man walking through carpet store

How much should I spend on carpet?

When it comes to revamping the look and feel of your home, carpeting is a popular choice for a number of reasons. It can help floor surfaces look cleaner, newer, and more cozy, offering a touch of warmth and elegance to any space. 

But with the multitude of choices and options available on the market, it can be daunting to try and calculate just how much to invest in the purchase of new carpet. As a result, you might be wondering, “How much should I spend on carpet?”

Let’s break down the answer to this question together.

1. Size of Carpet Area

Perhaps the most important factor when deciding how much to splash out on carpeting is how much material and space you need to cover. A larger room or surface area will obviously take more carpet, and so will naturally cost more. When measuring a room or area for carpet, take into account not only the square footage of the floor, but also the dimensions of walls, corners, and irregular shapes.

Keep Reading: How much does it cost to carpet a 10X12 room?

2. Quality of Carpet Material

The quality and type of carpet that you choose to purchase can have a large effect on cost. Consider not only the appearance, but also the feel, thickness, and durability of the carpet. Factors such as fiber type (e.g. polyester, nylon, wool), the backing material, and carpet density can all have an impact on the longevity and quality of the carpeting.

Keep Reading: What type of carpet lasts the longest?

3. Installation Fees

Installing new carpet is not as simple an endeavor as simply rolling it out and stapling it down. This is a job that should be left to professionals, as there are a number of steps involved in proper installation, including preparing the subfloor with padding and adhesive, accurately cutting and fitting the carpet material, and ensuring that there are no bumps or gaps left behind. This can all come at a cost — make sure to budget for installation fees as a part of your overall carpeting expenditure.

Keep Reading: How do I estimate carpet installation fees?

4. Removal and Disposal Costs

If you’re replacing pre-existing carpet materials, it’s important to budget for the cost of removal and disposal of the old material. This can include the removal of old carpets, nails, and staples, as well as the proper disposal of the old materials, all of which can add up. Make sure to factor in removal and disposal costs when considering your overall budget for new carpeting.

5. General Guidelines for Cost

Finally, perhaps the most important item to note is the general guideline currently in place for carpeting costs. On average, you should anticipate putting aside between $2 and $20 per square foot of carpeting. This cost range can vary depending on all of the factors mentioned above, as well as the location of your installation, any warranties or guarantees provided, and any additional fees or charges.