Carpet Replacement Cost Calculator & Price Guide

Installed carpet typically costs $3 – $11/sq ft, according to This Old House. The price per square foot depends on the carpet fiber, the grade, the padding underneath, and whether the installer also removes and hauls away the old carpet.

The figures below come from published guides and carry a check date of Oct 11, 2026. Always confirm whether a quoted rate covers material only or the full job, since that is the most common reason two prices for the same room do not match.

Retailers often sort carpet into basic, mid-grade, and luxury tiers. Each one rises in fiber quality, density, and warranty.

A higher grade is not always the right pick. A rarely used guest room does not need the same carpet as a busy hallway or a family room with pets.

The fiber changes price, feel, and how well the carpet resists stains and wear. These figures cover the carpet itself, before labor and padding.

• Nylon is a common, durable choice for busy rooms.
• Polyester is soft and often lower priced, though it may mat down faster in high-traffic areas.
• Olefin is budget friendly and resists moisture, which suits basements.
• Triexta is known for stain resistance and sits in the mid to upper range.
• Wool is a natural fiber at the premium end, with a wide price spread.

Labor, padding, and removal of the old carpet are priced separately in many quotes.

Padding affects comfort, sound, and how long the carpet lasts. Skipping it or choosing the thinnest option can shorten the life of an otherwise good carpet. Some carpet manufacturers set padding requirements for their warranties, so check before you decide.

Per-foot prices are easier to compare once you convert them to a room. The examples below show sample room costs from two guides.

Measure the room and ask the installer for a quote that includes waste. Carpet is sold in wide rolls, so odd room shapes, doorways, and closets can increase the amount you buy.

Stairs take more time because each step needs cutting and tacking.

The listed price is an extra charge per step on top of normal installation. Some installers quote stairs as a flat fee for the full flight instead.

• Fiber and quality. Fiber type and pile density set the material price.
• Padding. Thicker or higher-density pad costs more.
• Room size and shape. Odd layouts and many seams create waste.
• Old carpet removal. Haul-away is sometimes extra.
• Subfloor condition. Repairs, leveling, or moisture problems add work.
• Furniture moving. Some installers charge to move heavy furniture.
• Stairs and transitions. These need extra time and trim pieces.

Published guides often measure different things. One may count only the carpet, another includes installation, and another includes padding and removal. Yelp's range also reflects a broad set of local businesses.

To compare fairly, ask each installer for an itemized quote that separates material, padding, labor, and removal.

A small burn, stain, or loose seam can often be patched or restretched. Replacement makes more sense when the carpet has widespread wear, persistent odors, water damage, or a surface that has matted or faded. Mold or moisture in the padding is a reason to replace both layers and fix the source of the water. If you are unsure, a flooring professional can look at the damage and tell you whether a repair will hold.

Laying carpet involves cutting, seaming, and stretching it tightly with a power stretcher, which most homeowners do not own. A loose install can ripple or wear faster, and a poor seam may fray. A professional install can also protect the warranty, which sometimes requires it. Simple removal of old carpet and padding is a more realistic DIY task if you are comfortable with tools and have a plan for disposal. Wear a mask, since old carpet can release dust, and ask a professional first if you suspect old flooring materials contain asbestos.

• Does the price include padding, labor, removal, and disposal?
• Is furniture moving included?
• How much extra material is being ordered for waste?
• What warranties come with the carpet and the installation?
• Who handles subfloor repairs if problems show up?
• How long will the job take, and when can you use the room again?