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Carpeting Cost

How Much Does Carpeting Cost?

Typical Range: $300-600/room

Typical costs:

Prices range from $2 a square foot for the most inexpensive carpeting, including some self-adhesive carpet tiles, to as much as $100 a square yard for high-end or custom project. Decent carpeting and padding can usually be installed for $19-$38 a square yard, or $300-$600 for a 12x12-foot room.
If it's not included, add, $2.50-$6 a square yard for padding. Be skeptical of prices that include free padding, because good padding increases the life span of your carpet; ask about upgrades.
If installation isn't included, it averages $2-$6 or more a square yard for most residential carpet. Installers may also charge an extra $1-$2 a square yard to move furniture, another $1-$2/square yard for removing the existing carpeting; $1-$2/square yard for disposing of the old carpet; and $1-$2 extra for installing berber (loose loop) style products. There are also extra fees for steps and oddly-shaped rooms.
If installation is included in the price, it might be cheaper (and give you more control) to hire your own installer. If the seller won't reveal what the built-in installation fees are or just says "it's included," ask what the price is if you install it yourself.

What should be included:

The least expensive material is polypropylene, also called polyethylene or olefin; acrylic is also fairly low-priced; mid-grade carpets are usually polyester or nylon; wool is often the most expensive choice, and a few high-end products include silk or linen. The Carpet and Rug Institute gives tips for choosing a carpet.
Carpet tiles are also an option; visit FloorBiz.com for an explanation and referrals.
There are several grades of padding. Pinch the padding; if it compacts more than half its thickness, it probably won't last under long-term wear and tear.
A tack strip (wood strips with tack points jutting up to grab the carpet's backing) should be nailed around the edges of the room. The padding is rolled out and trimmed to fit inside the tack strip, then the carpet is rolled out. The installer should use a power stretcher to minimize rippling and wrinkling. Get a good understanding of the installation process by reading the do-it-yourself directions at Hometime.com.
New carpets sometimes give off vapors that bother people who are sensitive to chemicals. If this is a problem, the carpeting should be delivered early and sit in a detached garage or well-ventilated area for at least 24-48 hours before installation.

Shopping for carpeting:

Links for retail and wholesale vendors plus referrals to carpet installers are listed at CarpetBuyersHandbook.com.
Understand exactly what is included in a carpet price, and what the product warranty covers. Check the company with the Better Business Bureau.
If hiring an installer, request and check references, and ask about training and certification. Get proof of liability insurance and at least a one-year written warranty for the work. ColorYourCarpet.com provides detailed guidelines.

Article updated November 2006