How much does commercial carpet cost?
How much does commercial carpet cost?
$5 – $12 per square foot installed (wall-to-wall carpet)
$2 – $11 per square foot (carpet tiles)
Average commercial carpet cost
Commercial carpet costs $2 to $12 per square foot installed, depending on the carpet type. Commercial wall-to-wall carpeting costs $5 to $12 per square foot, while carpet tiles cost $2 to $11 per square foot. Commercial carpets are durable floor coverings designed for high-traffic areas in offices, hotels, schools, and retail spaces.
| Type | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Commercial wall-to-wall carpet | $5 – $12 |
| Commercial carpet tiles | $2 – $11 |
Commercial wall-to-wall carpet, also known as broadloom carpet, is manufactured in large rolls and offers a seamless look with better comfort when using a thicker carpet and padding.
Commercial carpet tiles cost a bit less due to the easier installation. The modular squares of carpet with pre-attached backing are designed for easy replacement when worn or stained.
Commercial carpet prices per square foot
Commercial carpet prices vary widely from $1 to $30 per square foot, depending on the carpet fiber and quality level. Nylon mid-range carpet costing $3 to $7 per square foot is the most widely used carpet fiber for commercial installations due to its excellent durability, resiliency, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
| Material | Low-quality* | Mid-range* | Premium * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | $1 – $4 | $3 – $7 | $6 – $12+ |
| Olefin / Polypropylene | $1 – $3 | $2 – $5 | $4 – $8 |
| Polyester | $1 – $4 | $3 – $6 | $5 – $10 |
| Wool | $5 – $12 | $8 – $20 | $15 – $30+ |
*Cost per square foot for materials only; installation not included
Commercial carpet installation cost
Installation labor for commercial carpet costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The table below details several other factors that add to the installation costs.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Installation labor | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Carpet removal cost | $0.70 – $1.60 |
| Floor prep (leveling, moisture barriers, etc.) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Furniture moving | $0.25 – $0.75 |
| Adhesives and supplies | $0.10 – $0.30 |
Professional commercial carpet installation is important for several reasons:
Durability & longevity: Professional installers have the expertise to properly stretch and secure the broadloom carpet, ensuring it lays flat without wrinkles or bumps. This prevents premature wear and tear, maximizing the carpet's lifespan.
Safety: Commercial carpets are thicker and heavier than residential carpets. Improper installation can create tripping hazards. Professionals have the right tools and techniques to install it safely, especially on stairs.
Efficiency: Professionals have the experience and equipment to install commercial carpets quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for businesses.
Subfloor work: Improper subfloor preparation can lead to problems like carpet ripples or bulges. Professionals know how to identify and fix subfloor issues for a smooth, long-lasting installation.
Seams and finishing: Improperly sealed seams look bad and can fray over time. Professionals use specialized techniques and materials to create clean, secure seams that look good and last.
Warranty: Most commercial carpet manufacturers require professional installation to validate the warranty. DIY installation could void coverage for defects or premature wear.
Commercial carpeting cost by pile height
Commercial carpeting pile height plays a crucial role in determining durability, maintenance, and cost. The most common pile height for high-traffic commercial areas is low pile carpet costing $5 to $10 per square foot installed. Low pile is more durable, easier to clean, and more accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Installers recommend reserving medium and high-pile carpets for low-traffic private spaces such as conference rooms and executive offices where comfort is more important than durability. These plush carpets cost $6 to $12 per square foot installed.
| Pile height | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Low pile (1/4 inch or less) |
$5 – $10 |
|
| Medium pile (1/4 inch –1/2 inch ) |
$6 – $11 |
|
| High pile (Over 1/2 inch) |
$7 – $12 |
|
Commercial carpet cost factors
The total cost of installing commercial carpet is more than just the material and installation labor. Several factors contribute to the overall project price:
Material costs: Higher-end and high-pile carpets with features like waterproofing cost more than basic, budget carpeting.
Labor costs: Labor costs are higher for more experienced installers and in major cities with a higher cost of living.
Room size: Medium rooms (200 to 500 sq ft) are the most economical to carpet. Smaller rooms (under 200 sq ft) often have higher costs per square foot due to minimum labor charges and more precision cutting. Larger rooms (over 500 square feet) also have higher costs because they require more seams.
Room layout: Simple rectangular rooms minimize waste and seams for lower installation costs. In contrast, complex layouts with angles, obstacles, and transitions increase material usage, labor, and overall carpet expenses.
Subfloor condition: An uneven, damaged, or unclean subfloor can't provide a stable base for the carpet. The cost to replace a subfloor is $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
Commercial carpet FAQs
Does commercial carpet need padding?
Commercial carpet can be used with or without padding. However, padding can extend the life of the carpet, improve comfort, reduce noise, protect the subfloor, and provide some thermal insulation.
How long does commercial carpet last?
Commercial carpet lasts 5 to 15 years on average, depending on the foot traffic, maintenance, pile height, and carpet and installation quality. To prolong the lifespan, select high-quality commercial carpeting, have it installed by experienced professionals, and follow a good maintenance routine with regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning.
Is commercial carpet good for home use?
Commercial carpet can be a good choice for high-traffic areas in homes, such as living rooms, hallways, or home theaters, where durability and ease of maintenance are priorities. However, for bedrooms or formal living spaces where comfort and aesthetics are more important, a residential carpet may be a better fit.
Is commercial carpet more expensive?
The cost of commercial carpet can be more or less expensive than the cost of residential carpet, depending on the type and quality. High-end commercial carpets with denser piles tend to be more expensive, while lower-end commercial carpets and carpet tiles tend to be less expensive per square foot than basic residential carpets.
Getting estimates from commercial carpet installers
Follow these tips to help you choose the best commercial carpet installer near you:
Get at least 3 quotes from experienced installers to compare prices and services.
Request references from past clients and follow up with them to get their experience with the installer's quality, professionalism, and communication.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs that includes carpet cost per square foot, installation labor cost, removal of old carpet, furniture moving, cost of additional materials, and any applicable taxes.
Request information about the warranty on both the carpet and the installation itself.
Get a clear understanding of the estimated project timeline from each installer.
Confirm the installer has the proper licenses and insurance to operate in your area.
Carefully review the contract before signing. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including the payment schedule, change order procedures, and warranty details.
Questions to ask a commercial carpet installer
Ask these questions to ensure you hire an experienced, licensed installer who will complete the commercial carpet job properly and stand behind their work:
How long have you been installing commercial carpets?
Are you licensed and insured? Can I see copies of your licenses and insurance certificates?
Can you provide references from past commercial clients?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your estimate?
What is your warranty policy for both the installation and the carpet itself?
What is your estimated timeline for completing the project?
How will this impact my business operations?
What is your process for handling unexpected subfloor issues that may arise? Will this incur additional costs?
Do you offer any guarantees on your work?
Will you move furniture, or do I need to arrange for that separately?
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.