How much does carpet cost?

Material only: budget: $1-$3/sq ft. Mid-range: $3-$6/sq ft. Premium: $6-$12/sq ft. Wool: $8-$20/sq ft. Padding: $0.30-$1.00/sq ft. Installation: $1-$3/sq ft. Total installed (mid-range): $5-$10/sq ft. Average room (200 sq ft): $1,000-$2,000. Average whole house (1,500 sq ft): $7,500-$15,000. Best value: a mid-range nylon or triexta textured carpet ($3-$5/sq ft) with quality rebond padding (6-8 lb density, $0.40-$0.60/sq ft) and professional installation ($1-$2/sq ft). Total: $5-$8/sq ft. This provides excellent durability, comfort, and stain resistance for 10-15 years.

Nylon vs polyester carpet — which is better?

Nylon: more durable, more resilient (bounces back in high-traffic areas), and longer-lasting. The best choice for high-traffic areas (hallways, stairs, living rooms). More expensive ($3-$8/sq ft). Polyester: softer feel, better stain resistance, and more vibrant colors. The best choice for low-traffic areas (bedrooms, guest rooms). More affordable ($2-$5/sq ft). Triexta: a hybrid that combines polyester softness with closer-to-nylon durability. A good middle ground ($3-$7/sq ft). Bottom line: nylon for high-traffic and durability. Polyester or triexta for bedrooms and comfort. Do not put polyester in a hallway or on stairs — it will crush and mat.

How long does carpet last?

Budget carpet: 5-8 years. Mid-range carpet: 8-12 years. Premium/nylon carpet: 12-20 years. Wool carpet: 15-25 years. Factors: fiber type (nylon lasts longest), traffic level, padding quality (good padding extends carpet life by 50%), and maintenance. Maintenance tips: vacuum at least twice per week, professional deep cleaning every 12-18 months, clean spills immediately, use doormats at entries, and rearrange furniture periodically to distribute wear.

Is carpet or hardwood better?

It depends on the room and your priorities. Carpet pros: softer and warmer underfoot, quieter (absorbs sound), less expensive, safer for falls (especially for children and elderly), and provides insulation. Carpet cons: stains, holds allergens and dust, and shorter lifespan. Hardwood pros: beautiful, increases home value, long-lasting (50-100 years with refinishing), easy to clean, and hypoallergenic. Hardwood cons: harder underfoot, noisy, more expensive, and can be scratched and dented. Best approach: hardwood in common areas (living room, kitchen, hallways) and carpet in bedrooms and upstairs rooms.

Article

Flooring

Carpet Guide: Types, Fibers & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Carpet & Flooring Specialists Sep 4, 2026 12 min read

Carpet Fibers

Nylon: The most popular and versatile carpet fiber (65% of residential carpet). Pros: extremely durable, resilient (bounces back from foot traffic), stain-resistant (especially solution-dyed nylon), and available in many styles and colors. Cons: more expensive than polyester. Best brands: Mohawk SmartStrand, Shaw Anso. Cost: $3-$8/sq ft.

Polyester (PET): The second most popular fiber. Pros: soft and luxurious feel, excellent stain resistance (naturally hydrophobic), vibrant colors, and more affordable than nylon. Cons: less durable (crushes and mats in high-traffic areas), less resilient. Cost: $2-$5/sq ft.

Triexta (PTT/SmartStrand): A newer fiber (classified separately from polyester). Pros: combines the softness of polyester with durability approaching nylon, excellent stain resistance, partially plant-based (37% from corn sugar in Mohawk SmartStrand). Cons: limited history (introduced 2009). Cost: $3-$7/sq ft.

Olefin (polypropylene): Used primarily for berber and loop carpets. Pros: moisture and mildew resistant, bleach-cleanable, and affordable. Cons: least durable, crushes easily, and oil-attracting (hard to clean oil-based stains). Cost: $1-$4/sq ft.

Wool: The premium natural fiber. Pros: naturally stain-resistant, luxurious feel, naturally flame-retardant, and sustainable. Cons: most expensive, requires professional cleaning, and can be damaged by moisture and insects. Cost: $6-$20/sq ft.

Carpet Styles

Cut pile (plush/velvet): Fiber tips are cut, creating a smooth, uniform surface. Elegant and formal appearance. Shows footprints and vacuum marks. Best for: bedrooms, formal living rooms, and low-traffic areas.

Textured (cut pile): Fibers are twisted and set at different heights, creating a casual, multi-toned appearance. Hides footprints and vacuum marks. The most popular residential style. Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, and moderate-traffic areas.

Frieze (twist): Tightly twisted fibers that curl at the tip. Casual, textured appearance. Very good at hiding footprints. Best for: high-traffic areas and family rooms.

Berber (loop pile): Uncut loops in a level or multi-level pattern. Durable and hides soil. Cons: loops can snag and unravel. Best for: basements, offices, and high-traffic areas.

Pattern: Combination of cut and loop fibers creating geometric or organic patterns. Modern and distinctive. Cost: typically premium pricing.

Carpet Padding

Padding goes under the carpet and is critical for comfort, durability, and noise reduction.

Do not skip quality padding: good padding extends carpet life by 50% or more.

Types: Rebond (most common): recycled foam in various densities. For residential: 6-8 lb density, 7/16 inch thick. Cost: $0.30-$0.60/sq ft. Memory foam: premium comfort. Cost: $0.50-$1.00/sq ft. Fiber pad: firm, thin padding for berber and commercial carpet. Cost: $0.30-$0.50/sq ft.

Rule: Thicker is not always better. For most cut pile carpet: 7/16 inch, 6-8 lb density. For berber/loop: 3/8 inch, 8+ lb density (firmer to support loops). Too-thick padding under berber causes the carpet to flex and can damage the seams.