Get matched with top carpet stretching pros in Sumter, SC

Carpet tiles are less expensive than traditional carpet. The average cost of carpet installation is $1,800, or $3 to $11 per square foot. In comparison, carpet tiles cost $2.50 to $11 apiece and can often be bought in bulk cartons. Since you can more easily DIY carpet tiles, you may be able to save on installation costs, too.

Deciding whether to clean or replace your carpet depends on its condition and age. If cleaning no longer resolves issues, it's time to consider a replacement. Key signs that you need to replace your carpet include:

• Stains that are impossible to remove.

• A persistent smell that lingers even after cleaning.

• An increase in allergy symptoms.

• The age of the carpet. Most manufacturers state that carpets should last about 10 years with proper care.

When cleaning is no longer effective, you should replace the carpet with a new one or consider other flooring options like vinyl or laminate.

While some carpet repair kits exist and only cost around $15, they are not usually appropriate for Berber repair. Typically, they include small pieces of fibers to use as patches, and Berber carpets are typically colored very differently from other kinds of carpets. This is why it is imperative to try and locate a spare piece of carpet from your original installation when you need to patch up an area.

In addition, the tools these kits include are often watered-down versions of the ones you can buy individually from your local hardware store (e.g., the glue in the kit will not be as strong as your hot glue gun or the double-sided carpet tape).

You can expect your carpet protection to last about six months to two years. It will last longer in low-traffic areas (compared to busy areas, where your carpet experiences more wear and tear). Once the protector wears off, you’ll need to call your carpet contractor to reapply the stain protection treatment and revive your carpet.