How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Carpet?

Carpet Installation Costs at a Glance

• Total installation cost: $1,650, average; $750-$2,600, range
• Cost per square foot: $3.50-$11
• Labor cost: $75-$150, callout fee; $35-$80 per hour
• Remove existing carpet: $2-$3 per square foot

If you hate the feeling of bare wood or concrete against your feet, carpet installation can make your home feel cozier.

Read More Home Improvement Articles

Carpets are ideal for adding softness and insulation, but it's essential to understand how much the project will cost before committing.

Carpet installation costs around $1,650 on average, according to Bob Vila, with most homeowners spending between $750 and $2,600. However, using premium materials could make carpet installation more expensive.

How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost Per Square Foot?

How much you spend on carpet installation depends on your room size. Carpeting a room usually costs between $3.50 and $11 per square foot, including labor.

Talk to a Pro

(877) 830-2008

How Much Does Carpet Installation Labor Cost?

Based on data from HomeGuide, most carpet installers charge a minimum call-out fee between $75 and $150, and $35 to $80 per hour.

Some installers charge per square foot. You should expect to pay between 50 cents and $1.50 per square foot in labor fees. Installing carpets in awkward areas, such as staircases, can increase the cost of labor by around 25 cents to $2.

Carpet Installation Cost Factors

Apart from the room size, the type of carpet you want to install and the condition of your floors can impact the cost of carpet installation. Considering the following factors can help you estimate your overall project costs.

Installation Method

Wall-to-wall carpets are the most common type of domestic carpets. They come in large rolls, allowing installers to cover large areas with fewer pieces. Generally, wall-to-wall carpets cost between $1 and $4.50 per square foot, including labor, although you could pay over $20 per square foot for premium materials.

Glue-down carpets are ideal for covering solid floors made from materials, such as concrete. However, you can't install padding underneath, making them feel harder underfoot. Expect to pay between $3 and $7 per square foot for glue-down carpet installation.

Carpet tiles can be a good option for commercial spaces and areas that need hard-wearing floors, and you can replace individual pieces if you damage them. Installing carpet tiles usually costs between $2 and $8 per square foot.

More Related Articles:

• How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
• 4 Tips for Hiring a General Contractor for Your Next Remodeling Project
• Should You Hire a Contractor or a Handyman?
• 5 Things to Look For When You're Hiring an Electrician
• What to Look for When Hiring an Exterminator

Carpet Type

Carpets come in three main types: loop pile, cut pile and cut and loop. Loop pile carpets are generally the cheapest, costing between 50 cents and $7.50 per square foot. These carpets have tight yarn loops that make them more durable and easy to clean. However, they feel harder than other carpet types.

Meanwhile, cut pile carpets cost between 60 cents and $9 per square foot and feature cut yarn loops. They're less durable than other carpet types but could be a good choice for low-traffic areas if you prefer a softer feel.

The most expensive type is cut and loop carpet, which has cut loops to create a textured finish. Cut and loop carpets are ideal for concealing wear and tear and offer average durability. They're also easier to clean than cut pile carpets. Expect to pay between $3 and $5 per square foot, according to Fixr.

Material

Carpets come in natural yarns, such as wool or sisal, and artificial fibers, such as nylon and polyester. Polyester carpets are generally the most affordable, costing between $1.50 and $6 per square foot. Meanwhile, wool carpets are the most expensive, coming in between $5 and $26 per square foot.

Extra Costs

If you have existing carpets, you'll need to remove them first. According to Bob Vila, removing an existing carpet costs between $2 and $3 per square foot, while removing padding costs between $1.50 and $2.

You'll also need to remove any furniture from the room. Many homeowners choose to remove furniture themselves, but you may require professional assistance to move heavy or awkward items. Expect to pay a contractor between $200 and $370 to clear the room. 

If you have a damaged subfloor, your installer may recommend repairing or replacing it before laying a new carpet. Based on data from Forbes, repairs usually come in between $100 and $400 (depending on the size of the room), but you may need to pay significantly more if you need to replace the subfloor.