How much does carpet tile installation cost?
How much does carpet tile installation cost?
$2 – $11 cost per square foot installed
Average carpet tile installation cost
Carpet tile installation costs $2 to $11 per square foot on average or $2,000 to $11,000 for a 1,000-square-foot space, including materials and labor. The cost to install carpet tiles depends on the carpet quality and brand, the room layout and complexity, the subfloor condition, and local labor rates.
| Square footage | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $400 – $2,200 |
| 400 | $800 – $4,400 |
| 600 | $1,200 – $6,600 |
| 800 | $1,600 – $8,800 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $11,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 – $16,500 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 – $22,000 |
Commercial carpet tiles are a type of modular flooring that comes in squares or planks. The most common sizes are 12" x 12" and 24" x 24" squares, with smaller tiles taking longer and costing more to install.
Carpet tile cost per square foot
Carpet tile prices depend on the carpet type, material, and style. Nylon and wool are the most durable, stain-resistant, and expensive materials. Patterned and textured carpet tiles cost more than basic Berber loop styles.
| Material | Berber (per square foot)* |
Pattern (per square foot)* |
Texture (per square foot)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | $3 – $5 | $4 – $6 | $4 – $9 |
| Olefin | $2 – $4 | $4 – $6 | $6 – $7 |
| Polyester | $2 – $4 | $3 – $5 | $3 – $5 |
| Wool | $5 – $7 | $6 – $8 | $9 – $11 |
*Includes materials and installation labor
Nylon carpet tiles cost $3 to $9 per square foot with installation. Nylon is a durable and stain-resistant synthetic material ideal for high-traffic commercial areas.
Olefin (polypropylene) carpet tiles cost $2 to $7 per square foot installed. Olefin is a synthetic material known for its moisture resistance and colorfastness, making it best for areas prone to spills and fading.
Polyester carpet tiles cost $2 to $5 per square foot with installation for a budget-friendly material that is easy to clean.
Wool carpet tiles cost $5 to $11 per square foot installed on average. The natural, sustainable, and long-lasting material resists fading and soiling and is best for luxury spaces where appearance is a priority.
Carpet tile installation costs by brand
Carpet tile prices can vary depending on the brand and quality you choose. The following table provides a detailed overview of the prices for different carpet brands, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end products.
| Brand | Low-quality (per square foot)* |
Average quality (per square foot)* |
Top quality (per square foot)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Tuftex | $1.25 – $2.25 | $1.75 – $3.25 | $2.75 – $8.50+ |
| Foss | $1.50 – $3.00 | $2.50 – $3.50 | $2.50 – $4.00+ |
| Mohawk | $1.50 – $2.50 | $2.00 – $3.00 | $3.00 – $6.00+ |
| Pentz | $1.25 – $2.50 | $2.00 – $3.75 | $3.25 – $5.00+ |
| Shaw | $1.50 – $3.00 | $2.50 – $4.00 | $3.50 – $10.00+ |
| TrafficMaster | $1.35 – $2.50 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.50 – $9.00+ |
*Includes materials and installation labor
Labor cost to install carpet tiles
Carpet tile installation labor costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot on average, but some flooring retailers include free installation with a carpet purchase over a certain amount. Most installers use a glue-down installation method for better security and longevity.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50 – $10.00 |
| Labor | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Total installation cost | $2.00 – $11.00 |
Carpet tile installation cost factors
The total cost of installing carpet tiles goes beyond just the material and installation labor, with many factors influencing the overall price:
Material: Higher-end and specialty carpet tiles with features like waterproofing cost more than basic, budget carpet tiles.
Labor: Labor costs increase in urban areas with a higher cost of living. Also, installers with more experience typically charge higher labor rates.
Room size: Larger rooms require more carpet tiles, increasing costs.
Room layout: Installing carpet tiles in oddly shaped rooms with many corners and angles takes longer and leads to more cuts and waste. Rectangular rooms with four corners are the easiest and cheapest to carpet.
Carpet tile size: Larger 24 x 24-inch tiles require less labor than smaller 12 x 12-inch tiles which need more seams and take longer to install.
Commercial vs. residential: Commercial tiles are more durable but also more expensive than residential carpet tiles.
Subfloor condition: The cost to replace a subfloor is $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot if the existing subfloor has cracks, unevenness, old adhesive residues, or other damage.
Carpet tile pros and cons
Carpet tiles are cost-effective and offer many advantages over wall-to-wall commercial carpeting that costs $5 to $12 per square foot. The following table details the pros and cons of carpet tiles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Carpet tile FAQs
How do you install carpet tiles?
Carpet tiles are typically glued down, especially for commercial and heavy traffic areas. This creates a secure, seamless floor that doesn’t shift over time. While other options like double-sided tape exist for light residential use, the glue-down method is considered the most durable and long-lasting installation method.
Can carpet tiles be installed on stairs?
Yes, carpet tiles can be cut and adhered to individual stair treads and rises to provide traction, warmth, and decoration on staircases.
Can carpet tiles be installed over carpet?
Experts do not recommend installing carpet tiles over existing carpeting. Removing the old carpet first or installing an underlayment is better for a proper, long-lasting tile installation.
Can carpet tiles be installed over concrete?
Yes, carpet tiles can be installed directly over concrete subfloors, as long as the concrete is properly prepared and the manufacturer's installation guidelines for adhesives are followed.
Getting estimates from carpet installers
When getting estimates from carpet installers near you, keep these tips in mind:
Be clear about the project scope. Provide details like the square footage of the area, desired carpet tile type, and any removal of existing flooring required.
Get quotes from at least 3 different installers who visit the space and measure the layouts and stairs for the most accurate estimates.
Ask about their experience with commercial carpet tile installations.
Inquire about warranties on both the materials and labor.
Check that quotes include all materials needed like tack strips, padding, and transition strips in addition to the carpet itself.
Compare quotes based on the total installed price, not just the labor rate, as material costs can vary.
Questions to ask a commercial carpet installer
Ask your commercial carpet installer these important questions:
How long have you been installing carpet tiles?
Can you provide examples of previous carpet tile installations you've done?
What carpet brands/types do you typically work with and recommend for commercial use?
How do you prepare the subfloor for carpet tile installation?
What adhesive systems do you use for glue-down installations?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your installation workmanship?
Can you provide a breakdown of all costs including materials, labor, and any additional fees?
Do you charge by the square foot or by the room?
What is your typical lead time from being hired to starting the installation?
Who will be responsible for moving furniture and equipment and putting it back after installation?
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.