Q: Is it cheaper to install carpet or vinyl flooring?

• <div><p>No, it isn&rsquo;t less expensive to install carpet compared to vinyl floors. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/carpet-installation-cost-and-advantages.htm">cost of installing carpet</a> can range between $3 and $11 per square foot, so it falls just over the cost of installing vinyl flooring, at an average of $3 to $7 per square foot. High-quality carpeting can also range much higher, even up to $20 per square foot.</p></div>

Question 1

Should flooring installers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

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When it comes to flooring installers, licensing laws vary from state to state. Even if your state doesn’t require your flooring installer to have a license, your municipality or city might, so it’s a good idea to check with your town before getting started. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines.

Hiring an unlicensed flooring installer could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Question 2

Is Berber carpet a good choice for bedrooms?

Accepted Answer

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Berber is a loop pile carpet known for its strength, durability, and distinct looped look. It can be made from a number of different carpet materials, including nylon and wool. However, Berber isn’t as soft as cut pile carpet, so it isn’t the best carpet for a bedroom (although it’s a good style of carpet for living rooms).

With that said, if you really like the look of Berber, you can still install it in your bedroom—it just might not be as comfortable on your feet as cut pile carpeting.

Question 3

What rooms should not have carpet?

Accepted Answer

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Avoid placing carpet in the bathroom or the kitchen. After all, moisture is no friend to carpeting. Beyond that, it’s down to personal preference. Some people dislike when a garage or basement features carpet, but others enjoy it.

Question 4

When should I repair versus replace my carpet?

Accepted Answer

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When deciding whether to repair or replace your carpet, consider its age, the extent of the damage, and its location. It's often best to replace the entire carpet if the damage is extensive, such as large sections needing replacement, or if it's caused by water, which can lead to mold problems. Similarly, if your carpet is nearing a decade old, replacement is likely the more logical choice. On the other hand, consider repairing your carpet if the damage is localized to one spot, like minor rips or snags, the carpet is still relatively new, or the damage is in a low-traffic area of your home.

Question 5

Is it cheaper to install carpet or vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

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No, it isn’t less expensive to install carpet compared to vinyl floors. The cost of installing carpet can range between $3 and $11 per square foot, so it falls just over the cost of installing vinyl flooring, at an average of $3 to $7 per square foot. High-quality carpeting can also range much higher, even up to $20 per square foot.