Carpet vs. LVP cost
Carpet vs. LVP cost
$2 – $8 carpet cost per square foot installed
$4 – $16 luxury vinyl plank (LVP) cost per square foot installed
Carpet vs. vinyl plank cost
Two popular and affordable flooring options are carpet and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot with installation, and its warmth and softness make it ideal for bedrooms. In contrast, LVP costs $4 to $16 per square foot installed and its water resistance and durability shine in bathrooms and kitchens.
| Feature | Carpet | LVP |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2 – $8 per square foot installed | $4 – $16 per square foot installed |
| Durability | Moderate; susceptible to stains, wear, and tear | High; resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage |
| Aesthetics | Wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures; can offer a softer look | Mimics wood, stone, or tile; modern and consistent appearance |
| Comfort | Soft and warm underfoot; provides cushioning | Harder and cooler surface; can be less comfortable without underlayment |
| Maintenance | Requires regular vacuuming and professional cleaning | Easy to clean with sweeping and mopping |
| Resale value | Can be seen as less modern; may need replacement sooner | Often seen as an upgrade; can increase appeal to buyers |
| Allergen concerns | Can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens | Non-porous surface; resists allergens |
| Installation complexity | Can be DIY-friendly but often requires professional installation for best results | Considered DIY-friendly, especially click-lock systems but proper subfloor prep is crucial |
| Moisture resistance | Absorbent; not ideal for moisture-prone areas without specialized treatment | Highly water-resistant, making it suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements |
| Sound insulation | Excellent sound absorption properties | Less sound absorption compared to carpet; can be noisy depending on installation method |
Carpet vs. LVP comparison
Choosing the right flooring is more than just picking a color; it's about selecting a foundation that fits your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Carpet and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are two affordable options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We'll compare these two materials side-by-side, to help you choose the best material for your project.
Cost
Both carpet and LVP stand out as budget-friendly flooring choices, offering great style and durability without breaking the bank. The following tables breaks down the costs for these popular materials:
| Factor | Carpet cost per square foot | LVP cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $5 | $2 – $10 |
| Labor & supplies | $1 – $3 | $2 – $6 |
| Total installed cost | $2 – $8 | $4 – $16 |
While budget is a key consideration, remember that initial cost is only one factor.
Carpet usually wins when it comes to the initial price. Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot for the materials and labor. Carpet prices depend on the type, length, and density of the fibers, and the quality of the padding underneath. But remember to factor in long-term costs like getting it professionally cleaned and replacing it as it wears down.
LVP often requires a larger initial investment. Luxury vinyl plank and tile floors cost $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Prices depend on factors like wear layer thickness, material quality, core type (rigid, flexible), and installation method. While the price point is higher, the exceptional durability and minimal maintenance can make it more cost-effective in the long run.
The bottom line: Carpet offers initial savings, while LVP might be kinder to your wallet in the long run.
Durability
While budget is important, longevity is key, especially in high-traffic areas:
Carpet offers warmth and comfort, but it can succumb to wear, staining, and crushing over time. The choice of fiber and density plays a significant role in its resilience. When choosing carpet, select stain-resistant fibers, opt for a lower pile height in high-traffic areas, and invest in regular professional cleaning to extend the lifespan.
LVP shines in durability, with its multi-layered construction and protective wear layer offering exceptional resistance to scratches, dents, and moisture damage. This makes it a practical choice for busy households and commercial settings. When choosing LVP, select a thicker wear layer for high-traffic areas, ensure proper installation to prevent gapping or lifting, and use furniture pads to protect against scratches.
The takeaway: For ultimate staying power, LVP is the clear frontrunner.
Aesthetics
Flooring sets the tone for your home's interior, so style matters:
Carpet offers a truly diverse palette, giving you endless opportunities to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. You can select from a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures to perfectly match your décor. Patterned carpets are a smart choice for hiding stains and wear in busy areas, while plush textures add a touch of luxury and enhanced comfort to any room.
LVP excels at realistically mimicking natural materials like hardwood, stone, and tile, allowing you to bring a touch of modern sophistication to any space. The embossed textures enhance the realism, making it difficult to distinguish from the real thing! Plus, you can influence the visual proportions of a room by strategically selecting plank or tile sizes.
The final word: For a modern, on-trend look, LVP takes the lead, offering sophisticated style with realistic natural aesthetics!
Comfort
Looks are important, but how the floor feels beneath your feet is just as critical:
Carpet, with its inherent softness and cushioning, is the clear winner for creating a cozy, comfortable space, especially in bedrooms and living areas. Choose a high-density carpet and a supportive underlayment for optimal comfort and noise reduction.
LVP, being a harder surface, can feel less inviting underfoot. However, adding a quality underlayment can significantly enhance comfort and insulation, making it more pleasant to walk on. Add an acoustic underlayment to reduce noise transmission and provide extra cushioning.
The decision: When it comes to luxurious softness, carpet reigns supreme!
Maintenance
Time is precious, so opt for a floor that is easy and low-maintenance:
Carpet requires regular vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, along with periodic professional cleaning to address stains and allergens.
LVP, on the other hand, is a breeze to maintain. Regular vacuuming and occasional mopping are typically all that's needed to keep it clean and looking its best.
The conclusion: For a fuss-free lifestyle, LVP is the undisputed champion of easy cleaning.
Resale value
Flooring can influence what potential buyers think about your home, so choose wisely:
Carpet adds warmth to a home but can feel outdated. Look for updated styles to keep the floors feeling modern and stylish. Also, to keep your carpet in tip-top shape, use neutral color choices, and be sure it matches the overall style of your home.
