How Much Should You Spend on New Carpet?

By Alan Fletcher - 30-Year Carpet Expert and Consumer Advocate

First, take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test to see what grade of carpet you need to buy for your home.

Foot Traffic
In a Heavy Foot Traffic applications you must buy a higher grade of carpet than if you have a low or medium traffic application.

Higher grades of carpet are made with better materials and are designed to tolerate more wear and tear. But the more durable the carpet is... The more it's going to cost you!

Life Span
If you want your carpet to last 20 years, you will need to buy a higher quality carpet than if you only want your new carpet to last just 5 or 10 years. Again, the higher the quality the longer your new carpet is going to last, and the more it's going to cost you.

To use my Carpet & Pad Price Chart below, simply cross reference your Level of Foot Traffic with the Number of Years you want your New Carpet to Last. The corresponding number you find is the approximate COST for Carpet & Padding that is designed meet your needs and goals.

For example, if you have MEDIUM Foot Traffic and you want your carpet to Last 10 Years you should expect to pay about $25 per yard for the right grade or quality of carpet. (providing you buy from a reputable carpet dealer)

Alan's Carpet with Pad Price Chart 1

(Estimated Prices shown are Per Square Yard)

Per Square Yard

Low Traffic

Medium

Moderate

HEAVY

Last 5 YRS

$15 yd.

$20

$25

$30

Last 10 YRS

$20

$25

$30

$35

Last 15 YRS

$25

$30

$35

$40

Last 20 YRS

$30

$35

$40

$45 Sq yd.

Alan's Carpet with Pad Price Chart 2
(Estimated Prices shown below are by the Square Foot)

Per Square Foot

Low Traffic

Medium

Moderate

HEAVY

Last 5 YRS

$1.66 sf

$2.22

$2.78

$3.33

Last 10 YRS

$2.22

$2.78

$3.33

$3.88

Last 15 YRS

$2.78

$3.33

$3.88

$4.44

Last 20 YRS

$3.33

$3.88

$4.44

$5.00 sq .ft

My Carpet & Pad Pricing Charts are designed to help you understand the current cost for new carpet with basic pad based on it's quality level.

Now you need to learn exactly what grade, type and style of carpet you need to buy and how to be darn sure you get a fair & square deal.

Take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test to see what grade of carpet you need to buy for your home.

Alan's Preferred Carpet Dealers

It's getting harder everyday to find an honest and reputable carpet dealer! That's why I have my own special hand-picked list of Carpet Dealers who are locally owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers.

See who I recommend near you!