Carpet vs. laminate cost
Carpet vs. laminate cost
$2 – $8 carpet cost per square foot installed
$4 – $14 laminate flooring cost per square foot installed
Cost of laminate flooring vs. carpet
Laminate flooring installation costs $4 to $14 per square foot installed and is often preferred in high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways for its durability and ease of maintenance. In contrast, carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot installed and is more common in bedrooms and living rooms for its warmth and comfort.
| Factor | Laminate flooring | Carpet |
|---|---|---|
| Total installed cost | $4 – $14 per square foot | $2 – $8 per square foot |
| Lifespan | 10 – 25 years | 5 – 10 years |
| Better for | High-traffic areas | Bedrooms; noise reduction |
| Comfort | Harder, colder surface | Softer, warmer surface |
| Durability | Resistant to wear & stains | Prone to stains & wear |
| Maintenance needs | Easy; damp mopping | Professional cleaning required |
| Value impact | Often improves resale value | Decreases with worn carpet |
| Allergen concerns | Hypoallergenic surface | Traps dust / dander |
Carpet installation
Carpet is an affordable and comfortable flooring choice, costing $2 to $8 per square foot installed on average, depending on the material. Polyester and nylon carpet offer budget-friendly solutions, while wool carpet provides a premium feel but at a higher cost. Other factors like padding, subfloor preparation, and disposal of old carpet increase costs.
| Carpet type | Material price (per square foot) |
Installed cost (per square foot) |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester (Basic) | $0.50 – $1.50 | $2 – $5 | Budget bedrooms |
| Nylon (Mid-grade) | $1.50 – $6.00 | $2 – $8 | Staircases; family rooms |
| Wool (Premium) | $6 – $21 | $7 – $23 | Formal living spaces |
| Berber carpet cost | $1 – $5 | $2 – $9 | Basements; hallways |
| Carpet tile cost | $1.25 – $10.00 | $2 – $11 | High-traffic living areas |
Carpet cost factors
The room size and shape greatly impact the cost of carpet installation. Larger rooms require more materials and longer installation times, while asymmetrical rooms necessitate more cuts, resulting in increased waste and labor costs. Keep these additional factors in mind:
Carpet padding costs typically add $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot for improved comfort and durability.
Replacing an entire subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot, while subfloor leveling or repairs cost less.
Removing old carpet costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot or more for glued-down carpets.
Carpet pros and cons
Carpet is often a better choice than laminate for its ability to add warmth and coziness to a room, making it ideal for spaces where comfort is a priority. Like all flooring, carpet has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Comfort: Provides a soft, warm surface underfoot, ideal for bedrooms and living areas
Noise reduction: Absorbs sound effectively, reducing echo and footsteps in multi-level homes
Insulation: Retains heat better than hard surfaces, lowering energy costs in colder climates
Safety: Cushions falls, making it a safer choice for children and elderly individuals
Cons
Maintenance demands: Requires frequent vacuuming and professional cleaning
Lifespan: Lasts 5 to 20 years on average, with visible wear in high-traffic areas leading to earlier replacement
Allergen accumulation: Traps dust, pet dander, and mold, exacerbating respiratory issues for sensitive individuals
Water damage: Carpet is not suitable for wet areas, as it absorbs water quickly, which can weaken carpet fibers, leading to warping, discoloration, and a musty smell.
Stain susceptibility: Prone to permanent stains from spills, dirt, and chemicals, carpet requires immediate cleaning to minimize damage
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring offers a variety of styles, including wood-look, stone-look, and tile-look options, ranging in price from $4 to $14 per square foot installed. The easy maintenance and resistance to daily wear and tear make laminate a popular choice for high-traffic areas and entryways. Laminate is not waterproof, making it unsuitable for bathroom installations.
| Laminate floor style | Average material price (per square foot) |
Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Wood look | $1.00 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| Stone look | $2.00 – $5.50 | $5.00 – $13.50 |
| Tile look | $3.00 – $6.50 | $6.00 – $14.50 |
Laminate flooring cost factors
Several factors can impact the overall cost of laminate flooring installation, including material quality, installation complexity, and additional preparation needs. The cost can be influenced by:
Material thickness: Thicker laminates (8–12mm) are more durable and costly than thinner options (6–7mm).
