When it comes to the interior of a home, we all know important flooring can be. While there are many floor options out there, some people prefer amping up the warmth and comfort levels of their homes by installing carpets.
However, homeowners often have the same reservations with carpets as they do with other flooring options – their cost. So, to ease your decision, here is some detailed information on the cost of redoing carpets.
Cost of Redoing Carpets
The cost of redoing carpets entails more than just the installation of a carpet. Generally, a lot of efforts and tasks go into the installation of a carpet, and even more in redoing a carpet, which naturally adds a lot to the total cost. The average cost of redoing carpets runs from $9 to $20 per square foot.
In order to make it easier to understand, the total cost has been divided into two main steps – the preparation and installation, followed by smaller tasks.
Preparation Cost of Redoing Carpets
When redoing carpets, the first step is to remove the old carpet so that you can replace it. Here are some necessary tasks included in the preparation process.
Carpet Removal
The initial step when redoing carpets is to get rid of the existing one. The average cost of carpet removal lies anywhere between $2 and $3 per square foot.
Pad Removal
After removing the carpet, you will have to proceed on to the pad removal that will cost you around $1.50 to $2.
Demolish Tack Strips
Once you have successfully removed the pad, you will have to move onto demolishing the tack strips. This can cost you anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
Scrape Adhesive
Once you remove the old carpet, the adhesive will be pretty visible. In order to stick on the carpet, you will have to get rid of this old adhesive, which can cost you around $0.50 per square foot.
Level Concrete Floor
The last step before proceeding onto the installation is the leveling of the concrete floor, which will cost around $1 per square foot.
Average Cost of Installing Carpets
The national average to install a carpet stands at $1,630 with the average range being $760-$2545. Depending on whether you opt for low-end or high-end, a carpet can cost you anywhere from $200 to $4,700. Homeowners pay around $3 to $11 per square foot or around $30 to $100 per square yard. While carpet materials cost average within a range of $2 to $7 per square foot, the labor adds up to around $0.50 to $1 dollar per square foot.
The installation price of carpet varies depending on various factors that include the size and shape of the room, the style and design of the carpet, furniture removal and hauling of the old flooring.
Carpet Prices by Grade
Carpets are available in various grades or standards that define their quality. You can opt for a low-grade, mid-grade or high-grade carpet depending on your budget. However, it’s obvious that the better the quality, the more expensive the carpet.
A low-grade carpet will cost you anywhere between $1 and $3 per square foot while a mid-grade carpet will be around $3 to $7. High-grade carpets being the most expensive of the lot, will cost you anywhere around $5 to $20.
Cost of Carpets Per Square Foot
A low or builder-grade olefin carpet can be as low as $1 per square foot while a high-end wool carpet can cost you around $20 per square foot. The material, style and design of the carpet are the biggest determinants of its cost. This means that you will have to find a balance between the look and material you desire and your carpet remodeling budget.
Carpet Prices Per Square Yard
Square yard is another common measurement that carpet manufacturers use. So, if you’re looking to buy a carpet according to square yards, it can cost you anywhere between $9 and $180. When requesting carpet estimates, make sure that you ask the manufacturer whether it’s per square foot or per square yard.
Carpet Tiles Cost Per Square Foot
While most homeowners generally opt for carpet rolls, carpet tiles are another innovative style in which you can purchase carpets. This carpet type is usually sold as ‘peel and stick’ and is available in various sizes which are as follows:
- 12 by 12 inches
- 18 by 18 inches
- 24 by 24 inches
The average cost of carpet tiles is more or less the same as normal carpets. The major reason that most homeowners purchase carpets in this style is that they have the option to mix and match different colors and patterns for a more vibrant look.
Cost of Glue-Down Carpets
Glue-down carpets use tight loops that not only make the installation easier, but also more durable. This type of carpet can cost you anywhere around $2 to $7 per square foot. Moreover, while they are more commonly used, you can also opt for a wall-to-wall style.
Wall-to-Wall Carpet Cost
Once you’ve decide on the carpet you want, you can easily calculate its total cost. You need to start by figuring out how much you’ll need (whether in square feet or square yards). This step requires a little bit of math!
