How much should I pay for new carpet?

Author: Prof. Wilhelm Schroeder IV  |  Last update: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Good quality versions are $1.50 per square foot and up. Professional installation adds $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The average cost of new carpet installed $2 to $9 per square foot, according to HomeGuide data. To carpet a 16x20-foot room (320 square feet), figure on paying $640 to $2,880.

How much should I budget for new carpet?

It costs anywhere from $3 to $11 per square foot to install carpet throughout the home, with this price rising or falling according to the type of material and any unforeseen obstacles encountered during the placement process. Carpet is often sold by the square yard, so you can expect to pay $30 to $50 per square yard.

What time of year is carpet the cheapest?

Late Fall and Winter Wonders

You might find excellent carpet deals in late fall and winter, which are often considered the best time to buy carpet. During this time, people focus on holiday preparations rather than home improvement.

Can you negotiate carpet prices?

Feel free to negotiate with retailers to see if they can offer a better price. Look for Sales and Promotions - Keep an eye out for sales and promotions at local carpet retailers. Choose a Cost-Effective Fiber - The type of fiber used to make the carpet can greatly affect the price.

Should 20 year old carpet be replaced?

Age: Although you don't necessarily have to replace your carpet just because it's old, keep in mind that modern carpet has a useable lifespan between five and 15 years, which depends on how well it's made and how much foot traffic it receives.

How much does new carpet cost? Find out how much you can expect to pay for 1 room of new carpet.

How often should carpet be replaced?

Most manufacturers say carpet should last for 10 years with proper care.

Is carpet cheaper than hardwood?

Cost Considerations

When comparing hardwood and carpet, hardwood flooring is usually the more expensive option. The average cost of carpet per square foot is $3, whereas the average price of hardwood floors per square foot is $8.

What is the cost of good quality carpet?

High-quality carpets are from designer or higher-end brands. They are made to last 12 to 20 years, and the price can vary from at least $6 to $21+ per square foot. This kind of carpet will most likely be made of wool or nylon.

How long does it take to install carpet?

Generally, carpet installation can take one to two hours per room. But there are other factors to consider that could lengthen this time frame. For instance, if the carpet installation team needs to remove existing furniture and the current carpet flooring, then you'll need to expect extra hours for this time.

What is berber carpet like?

Berber carpet is a style of flooring that features a distinctive looped construction and an overall light color with darker flecks of color. Berber carpets are a popular and versatile choice for office and residential carpets because they are durable, relatively inexpensive, and stain-resistant.

Does new carpet increase home value?

Here are a few ROI estimates from the experts at USA Today that break down flooring values. Most experts believe you can expect a 50% to 80% ROI for installing new carpet. Potential buyers will notice the carpet and appreciate how clean it is. The quality of the carpet also determines its ROI.

Does more expensive carpet last longer?

Investing in a high-quality carpet may require a larger upfront investment, but it offers greater durability and longevity. With proper care, it can last for decades, resulting in lower long-term costs and enhancing the property's value.

How much is new carpet for a 12x12 room?

The average cost to replace carpet in a 12×12 room is between $600 and $800. But if your room is significantly larger or smaller than that, your costs will adjust accordingly. For example, a 10×10 room would cost between $500 and $700 to replace, while a 20×20 room would cost between $800 and $1,200.

Can I replace carpet myself?

While installing carpet can be a challenging project, it's easier than you might think to tackle yourself in the span of a weekend. With the right tools and these expert tips, DIY carpet installation is a simple process.

How do you estimate carpet?

Basically, measuring for carpet is just a matter of measuring the length and width of the room, then multiplying them together to get the square footage. If your bedroom is 10 by 15 feet, you'll need 150 square feet of carpet for that room.

Is it worth cleaning 20 year old carpet?

Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn't been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.

What are 2 pros and 2 cons of carpet?

Carpeting Pros and Cons:
  • It's Inexpensive. Compared to other flooring options, carpeting tends to be cheaper. ...
  • It's Quieter. ...
  • It's Softer. ...
  • It's Versatile. ...
  • It Hides Dirt. ...
  • It's Easier and Faster to Install. ...
  • It Shows Wear and Tear. ...
  • It Needs Maintenance.

Is installing new carpet expensive?

The average cost of new carpet installed $2 to $9 per square foot, according to HomeGuide data. To carpet a 16x20-foot room (320 square feet), figure on paying $640 to $2,880.

What is the best time of year to install carpet?

Best Seasons for Carpet Installation

In the spring, moderate temperatures facilitate an optimal setting for carpet installation. Installers can work comfortably without the constraints of extreme weather, and the milder conditions help the carpet's adhesive materials to set and cure properly.

Is 30 year old carpet unhealthy?

The older the carpet gets, the more it catches and retains nasty substances that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms more regularly, your carpet could be to blame.

How to tell when carpet needs replacing?

What Are Signs That Carpet Needs To Be Replaced?
  1. 1.) Your carpet has stains you can't remove. Are you currently covering old stains with furniture and rugs as the cleaning of your carpets have failed to remove them? ...
  2. 2.) Your carpet has a lot of wear and tear. ...
  3. 4.) Your carpet padding isn't up to par.

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