Subfloor preparation: Leveling or repairing the subfloor can add $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Underlayment: Moisture-resistant underlayment costs $0.30 to $1.00 per square foot.
Installation method: Glue-down methods may increase labor costs compared to click-lock systems.
Laminate flooring pros and cons
Laminate flooring is often a better choice than carpet due to its wide range of styles, which can mimic the look of wood, stone, or tile, offering versatility and aesthetic appeal in various rooms. Like all flooring, laminate has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Durability: Resists scratches and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways
Low maintenance: Easy to clean with simple sweeping or damp mopping, reducing upkeep time
Cost-effectiveness: Generally, more affordable than hardwood, with a wide range of styles available
Design versatility: Mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile, offering a modern aesthetic at a lower cost
Cons
Cold surface: Provides a harder, colder feel underfoot compared to carpet
Water sensitivity: Not suitable for wet areas, as prolonged exposure can cause warping or swelling
Non-refinishable: Damaged planks must be replaced entirely, as they cannot be sanded or refinished like hardwood.
Environmental concerns: Contains synthetic materials that may emit VOCs, though modern options have reduced emissions
Carpet vs. laminate FAQs
Is carpet or laminate more affordable?
Carpet typically has lower upfront costs but higher long-term expenses due to more frequent replacement and cleaning. Laminate has a slightly higher initial cost but offers durability and low maintenance, potentially saving money over time.
Is carpet or laminate better for resale value?
Laminate often outperforms carpet in resale value due to its modern, low-maintenance appeal. Worn carpet may detract from value unless replaced, but well-maintained carpet can still add comfort and appeal to bedrooms and living areas.
Is carpet or laminate better for bedrooms?
The best flooring for bedrooms is often carpet, preferred for its warmth and comfort underfoot, providing a cozy atmosphere. It also helps reduce noise, making it ideal for restful spaces. However, laminate can be a good alternative if you have allergies or want ease of maintenance.
Is carpet or laminate better for basements?
The best flooring for basements is often laminate, which offers better moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. It outperforms carpet, which absorbs moisture and fosters mold. However, carpet tiles can provide warmth and comfort, offering easy replacement if damaged by water.
Is carpet or laminate better for kitchens?
In truth, neither carpet nor laminate is good for kitchens due to moisture concerns. The best flooring for kitchens is something waterproof, like tile, or water-resistant, like luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Laminate can be used in dry kitchen areas but always use mats under appliances and clean up spills promptly near sinks and dishwashers to prevent damage.
Is carpet or laminate better for stairs?
The best flooring for stairs is typically carpet instead of laminate. Carpet’s softness cushions each step and provides a safer, non-slip surface, while also absorbing noise.
Is carpet or laminate better for dogs?
The best flooring for dogs is laminate compared to carpet. Laminate is more resistant to scratches from dog claws and is easier to clean than carpet, as it doesn't trap pet hair or stains.
Getting estimates from flooring installers
When searching for the best local carpet installers or laminate flooring installers near you, follow these tips:
Before contacting installers, research different types of carpet and laminate flooring to understand their costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Talk with the installer about whether carpet or laminate is better suited for your specific room based on factors like traffic, moisture levels, and desired comfort.
Inform the estimator about the condition of your subfloor. Repairs or leveling can add significant costs to your project.
Decide on the quality level you desire. Higher quality materials and installations can increase costs but offer better durability.
Mention any special features or accessories you want, such as underlayment or custom designs, as these can impact the final cost.
Obtain quotes from several contractors to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best deal.
Ensure the estimate includes all costs, from materials to labor and any additional services, to avoid surprises during the project.
Questions to ask a flooring installer
When hiring a carpet or laminate flooring installer, always ask these important questions to ensure a smooth and successful installation process:
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide references from local clients?
Do you offer a warranty for your work?
How long have you been in the flooring installation business?
How long will the job take, and what disruptions can I expect?
What is your payment schedule?
How will you handle cleanup and debris removal?
Will you move the furniture before and after the installation? Does that cost extra?
Is subfloor preparation included in the price?
Will you deliver materials ahead of time, and if so, how will they be stored?
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.