There are many things to consider when calculating the cost of installing carpet, and they vary by which type of carpet is used. Traditional wall-to-wall carpeting is the most labor-intensive and costly, but careful calculations let you reasonably estimate what you’ll need. Knowing the precise dimensions of the room and the materials needed can’t account for all possibilities, so be prepared to learn more as you go along. Non-standard carpet dimensions and pattern-matching along seams are two of many variables that can alter the total cost of installing carpet.
Measure the Room
Roll carpeting is usually sold in square yards, and the most common roll width is 12 feet; some are wider. For rooms wider than 12 feet, you’ll need additional carpet, or you might choose a wider roll to avoid the seam. Carpet runners are sold in linear feet or yards, and carpet tiles use square feet or yards. If you’re carpeting a whole room, measure the longest wall and multiply that by the length of a perpendicular wall to learn the square footage of the floor. Dividing the square footage by nine gives you the square yards. For a staircase carpet runner, measure the stairs from top to bottom, including the height of all risers, the depth of the treads and around the curved nose of the treads. If the runner is sold in linear yards, divide the linear foot measurement by three.
Determine the Supplies
Traditional roll carpeting needs tack strips and padding, but glued-down carpet, such as indoor/outdoor and utility-grade, needs neither. Tack strips are thin strips of wood, approximately 2 feet long, that are fastened around the perimeter of the room. The spiked upper edge holds the carpet securely. Measure each wall, add the measurements and divide by two to estimate how many strips you’ll need. Some installers include tack strips in the labor costs, but you can also buy them separately. Carpet runners need tack strips across the back edge of each stair tread. Measure across one tread, then multiply that by the number of treads to determine how many you'll need. If tack strips are already in place, you might reuse them to save money. You can also install padding under runners for cushion. Carpet padding for roll carpet is sold in the same dimensions as carpet, and you’ll need equal amounts of both. If the carpet is glued-down, skip the pad and tack strips, and account for enough glue to cover the floor. Self-adhesive carpet tiles don’t require additional glue.
Finding an advertised low price on carpeting doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be the wisest choice in the long run. Carpet retailers vary with pricing, and you can sometimes find substantial savings in the store on discontinued carpets and end pieces or remnants for smaller rooms. Home improvement centers offer a wide selection, but hometown retailers might have competitive prices and unadvertised specials. Carpet outlets may have dramatically low prices and most of the selection is available for view on their respective websites. However, outlet stores are scattered throughout the U.S. with a heavy concentration in Georgia, so outlet shopping might require traveling to pick up the carpet or paying the freight costs to have it shipped.
Add Labor Costs
The final consideration when determining the cost of carpet is the labor required to install it. Carpeting usually is not considered a do-it-yourself job, but carpet tile installation is much simpler for the average home owner to accomplish without a professional installer. Labor might be charged by the hour or the size of the room, and this cost could vary depending on the type of carpeting. Some retailers offer carpet and labor packages, but read the fine print to learn whether your situation qualifies. Restrictions such as purchasing carpeting above a certain price point or installation in more than one room might negate the potential savings. Private contractors are often a good source for carpet installation, but check their references and ask friends for recommendations instead of choosing one out of the phone book.
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