You will have to multiply the length and width of each room to estimate the total area of the carpet required. Most carpet rolls are around 12 to 15 feet wide. However, you will need to add at least 20-50% extra material to be on the safe side.
Cost of Cut Pile Carpets
As the name suggests, a cut pile carpet entails woven loops of any material that are cut to the same measurements and are tufted at the ends. In the end, this gives your carpet an extremely dense and soft look.
Here are the main sub-categories of cut pile carpets along with their costs.
Saxony or Plush
This is the most common type of carpet that looks pretty similar to a freshly-mowed lawn, costing between $2 and $8 per square foot. However, due to its fluffiness, it is prone to shedding. You can expect this type of carpet to last around 5 to 10 years in low-traffic areas.
Textured Saxony
A textured Saxony is a little fancier style featuring twists that create permanent curls. These are ideal for medium-to-high-traffic areas as their design helps resist wear and tear. This type of carpet can cost you anywhere from $2 to $12 per square foot.
Frieze
A frieze carpet entails yarn that is even more tightly twisted than texture Saxony. The curls in the carpet make it highly durable and ideal for high traffic areas. A frieze carpet can cost you anywhere from $1 to $8 per square foot.
Cable
A cable carpet is quite popular due to its thick and long yarn that offers maximum comfort. This type of carpet will cost you anywhere from $4 to $8. However, due to its matting, it is only practical for low-traffic areas.
Loop Pile Carpet
A loop pile carpet features uncut yard and can cost you anywhere from $1 to $5 per square foot. The loops of the carpet connect to the backing on both ends, making them durable even in the most high-traffic areas of your home or business.
Cut and Loop Carpet
A cut and loop carpet comprises of cut pile and loops styles that form unique patterns and designs. This type of carpet adds a lot of texture to a room, costing you anywhere between $1 and $10 per square foot. Since this style is great at concealing lines, it is a good option for medium-to-high-traffic areas.
Cost of Redoing Carpets by Material
Carpets come in many materials that influence the total cost of redoing carpets. Here are a few carpet materials along with their average cost.
Cotton
Since cotton is a natural material, it costs higher than other synthetic fabrics. Cotton carpeting will cost you anywhere from $6 to $7 per square foot. However, even though this fabric is known for its softness, its fades and stains easier than other materials.
Nylon
Nylon is a fabric that is used to produce a majority of carpets in the US. Due to its durability and convenience, nylon is appropriate for high-traffic areas whether indoor or outdoor. A nylon carpet can cost you from $2 to $5 per square foot.
Polyester
Polyester is another popular synthetic carpet material that cost around $1-$3 per square foot. This carpet material stands out for its bright color and resistance to fading and wearing. Moreover, polyester is also mold-resistant and non-allergenic, making it a great option for most homes. You can find this fabric in a variety of quality so make sure to select them wisely.
Polypropylene or Olefin
Olefin carpets can cost you between $1 and $3 per square foot. Made from recycled plastic, this incredible fiber is growing increasingly popular by the day. It is also known for its durability and resistance to bleaching, sun-fading, moisture and staining.
Sisal
Sisal carpets are made out of leaves from the agave plant. This material is woven to provide you with an uber-strong surface that is ideal for high-traffic areas. The average price of a sisal carpet ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot.
Wool
Wool is one of the most expensive fabrics when it comes to carpeting, costing around $4 to $20 per square foot. The most popular wool carpet is a berber carpet that can cost you anywhere from $375 to $600.
Labor Cost of Carpet Installation
A chunk of the total cost of redoing carpets includes the labor cost of carpet installation. The labor cost of installing a carpet lies anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per square foot on average.
However, this cost doesn’t include the removal of existing floors or preparation of the subfloor. Moreover, certain projects that require additional feature such as stairs can cost you an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.
Conclusion
All in all, the cost of redoing carpets is pretty extensive as it takes a lot of factors into account. While the above information can be really helpful for you, make sure to contact your local vendors to get a more defined idea about the local prices!
