Skip to content Carpeting a house is one of the easiest ways to make it warm, cozy, and stylish. If you are thinking about how much it costs to carpet a 5 bedroom house, you are in the right place. In this guide, I’ll explain everything in simple, easy-to-understand English, step by step. By the end, you will know exactly how to calculate costs, choose carpets, and plan your budget.
Measure Each Room Carefully
The first step is to know the size of each bedroom. Carpet costs are based on square footage, so accurate measurements are very important.
Let’s assume a 5-bedroom house has these sizes:
- Master Bedroom: 15 × 20 feet
- Bedroom 2: 12 × 14 feet
- Bedroom 3: 12 × 12 feet
- Bedroom 4: 10 × 12 feet
- Bedroom 5: 10 × 10 feet
To calculate the area:
Length × Width = Area
- Master Bedroom: 15 × 20 = 300 sq. ft
- Bedroom 2: 12 × 14 = 168 sq. ft
- Bedroom 3: 12 × 12 = 144 sq. ft
- Bedroom 4: 10 × 12 = 120 sq. ft
- Bedroom 5: 10 × 10 = 100 sq. ft
Total carpet area = 300 + 168 + 144 + 120 + 100 = 832 sq. ft
Tip: Always add a few extra square feet (5–10%) for cuts and mistakes.
Choose the Right Carpet Material
Carpet prices depend heavily on material, quality, and softness. Here are the most common types:
1. Nylon Carpet
- Price: $3 – $8 per sq. ft
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for bedrooms and high-traffic areas
- Pros: Stain-resistant, holds color, strong
- Cons: Slightly expensive
2. Polyester Carpet
- Price: $2 – $5 per sq. ft
- Soft and budget-friendly
- Best for bedrooms and low-traffic rooms
- Pros: Very soft, resistant to fading
- Cons: Less durable than nylon
3. Wool Carpet
- Price: $5 – $12 per sq. ft
- Luxurious, natural fiber
- Best for master bedrooms or living rooms
- Pros: Very soft, eco-friendly, long-lasting
- Cons: Expensive, may need professional cleaning
4. Olefin / Polypropylene Carpet
- Price: $2 – $4 per sq. ft
- Water-resistant and stain-resistant
- Best for basements or playrooms
- Pros: Cheap, durable
- Cons: Not very soft
Calculate Carpet Cost
Now, let’s calculate the material cost for 832 sq. ft:
- Nylon Carpet ($5/sq. ft): 832 × 5 = $4,160
- Polyester Carpet ($3/sq. ft): 832 × 3 = $2,496
- Wool Carpet ($8/sq. ft): 832 × 8 = $6,656
This is only for carpet material. Installation and padding are extra.
Carpet Installation Cost
Installation depends on complexity and labor charges. Most installers charge $1 – $3 per sq. ft.
- Low-end: 832 × $1 = $832
- Medium: 832 × $2 = $1,664
- High-end / complex: 832 × $3 = $2,496
Tip: Professional installation is recommended, especially for corners or rooms with irregular shapes. It ensures your carpet looks perfect.
Carpet Padding
Padding makes carpet soft and durable. Prices: $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft
- 832 × 0.5 = $416
- 832 × 1 = $832
2. Old Carpet Removal
If you have old carpet, removal costs $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft
- 832 × 0.5 = $416
- 832 × 1 = $832
3. Delivery Charges
Some stores charge $30 – $150 depending on distance.
4. Special Designs
Patterns, borders, or seams may add $50 – $300.
Total Cost Example
Here’s a realistic calculation:
| Carpet Type | Carpet Cost | Installation | Padding | Old Carpet Removal | Total Cost |
| Polyester ($3/sq. ft) | $2,496 | $1,664 | $416 | $416 | $4,992 |
| Nylon ($5/sq. ft) | $4,160 | $1,664 | $832 | $416 | $7,072 |
| Wool ($8/sq. ft) | $6,656 | $2,496 | $832 | $416 | $10,400 |
How to Use a Carpet Calculator
Many websites offer carpet calculators. Steps:
- Enter room dimensions
- Choose carpet type and quality
- Add installation, padding, and extra charges
- Get total estimated cost
Tip: Always round up slightly for waste and cuts.
Tips to Save Money
- Choose medium-quality carpet – good balance of cost and durability
- Shop during seasonal sales or promotions
- Use carpet remnants for small rooms
- Install padding yourself if confident
- Compare online vs in-store prices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring rooms incorrectly
- Forgetting installation and padding costs
- Choosing the cheapest carpet that wears out fast
- Not checking warranty or return policy
Maintenance Tips
- Vacuum regularly
- Clean spills immediately
- Professional cleaning every 12–18 months
- Use quality padding to reduce wear
Tip: Good maintenance can make your carpet last for decades.
Choosing the Right Carpet for Each Bedroom
- Master Bedroom: Wool or Nylon for comfort and durability
- Bedrooms 2–5: Polyester or Nylon for soft feel and affordability
- Basements / Playrooms: Olefin for water and stain resistance
Summary of Costs
| Carpet Type | Total Cost Range |
| Polyester | $4,992 |
| Nylon | $7,072 |
| Wool | $10,400 |
This includes material, installation, padding, and removal.
Conclusion
Carpeting a 5 bedroom house is a big project, but with proper planning, you can stay within budget. Measure rooms carefully, choose the right carpet type, and include all costs (installation, padding, extras).
Using a carpet calculator helps you see the real cost upfront. Proper maintenance will keep your carpet fresh and beautiful for years.
