How Much Does Carpet Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average carpet replacement cost is $1,778, based on data from 8,740 verified projects by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $780 and $2,812—a range driven primarily by carpet material, room size, and whether subfloor repairs or stair work are needed. Budget an additional $600 for subfloor repairs, and factor in extra charges for stairs, custom cuts, and stain protection.

Carpet Replacement Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

The biggest drivers of carpet replacement costs are the size of the area, the material you choose, the type of carpet padding or underlayment, and labor. Understanding how each factor contributes to the total helps you set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Getting quotes from multiple pros is the best way to confirm the cost of your specific project.

Cost per Square Foot

Carpet installation costs $3 to $11 per square foot, making square footage one of the most significant factors in your total budget for the cost to install new flooring. The final per-square-foot price shifts based on the material you select and any obstacles encountered during installation. Because carpet is often sold by the square yard, you can also expect to pay $30 to $50 per square yard when purchasing materials. Here is a breakdown of carpet replacement costs by square footage:

Carpet Material

Carpet material is the second-biggest cost factor after square footage, and your choice directly affects both price and performance. Common options range from budget-friendly synthetics to premium natural fibers, each with distinct trade-offs in durability, comfort, and maintenance. Here is what to expect for carpet material costs per square foot:

Carpeting ships in a wide variety of styles, each made from unique materials that impact the price. Some materials are more expensive to manufacture, thus increasing the price on your end, while others take longer to install. Here are the major carpeting material types and their costs.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic carpet material that costs $1 to $3 per square foot. It’s popular because it’s mold-resistant. But because the material can compress underfoot, it’s best for low-traffic areas.

Wool

Wool is long-lasting, durable, and naturally resistant to stains. It costs $4 to $20 per square foot, making it one of the most expensive carpet materials. It works well in high-traffic areas, but you should avoid using wool in finished basements or other areas with moisture because it can harbor mold and mildew when wet.

Nylon 

Nylon is a type of synthetic carpet that costs $2 to $5 per square foot. It works well in high-traffic areas and is great for homes with kids and pets because it’s so easy to clean. The drawback of nylon is that it may not feel as plush underfoot as other carpet types, like wool.

Olefin (Polypropylene) 

Olefin, often called polypropylene, is a lower-cost option at $1 to $3 per square foot. It resists stains, moisture damage, and even fading from UV rays, but it can easily be damaged if something heavy, like a chair or ottoman, is pulled along its surface.

Acrylic

Acrylic carpet, which costs $3 to $8 per square foot, is hypoallergenic and resistant to common carpet pests, like moths. But it works best in low-traffic areas and homes without pets or kids because it tends to pill and stain with heavy use.

Cotton

Cotton carpet costs $2 to $7 per square foot, and it’s an eco-friendly option that won’t emit many volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It also feels plush, making it perfect for walking or even lying on comfortably. Just keep cotton carpet out of sunny rooms, as it fades easily.

Triexta

Triexta, a type of carpet made from polytrimethylene terephthalate, costs $3 to $8 per square foot. This carpet is hydrophobic, so it tends to repel water and avoid stains. Because it also holds its shape, it works great in high-traffic areas. The dense material can be hard to clean, though, so you may want to buy a carpet steam cleaner to care for Triexta carpet.

Carpet Style

Carpet styles range from $1 to $20 per square foot. Aside from the material it’s made of, carpet also comes in different styles that affect how it feels underfoot and how it performs when you walk across it. For example, loop carpet can feel nice and soft when you walk on it, but the loops may snag if you have pets.

Here’s a breakdown of carpet replacement costs based on style:

There are several different styles of carpet to consider for your home, including:

• Berber: Berber carpet features short, thick loops of the same height, often made from wool or nylon.

• Cable: Cable-style carpet has long, thick yarn with a soft texture, but the longer fibers are vulnerable to matting or flattening of the carpet.

• Cut-and-loop: Cut-and-loop carpet is made up of a mix of short, cut fibers and looped fibers to prevent matting.

• Frieze: This carpet style features tightly twisted, long fibers that feel plush underfoot but can flatten easily.

• Loop: This style features looped carpet all of the same level or at varying heights. Looped carpet has thinner loops than Berber carpet.

• Patterned: Patterned carpet can bring together a range of different textures and colors for a unique carpet look and feel.

• Saxony/plush: This style of high-pile carpet has long strands cut to the same height that are tightly packed for that soft, plush feel.

• Texture: Unsurprisingly, this style is all about texture, so it blends two types of tightly woven and densely packed fibers and loops for durability with a soft touch.

Removing Old Carpeting

Carpet removal costs $1 to $5 per square foot, covering labor, waste disposal, and cleanup—and it is a necessary step whenever you are replacing existing carpet. If the job also requires removing other flooring to prepare for the new carpet, expect to pay around $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the flooring type. Some installers wrap removal into their overall estimate, so ask about this upfront before signing a contract.

