Replacing carpet in your home costs between $3 and $11 per square foot, or an average of around $1,800 for a typical 330-square-foot living room. A new carpet can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, according to Angi, a website that connects homeowners with home improvement professionals.
The final cost to replace carpet varies depending on the material and style of the carpet. Installation processes such as padding and subfloor preparation add to the final bill. Removing old carpeting also costs extra.
Here’s what to know about the cost of different carpet types and ways to save.
Cost per square foot to replace carpet
Carpet replacement typically costs $3 to $11 per square foot, though it’s more often measured by square yard. New carpeting costs around $30 to $50 per square yard.
| Square footage | Average cost range |
|---|---|
| 200 | $600 to $2,200. |
| 500 | $1,500 to $5,500. |
| 800 | $2,400 to $8,800. |
| 1,000 | $3,000 to $11,000. |
| 1,500 | $4,500 to $16,500. |
Carpet replacement cost by material
Carpet prices can vary significantly depending on the material. These are the most common carpet materials, their cost range and important features.
| Material | Average cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Olefin (polypropylene) | $1 to $3. | Stain, moisture and fade-resistant, but mats down easily in high-traffic areas. |
| Polyester (P.E.T.) | $1 to $3. | Mold and stain-resistant, but flattens easily in high-traffic areas. |
| Nylon | $2 to $5. | Highly durable, easy to clean and doesn’t crush easily, but feels less soft. |
| Cotton | $2 to $7. | Eco-friendly and plush, but fades easily in the sun. |
| Acrylic | $3 to $8. | Hypoallergenic and pest-resistant, but can pill and stain with regular use. |
| Triexta (SmartStrand) | $3 to $8. | Repels water and stains, but can be hard to clean without a steam cleaner. |
| Wool | $4 to $20. | Durable and stain-resistant, but can retain moisture and mold in humid areas like basements. |
Carpet replacement cost by pile type
In addition to various material options, you can choose from a range of styles for your new carpet. Different carpet pile types can feel more or less soft underfoot, prevent matting or flatten more easily, for example.
Carpets generally fall into two main categories: cut pile and loop pile. Loop pile carpets have many small loops and are more durable, while cut pile carpets are more plush. Here are common carpet types, their average cost and when they work best.
Loop pile carpets
| Carpet style | Average cost per square foot | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Berber | $3 to $20. | High-traffic areas. |
| Level loop | $1 to $5. | High-traffic areas, but pet claws can get caught in it. |
| Multi-level loop | $1 to $3. | Medium-traffic areas, but pet claws can get caught in it. |
| Cable | $4 to $8. | High-traffic rooms where you still want plush carpet, such as bedrooms. |
Cut pile carpets
| Carpet style | Average cost per square foot | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cut-and-loop | $1 to $10. | High-traffic areas. A mix of cut and looped fibers can prevent matting. |
| Frieze | $1 to $8. | Areas with kids or pets. Feels plush but flattens easily. |
| Saxony or plush | $2 to $8. | Low-traffic or formal areas. |
| Texture or twist | $1 to $12. | Decorative or unique rooms. |
Additional carpet replacement costs
- Carpet installation labor by a professional typically costs around $50 to $100 per hour, according to home improvement website HomeWyse. Carpet installation takes about one to two hours for a single room, and can take four hours or more for several rooms.
- Existing carpet removal costs $1 to $5 per square foot on average. If flooring needs to be removed as well, that can cost another $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Subfloor preparation can cost $3 to $10 per square foot. This may be necessary if your existing flooring is old or damaged.
- Padding or underlayment costs $0.75 to $2 per square foot. It can be helpful to preserve the lifespan of your carpet.
- Custom-cut carpets, including those for stairs, can cost an extra $1 to $2 per square foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace carpet on stairs?
Carpet fitted to stairs typically costs $1 to $2 more per square foot than standard carpet on flat flooring. The average cost to carpet a set of stairs is typically $400 to $800, and carpeting curved and spiral staircases usually costs at least $1,000.
Can I replace my carpet myself?
You may be able to cut costs by installing a new carpet yourself, but first make sure your manufacturer warranty covers DIY installation. If it doesn’t and you make a mistake, you may have to pay out of pocket for a fix or replacement. Make sure you’re familiar with tools like a knee kicker, and start with a more straightforward floor without vents or stairs.
Carpet tiles cost between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot and can be an easy DIY solution, as they can be peel-and-stick or glued down in small sections.
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