LVP is often seen as an upgrade, enhancing a home's appeal and value because of its durability, modern look, and water resistance. When considering LVP, prioritize high-quality materials that mimic natural textures, maintain consistent flooring throughout the home, and focus on creating a visually appealing overall aesthetic.
The smart move: LVP is generally considered the better choice for boosting your home's market value.
Allergen concerns
A healthier home starts from the ground up. Select a flooring that helps you breathe easier:
Carpet has the potential to trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, requiring diligent cleaning to maintain a healthy environment. If allergen control is a concern, vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter, opt for low-VOC carpets and adhesives, and schedule routine professional cleaning.
LVP's non-porous surface resists allergen buildup, making it a superior choice for allergy sufferers. LVP is also easy to clean and maintain a healthy environment. It makes it easy to wipe spills, minimizes allergen buildup, and can reduce dust mites.
The clear choice: LVP simplifies the task of maintaining fresh, allergen-free indoor air.
Installation complexity
The right installation makes all the difference in the look and durability of your floors:
Carpet installation requires specialized tools like carpet stretchers and seamers to ensure a seamless, wrinkle-free finish. The expertise of a skilled installer is essential for proper stretching, precise cuts, and secure seaming, ensuring long-lasting beauty and performance.
While LVP installation might appear straightforward, professional installers bring valuable expertise in subfloor preparation, precise cutting for intricate spaces, and ensuring a flawless, level surface. Their experience minimizes the risk of future issues like gapping or unevenness, ensuring lasting quality.
The results: Both materials benefit from professional installation, so this one's a tie!
Moisture resistance
Spills happen, so go for a flooring that works in the space:
Carpet absorbs moisture, making it unsuitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without specialized treatments. Immediate cleanup of spills is essential to prevent staining and mold growth.
LVP is highly water-resistant, preventing water damage and mold growth in moisture-prone areas. Its tight-seal installation protects the subfloor and maintains the flooring's appearance even with prolonged moisture exposure.
The safe bet: LVP offers superior moisture resistance, eliminating worries about spills and dampness.
Sound Insulation
Don't let sound be a disturbance, pick a flooring that helps reduce noise:
Carpet excels at sound absorption, reducing noise transmission and muffling footsteps, making it ideal for bedrooms and apartments. For those living in multi-story homes, carpet is a great benefit to create a quieter environment in the rooms below. For best results, choose thick carpets with dense padding.
LVP offers less sound insulation, but an acoustic underlayment can significantly improve its sound-dampening qualities, making it a more viable option for multi-story homes. Keep in mind that click-lock systems can be noisier than glue-down LVP, making an acoustic underlayment essential.
The sound champion: Carpet provides unmatched sound dampening.
LVP vs. Carpet: FAQs
Is carpet or LVP more affordable?
Carpet generally has lower upfront costs, but factor in potential long-term expenses like professional cleaning and eventual replacement. LVP may require a higher initial investment, but its durability and minimal maintenance can save money over time.
Is carpet or LVP better for basements?
The best flooring for basements is LVP due to its superior moisture resistance. Carpet absorbs moisture and can promote mold growth, though carpet tiles offer replaceable comfort if water damage occurs.
Is carpet or LVP better for kitchens?
The best flooring for kitchens is LVP hands down! LVP is moisture-resistant and can handle spills and splashes with ease, making it perfect for this busy hub.
Is carpet or LVP better for bathrooms?
Without a doubt, the best flooring for bathrooms is LVP! This is the top choice for bathrooms, thanks to its waterproof nature. Carpeting in bathrooms is an outdated and unsanitary design choice.
Is carpet or LVP better for laundry rooms?
Like other wet areas, the best flooring for laundry rooms is LVP. This versatile material can handle the spills and moisture common in laundry areas, outperforming carpet and wood.
Is carpet or LVP better for stairs?
The best flooring for stairs is typically carpet. Carpet offers sound absorption, reducing noise from foot traffic, and provides a non-slip surface for added safety.
Is carpet or LVP better for dogs?
Compared to carpet, the best flooring for dogs is LVP. LVP's scratch and stain resistance make it ideal for homes with pets, outperforming carpet which can trap odors and is prone to damage from claws and accidents.
Is carpet or LVP better for bedrooms?
Carpet is often preferred for bedrooms due to its warmth and comfort. It also reduces noise, creating a cozy and restful atmosphere. However, LVP can be a good alternative if you have allergies or prefer easier maintenance.
Getting estimates from flooring installers
When choosing a local carpet installer or other flooring installer near you, keep these things in mind:
Research carpet and LVP types to understand costs and benefits before contacting installers.
Discuss whether carpet or LVP suits each room, considering traffic and moisture.
Inform the estimator about subfloor conditions, as repairs can impact costs.
Decide on the desired quality level for materials and installation to ensure durability.
Mention any extras, like upgraded underlayment or custom designs, for accurate estimates.
Obtain quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and services offered.
Ensure the estimate includes all costs, from materials to labor, to prevent surprises.
Questions to ask a flooring installer
To ensure a smooth and successful carpet or LVP installation, be sure to ask potential installers these important questions:
Are you licensed and insured to perform flooring installations in this area?
Can you provide references from past local clients?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your installation services, and what does it cover?
How many years of experience do you have specifically installing carpet and LVP flooring?
What is your estimated timeline for completing the job? Are there delays in getting the flooring?
What are your payment terms and schedule, and what forms of payment do you accept?
What is your plan for cleaning up the work area and removing debris after the installation?
Do you offer furniture moving services, including replacing furniture when you're done?
Does your quoted price include all necessary subfloor preparation, such as leveling or repairs?
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.