Subfloor Preparation and Repairs

Subfloor repairs average $600, depending on the issue and the size of the affected area, and replacing the subfloor costs $3 to $10 per square foot. The subfloor must be in solid condition before carpet goes down, which often means your pro will inspect, clean, and dry the surface before installation begins. Prep work also includes removing stray staples or nails, flattening uneven areas, and painting baseboards as needed.

Padding and Underlayment

Carpet padding typically costs $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot, and while it adds to your upfront cost, it extends your carpet's life and can reduce replacement costs over time. Padding is not always required, but flooring expert Deborah Lamberton, general manager at ASAP Restoration, notes that without it, textural differences in a concrete slab or subfloor can come through underfoot, making the carpet feel less comfortable. Adding a layer of padding also reduces wear and tear on the carpet itself.

Custom Cut Carpets

Custom carpet cuts for irregularly shaped rooms add an extra $1 to $2 per square foot to your project cost, with the final price depending on the room's shape and size. This surcharge applies only to the areas requiring custom cuts, not the entire installation. If your space has unusual angles or alcoves, factor this into your budget before getting quotes.

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles cost $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, and their straightforward installation can help reduce labor costs compared to traditional broadloom carpet. These square carpet sections are installed side by side and come in peel-and-stick versions or can be glued directly to the floor. They are a practical option for homeowners who want flexibility, since individual tiles can be replaced without pulling up an entire room of carpet.

Stain-Resistant Treatments

Stain-resistant treatment chemicals run around $80 per 1,000 square feet, making them a budget-friendly add-on for carpets that are not naturally stain-resistant. The treatment does add to overall labor costs, though most pros charge a flat fee regardless of room size. Ask your carpet installer about their specific pricing before committing to this add-on.

Carpeting Stairs

Carpet installation on stairs costs $1 to $2 per square foot more than standard room installation, or $11 to $26 extra per step, due to the additional labor involved. Stairs require precise cuts and more hands-on work than open floor areas, which is why the per-step cost adds up quickly. Factor this into your budget if any part of your project includes a staircase.

Labor

Labor costs for carpet installation vary by project, so the best way to get an accurate number is to check with carpet installation professionals near you and request multiple quotes. Some carpet retailers include free installation with a purchase, which can meaningfully reduce your total project cost. Labor rates are generally modest for straightforward installations but climb when the job involves removing old carpet, carpeting stairs, or repairing the subfloor.

How to Save on Carpet Replacement

Carpet replacement may feel overwhelming at first. If you’re looking for ways to stay within your budget, here are some tips. 

• Repair instead of replace: Whether it means patching a burned area or fixing a tear, paying for carpet repair costs instead of replacing it can save you money if the majority of your carpet is in good condition. 

• Shop around: Different carpet retailers may have different carpet prices, some may offer free installation, and carpet installation companies will have different rates. Shopping around and buying carpet at the best times can get you the best deal. 

• Remove the carpet yourself: Removing the carpet yourself and having your carpet pro come in for the installation of the new carpet can save you money on labor costs. Just make sure you’re up to the task since removing carpet can be labor intensive. 

• Keep it basic: If you’re looking to save money, choose less expensive padding and underlayment and go with a more basic carpet.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Carpet

Carpet replacement runs $3 to $11 per square foot, but repairs are often a smarter choice if your carpet is less than 10 years old and the damage is limited. A pro can fix a lightly torn carpet for $150 to $300, smooth out wrinkles for $100 to $300, or apply a carpet patch for $125 to $250 per patch. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing carpet within 10 years, though heavy pet traffic or fibers that no longer bounce back are signs you may need to act sooner. If the damage is isolated, repair is almost always the more cost-effective path.

Why You Should Hire a Carpet Replacement Pro

While replacing carpet yourself can help you save on labor costs, it’s always best to hire a pro. DIY carpet replacement can result in common mistakes like uneven seams, wrinkles, improper padding installation, and damage to the flooring underneath.

Hiring a local carpet replacement professional ensures your carpet is smoothly installed and lasts for years to come.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a carpet replacement pro

Replacing a carpet requires specialized tools and expertise. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro for the job:

• Professionals know how to prevent wrinkles, buckling, and uneven seams.

• Working with a pro ensures your project meets manufacturer guidelines and building standards.

• Pros have the specialized tools and skills necessary for precise carpet cutting, stretching, and installation.

• DIY replacement can lead to visible seams, subflooring damage, and costly repairs.

• Professionally installed carpet can enhance your home’s appearance, comfort, and resale value.

If you want to DIY carpet replacement

If you want to assist your carpet pro, consider helping out with the following tasks:

• Clear the room, removing furniture, rugs, and other obstacles before the pro arrives. 

• Remove and dispose of old carpet, padding, and debris.

• Keep tools and carpet pieces organized and easily accessible.

• Move furniture and decor back into the room once the carpet is installed.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.