – $525 |
*Prices may be higher for very large rooms or complex layouts.
Most carpet repair professionals charge a minimum $100 to $300+ minimum job fee.
"Carpet stretching" and "carpet restretching" are often used interchangeably when referring to stretching an existing carpet to remove wrinkles and refresh its appearance.
Installers typically stretch and tack down new carpet as part of the initial installation process.
Carpet restretching cost factors
Many factors influence the price of carpet stretching services, including:
Room size: Larger rooms require more stretching to remove ripples and wrinkles wall-to-wall, increasing the cost. Longer seam lengths also increase material costs. However, stretching a small room with a simple layout may cost more per square foot as most pros charge a $100 to $300 minimum job fee.
Carpet age, type, & thickness:
Restretching an older carpet is often more challenging due to the increased risk of rips and tears.
Stretching Berber carpet is more challenging and takes more time than standard carpeting, increasing costs by about 20%.
Low-pile, commercial-style carpet is the easiest and cheapest to stretch.
Thicker, plusher residential carpet is more difficult to work with and may require more physical effort to re-secure it on the tack strips.
Layout complexity: Stretching carpet in rooms with multiple corners and abrupt edges takes longer than stretching carpet in square or rectangular open areas. Stretching carpeting in closets, hallways, and on stairs also adds to the cost.
Furniture: Some companies include moving typical furniture pieces in the estimate and charge extra for large or non-standard pieces, while others charge $25 to $75 per room or an hourly rate to move any furniture before and after stretching the carpet.
Baseboards: Expect to pay an extra $10+ per room to lift baseboards to fit the carpet.
Number of seams: Seam splits add time and expense to the stretching process.
Tack strips: Damaged, loose, or missing tack strips will need replacement before restretching.
Labor rates: Technician rates range from $60 to $120 per hour depending on the company and region.
Other repairs: Carpet damage besides the wrinkles or buckles should be repaired before restretching for the best results. Most carpet repairs cost $150 to $300
Travel fees: Jobs outside of the company's service area may include an extra trip charge.
If you only need the carpet stretched in one room, bundle the job with other services to avoid the minimum call-out fee that most professionals charge.
Carpet stretching vs. replacement
If your carpet is in good condition but develops ripples or wrinkles, carpet stretching is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the carpet completely. New carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot installed, while restretching carpet costs just a fraction of that at $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Carpet stretching FAQs
What is carpet stretching?
Carpet stretching or restretching is the process of re-securing loose wall-to-wall carpeting by pulling and stretching it tight and refastening it onto tack strips around the perimeter of the room. The stretching process removes ripples, creases, and sagging, returning the carpeting to a uniform appearance.
Is carpet stretching worth it?
Carpet stretching is worth the cost in most cases for carpeting that has become loose or wrinkled but is in otherwise decent shape. Stretching restores a carpet's nice tight fit, extends its life, and reduces the risk of tripping. However, replacement may be the better choice for very old or badly damaged carpeting.
How long does carpet stretching take?
Carpet stretching takes 1 to 2 hours per room on average. The room size, layout complexity, and the condition of the carpet affect how long the stretching process takes.
How long does carpet stretching last?
Carpet stretching lasts 2 to 6 years when done correctly. The quality of the carpet affects the longevity of any repair, including stretching.
Can carpet be stretched without moving furniture?
In most cases, some or all the furniture needs to be moved off the carpet and away from the walls to allow full access for professionals to properly see and stretch the full carpet area. You can only do minor touch up stretching without moving furniture.
Getting estimates for carpet stretching service
Follow these steps when searching for trustworthy, skilled carpet stretching professionals near you:
Look for contractors experienced with your specific carpet type.
Get at least three estimates with similar details to compare fair pricing.
Make sure the estimates are tailored to your specific rooms and carpeting type.
Ask if they offer any guarantees on their work.
Verify the company is insured and licensed.
Check company reviews and ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references from recent stretching jobs to contact.
Ask for a written contract, warranty, and full breakdown of material and labor costs before the work begins.
Don't pay in full until the work is done.
Questions to ask a carpet stretching professional
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose a qualified carpet stretching company:
How long have you been doing carpet restretching?
What methods and tools do you use to stretch and re-secure the carpeting?
Do you offer a warranty on carpet restretching services? If so, for how long?
Will you move the furniture, or do I need to empty all the rooms before you arrive?
Do you charge by the hour or per room/square foot for stretching?
Is my home within your service area? If not, how much extra do you charge for the travel?
Are tack strip repairs or replacements included in the estimate? What about seam repairs?
Do you have experience stretching carpet on stairs?
Does the estimate include removal and disposal of old carpet trimmings?
Do you plan to move appliances, or will you stretch around them?
Do you charge more for thicker, dense carpet types or for larger rooms?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.