How Much Should I Spend on New Carpet?
The
Carpet
& Pad prices
below do not reflect how much it will
cost to install your carpet. Installation prices vary depending on what
part of the country you live in; how difficult your
project is; and what style and
grade of carpet you select. Learn more about carpet
installation costs.
Some
Carpets are made better than others and the Face-Weight has a lot to do with
it. This simple chart shows how higher face-weights help make a better quality
and more costly carpet. Other important factors to consider are Fiber
Type, Tuft Twist and Pile Density.
Basic Carpet Cost
Guidelines:
1. Apartment Grade Carpet
This type of carpet is designed to last 5 years
or less, and is usually installed in apartments and rental properties because
it is inexpensive and landlords expect it will need to be replaced frequently.
Nylon is the preferred fiber choice because polyester tends to mat down
quickly in main walkways. Berber styles are not recommended for rental
properties because they tend to snag easily. The pad typically used is of low
density to save money and is designed to last 3 to 5 years at best.
Carpet Cost: $6 to
$10 per square yard
-
Carpet
Face Weight: 22 to 28 ounce
-
Carpet
Fiber: Nylon, PET polyester
-
Common
Styles: Plush, textured plush, sculptured
-
Typical
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Padding Cost: $1.00
- $2.25 per square yard.
-
Pad
Type: Rebond or Foam
-
Pad
Thickness: 3/8", 7/16", 1/2".
-
Pad
Density: 3 to 5 pound
-
Typical
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
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2. Builder-Grade Carpets
Builders use varying qualities of carpet
depending on the value of the home involved. Homebuyers are usually given an
option to choose a carpet upgrade for an additional cost. The price for
upgrading your carpet may be quite high because builders typically have you
buy from their sources and add on a surcharge for any upgrades you select. For
some homebuyers it may be smarter to not upgrade the carpet but instead plan
to replace the builder-grade carpet within 5 to 10 years with something more
suitable.
Carpet Cost: $8 to
$15 per yard
-
Carpet
Face Weight: 26 to 32 ounce
-
Carpet
Fiber: Nylon, PET polyester
-
Common
Styles: Plush, textured plush, sculptured, Berber,
-
Typical
Lifespan: 4 to 8 years
Padding Cost: $2.00
- $2.75 per square yard.
-
Pad
Type: Rebond
-
Pad
Thickness: 3/8", 7/16", 1/2".
-
Pad
Density: 4 to 6 pound
-
Typical
Lifespan: 4 to 8 years
Learn More: What
makes one carpet better than another?
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3. Upgraded Residential Carpet
If you don't plan on being in
your home forever you might not want to spend a fortune buying the highest
quality carpet right now. Most folks plan on having their carpet last for
about 10 years. After that they plan on moving or changing the carpet to
something different. The key to having your carpet last as long as possible is
to choose the right grade for your application and to
maintain it according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Carpet Cost: $15 to
$22 per yard
-
Carpet
Face Weight: 30 to 40 ounce
-
Carpet
Fiber: Nylon, Sorona PTT, Smartstrand
-
Common
Styles: Plush, textured plush, sculptured, Berber, Cut Pile, Saxony
-
Typical
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Padding Cost: $3.00
- $4.50 per square yard.
-
Pad
Type: Rebond, synthetic fiber, wool, rubber
-
Pad
Thickness: 3/8", 7/16", 1/2".
-
Pad
Density: 6 to 8 pound
-
Typical
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Learn more: Carpet
Styles and Selection
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4. High Quality Residential Carpet
Carpet Cost: $25 to
$45 per yard
-
Carpet
Face Weight: 38 to 50 ounce
-
Carpet
Fiber: Nylon BCF, Sorona, Smartstrand, Tigressa,
-
Common
Styles: Plush, textured plush, sculptured, frieze, cut pile, Saxony,
Patterned
-
Typical
Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
Padding Cost: $4.00
- $5.50 per square yard.
-
Pad
Type: Rebond, synthetic fiber, rubber, wool
-
Pad
Thickness: 3/8", 7/16", 1/2".
-
Pad
Density: 6 to 10 pound
-
Typical
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Learn more: How to
Select the Right Carpet fiber
Additional Info:
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Alan's
Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory
It's
hard to find a reputable carpet dealer these days! I have built a
special list of hand-picked carpet retailers who are locally owned, give
free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide
honest measuring and hire qualified installers. See
who I recommend near you!
