How Much Does It Cost To Install Carpeting In Your Home

Many factors play a role in the cost of carpet installation. The Forbes Advisor team, while elaborating on typical pricing and experiences in this task of homeownership, notes in their reporting that labor shortages, material demands, and other elements in play as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can impact local fluctuations from this average price point in unforeseen ways. This makes planning and comparing key resources for anyone considering a carpet replacement. Comparison shopping is always worthwhile, regardless of the consumer good in question, but in the flooring market price differences amongst suppliers and additional considerations stemming from a still-recovering economy can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars simply by taking the time to broaden your search.

Of course, the material you select will play a major role in the overall price and this acts as the primary driver of cost. Wool and polyester are perennial favorites, but nylon, olefin, acrylic, and others can offer a great alternative for specialized needs or a buyer on a strict budget.

Wool

Natural fibers like wool offer a great standard of luxury in the home, and wool in particular is often claimed to be the "best" carpeting material. But homeowners will often opt for synthetic fiber carpets like polyester for a cheaper overall expense and an easier cleaning and care regimen. Wool is the most expensive base material you'll find in this list (averaging $7.50 per square foot), but the price tag comes along with some unique benefits that aren't matched in other materials. Wool is a natural fiber (sheered from sheep) and will feel the softest on your feet as you walk throughout your home.

But wool can suffer from color fading and easily absorbs water, making it more difficult to care for than synthetic alternatives and allowing for less control over mildew and the presence of unpleasant smells that result. The tradeoffs of bringing in a luxury flooring material are something that you'll have to decide on for yourself.

Acrylic and Polyester

Acrylic is a great alternative to wool, and the material's ISO rating (International Organization for Standardization) means that each textile made from acrylic will, by definition resemble the softness of wool more closely than virtually any other fabricated thread. It's for this reason that many manufacturers offer a range of acrylic carpeting options. They may even provide a blend that incorporates wool into the equation for an even softer feel that takes advantage of the stain and water resisting features that are a staple of synthetics. A pure acrylic will cost around $5 per square foot.

Polyester is another great option in the synthetic category. The fibers are naturally resistant to problems relating to moisture retention. What's more, blended rugs that incorporate wool are common in this category, too. Polyester imitates the look of natural wool, but it's far more stain-resistant. A polyester-only option is among the cheapest of the bunch, coming in at around $2 per square foot.

Nylon

Nylon carpeting is a property investor's best friend. Nylon typically costs around $3.50 per square foot and enjoys natural tensile strength and stretch. This means that it's highly durable and will resist divots and heavy wear from the movement of furniture and feet around some of the highest traffic areas in the home. A high quality nylon carpet can last for many years in a home that will see a revolving door of tenant agreements and different furnishing arrangements.

Olefin

This last entrant is typically one of the least expensive options (around $2 per square foot), and it provides homeowners with a durable flooring option that is stain and water resistant. Olefin carpeting has a tendency to attract oil and suffers from matting, so may serve the home best in utility rooms, closets, or other areas that would benefit from carpeting rather than a bare floor but won't see much footfall.

Carpeting is created with familiar, standard materials, but construction methods also play a role in the feel you'll experience at home, as well as the durability and quality of the update itself. According to The Spruce, regardless of the texture or pile selection you make, the most important part of installation lies in pile direction — or the direction that each fiber naturally faces within the sheet of carpeting. Laying carpet inline across a space will provide for increased durability, but it also helps to ensure that the room enjoys a seamless feel rather than a disjointed one.

Pile direction plays a role in the amount of carpet you may need to purchase, too. Square rooms will be easy to measure, but when it comes to matching hallways, the smart purchase is likely one that overorders so that your carpet's pile will run in the same direction across all connected areas of the home. Once you've identified the volume of carpeting that's required for your project, the next step is to select the pile type that best suits your style and needs.

Textured or Cut Pile Carpeting

Textured carpeting (also known as cut pile) is overwhelmingly the most common option in the residential market. This is the iconic choice and can be found in either high or low pile (fiber length). The pile is simply the fabric loop that is run through the bottom of the material and stands up to provide a soft, smooth surface. This type of carpeting involves a cut across the texture to ensure an even height and uniform bristles that standalone and are easier to care for than other conventional options. These types of textures will typically run you $2 to $4 per square foot.

Loop

Loop carpeting is a more durable option but isn't appropriate for homes that include pets. As suggested, a loop carpet pile is one that hasn't been cut flat after being constructed and the fabric extrudes from the underside sheath in actual loops rather than individual strands. These can easily snag on a dog or cat's nails and pull lose. In serious instances this can also cause harm to the animal. Loop pile is incredibly durable, though, and won't leave vacuum or walking track marks. A loop carpet ranges between $2.78 and $5 per square foot (via Bob Vila).

Berber

Berber patterns are taken from a traditional construction originating in the Berber region, a stretch along the Northwest African coast and drifting southward into the continent. These carpets are marked by a knotty, looping format that holds up better over time than cut options. These typically average out to $5.50 per square foot.

Patterned

This carpet variety is often seen in the form of welcome mats and other small rugs; however, the texture fits right at home in larger carpeting varieties, too. Patterns used in these types of carpets often make use of blended fiber materials and can provide a wealth of unique style and functionality additions to a property. With the variance among patterned carpet options, it's no surprise that the cost fits in a somewhat wider range as well (from $2 to $6 per square foot).

It's also an interesting option to consider installing carpet yourself. Many people have taken to the world of Do-It-Yourself, and if you're a real estate investor this approach can be a great way to save on the overall cost. By installing new flooring yourself, you can shop around for the best price on the market and even use an e-Commerce retailer rather than a local outlet if a bargain can be found beyond your practical geographical range.

The DIY Route takes patience and care

Tearing out the existing carpet isn't a particularly specialized task, but it's important to leave the existing tack strips that perimeter the room, especially on concrete subflooring that's often found in basements and in ground floor spaces. Cleaning the surface and pinning down new padding takes accuracy and care, and a careful approach to the top layer of carpet is all it takes to finish off the job. After measuring the carpet, you'll want to start methodically tapping down the edges, making sure to always work toward corners rather than away from them while stretching the carpet across to maintain tension. It might be easiest to think of this process in the same way you'd move from one corner to its opposite while putting a new sheet on the bed.

While the sweat equity involved in a DIY installation is considerably higher, if you're confident in your ability to pull off the job it may just save you a few hundred dollars, according to Austin's Floor Store — certainly nothing to scoff at! However, approaching an installation yourself is a big task and shouldn't be underestimated. Each step in the process can be time-consuming and this approach will require specialized tools to ensure a proper fit. This is an important decision, and many homeowners do opt to hire a professional rather than take on the task themselves.