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

Carpet Installation Cost per Square Foot

At approximately $3.50 to $11 per square foot to install carpet in your house, the square footage will be the most significant determinant of your carpeting cost. Below is a list of standard sizes found in most homes, which represent multiple spaces or rooms you may want to carpet.

Carpet Installation Cost per Room

Square footage isn’t the only major cost factor when budgeting for your carpet installation. Different rooms in your home may cost more or less to carpet, even if their sizes are similar. For example, you may need to budget for a moisture barrier in the basement or a higher-quality carpet in a busy living room. The chart below breaks down the cost to install carpet by room size.

Keep in mind that carpeting stairs costs an additional $11 to $26 per step. The additional price accommodates a more complicated installation process, which includes:

• Extra cutting

• More tack strips

• Unusual shapes (like a rounded stairway)

Carpet Installation Cost by Material

There are pros and cons to each different type of carpet material, and what works best in one room might not be your best option for another. Considering the level of foot traffic, amount of direct sunlight, and moisture level—as well as your budget—will help you narrow down the most suitable options for each room in your home.

Polyester

Polyester carpeting is a popular synthetic material that averages $1 to $3 per square foot. Well known for its beautiful color, it also resists fading and wear over time. The fiber itself is mold- and mildew-resistant and generally considered non-allergenic. But the product quality varies widely based on construction. Low-density styles are especially susceptible to tracking and crushing, making them a poor choice for high-traffic areas. Here are some home locations you may want to consider:

• Kitchen or bathroom areas that might be prone to spills or stains

• Sunny spots with direct sunlight

• Rooms or homes that need frequent recarpeting

Polypropylene or Olefin

Polypropylene or olefin carpets cost around $1 to $3 per square foot and are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. As a common plastic, the carpet may use recycled materials in its manufacturing. It’s also known for its durability and many pros, such as:

• Stain resistance

• Well-suited for wet areas since it doesn’t lock in moisture

• Works well in sunlit areas since it’s resistant to sun-fading

• Bleach resistance 

Nylon

Nylon carpet costs about $2 to $5 per square foot. This material has replaced acrylic carpeting in popularity because acrylic pilled easily. Nylon is durable, easy to clean, and is suitable for:

• High-traffic areas

• Families with kids and pets

• Both indoor and outdoor use

Wool

The price of wool carpeting runs from $4 to $20 per square foot. The best-known style is Berber, and the cost to install a Berber carpet ranges from $380 to $600. Wool is the most traditional, eco-friendly choice, and it's a premium fiber notable for its deep, rich look and luxurious feel.

Along with a higher expense, homeowners who choose it should expect a durable, stain-resistant product. But because it's natural, wool is more susceptible to fading and static. It also absorbs moisture, possibly leading to mold and mildew in wetter areas like basements. Some other areas it's suitable in are:

• High-traffic areas

• Dining and living rooms

• Spaces where you’d like to add a luxurious look and feel

Sisal

Made of leaves from the agave plant, this woven material provides a very strong surface and ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. Sisal carpets can feel rough underfoot so they might not be a good fit for bedrooms, but they could prove to be a perfect choice for:

• High-traffic areas

• Rooms with lots of direct sunlight

• Living rooms

Cotton

Cotton carpeting costs approximately $6 to $7 per square foot. As a natural product, its prices are higher than synthetic types, and it's most notable for its softness and low amounts of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). However, like garments made of the same material, it stains and fades easily, which might make it best for: 

• Homes or rooms without young children or pets

• Spaces without lots of direct sunlight

Carpet Installation Cost by Type

Different carpet types also affect the total project price. See the table below for price ranges.

Loop Pile Carpet

Loop pile carpet runs from $1 to $5 per square foot. This style features uncut yarn and is commonly used in high-traffic areas of homes and businesses. Since the loops connect to the backing on both ends, it's incredibly durable and resistant to lines. Products may include:

• Multicolored threads to hide dirt and stains

• Low- and high-profile areas to add texture and concealment

Cut and Loop Carpet 

Cut and loop carpet costs around $1 to $10 per square foot. Manufacturers combine cut pile and loop styles to make unique patterns and designs that add interest and texture to a room. Cut and loop carpet is ideal for any part of the home that’s high traffic.

• Stands up well and easily conceals carpet lines

• Good choice for medium- to high-traffic areas

Cut Pile Carpet

Cut pile carpets cost around $1 to $12 per square foot. The name describes a process where the woven loops are all cut to the same height and tufted at the ends. The resulting appearance is dense and soft. This carpeting can be used for the whole house and includes four subcategories:

• Saxony or plush: The most common type, this looks like a freshly mowed lawn. However, it's subject to fluffing or shedding, so it may last five to 10 years longer in low-traffic areas.

• Textured saxony: This style features twists to create a permanent curl and resist lines and wear. It's great for medium- to high-traffic areas.

• Frieze: This yarn twists more tightly than textured saxony. It creates a durable product that resists lines and works well in high-traffic areas.

• Cable: Known for its thicker and longer yarn, this carpet offers the softest comfort. However, it's subject to wear and matting, making it more practical for low-traffic areas.

Labor Cost for Carpet Installation

Labor alone for a new carpet install is around $0.50 to $1 per square foot. If you factor in materials, the price range increases to around $3.50 to $11 per square foot. This cost usually doesn't include removing an existing flooring or preparing the subfloor. And projects that require extra features, like stairs, can cost an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.

Carpet Replacement Cost

The cost to replace carpet runs from $9.50 to $19 per square foot. This includes the carpet removal price and subfloor preparation, which runs from $6 to $8 per square foot. Some of the associated costs are listed below.

DIY Carpet Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Professional carpet installation represents a small portion of the total price. This project is easy to get wrong and costs a lot more in buying new material to fix, so it’s best to hire a local carpet installation pro.

How to Find Affordable Carpet Installation 

As you browse our carpet buying guide, keep in mind that prices vary widely from one business to the next. Contractors make money on labor and a 50% to 75% markup on materials. However, major home improvement stores and even some local companies periodically offer a free installation with purchase. These deals often require a minimum square footage to justify the work.

How to Receive a Free Carpet Estimate

It’s customary for installers to offer a free in-home estimate. Before you start contacting carpet layers near you, follow these tips:

• Have the pro measure each room before setting costs.

• Ask to see samples for every product you consider.

• Get the estimate in writing.