Free Online Tool
Get the complete cost to replace carpet — old carpet removal, new carpet material, padding, installation, and optional extras. Full line-item breakdown in one calculator.
| Material | Carpet/sq ft | + Padding | + Install | Total/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olefin (budget) | $0.50–$1.50 | $0.50–$0.80 | $1.30–$2.20 | $2.30–$4.50 |
| Polyester (mid-budget) | $1.00–$3.00 | $0.60–$1.00 | $1.50–$2.50 | $3.10–$6.50 |
| Nylon (mid-premium) | $2.00–$5.50 | $0.70–$1.20 | $1.50–$2.50 | $4.20–$9.20 |
| Wool (premium) | $5.00–$15.00 | $0.80–$1.50 | $1.80–$3.00 | $7.60–$19.50 |
Common Questions
A 3-bedroom house with ~800 sq ft of carpet area typically costs: Budget: $1,600–$3,200, Standard: $3,200–$6,400, Premium: $6,400–$16,000+. This includes old carpet removal, new carpet, padding, and installation. Add $500–$1,500 for living room/stairs if needed.
Best times: January–February (slowest season, biggest discounts — up to 30% off) and October–November (pre-holiday sales). Avoid spring and summer when contractors are busiest and prices peak. Many stores run end-of-quarter sales (March, June, September, December) with 20–40% discounts on material.
Yes — always. Old padding compresses over time (loses 30–50% of its thickness) and most carpet warranties require new padding. Reusing old padding can also trap bacteria and odors. New padding costs $0.50–$1.50/sq ft and adds 5–10 years to your new carpet's lifespan.
Yes — replacing carpet in multiple rooms at once is the most effective way to reduce cost per sq ft. Installers typically offer 10–20% labor discounts for whole-house jobs vs single rooms. Material costs also drop when ordering larger quantities. Always get the whole-house quote before committing to a single room.