How much does new carpet cost?

Whether you prefer a luxury look or are after a more economical solution, we’ve rounded up some options and the potential costs involved when buying and installing carpet in your home.

How much does carpet cost?

Prices typically range between $20 to upwards of $200 per square metre, not including the cost of installation. Factors including variations in material, style and durability of carpet may affect this cost.

What material is your carpet?

The cost of your carpet will be determined by the material you choose. For example, synthetic fibres are generally cheaper than natural fibres, but the quality varies greatly and they often don’t have the same luxurious feel as wool:

• Polypropylene. The cheapest material option for your carpet, polypropylene is a synthetic plastic. It’s very durable and good for areas with high foot traffic. OneFlare, an online marketplace connecting businesses with customers, estimates the average polypropylene carpet costs around $20 per square metre.
• Nylon. Nylon is the most popular carpet material as it is tough, hard-wearing and relatively inexpensive. On average, nylon carpet costs around $35 per square metre, according to OneFlare.
• Sisal, coir and seagrass. These natural options are increasing in popularity as they are not only hard-wearing but they also tick the box for the environmentally conscious. The cost of natural fibres varies; however for reference, one retailer Floorspace Melbourne sells coir for $50, sisal for $49.50 and seagrass carpet for $55 per square metre.
• Wool. While wool is generally more expensive than other materials, it’s known for its luxurious appearance and texture. Wool is also relatively durable and resistant to dirt and liquids. It does however require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it pristine. According to OneFlare, the estimated cost of wool carpet is $60 to $80 per square metre.
• Blends. Blended carpets are made of a combination of wool and nylon. According to hipages, an online marketplace connecting tradespeople to customers, a blend of 80% wool to 20% nylon is generally considered the optimal ratio for a combination of luxury and durability. Hipages also estimates that combination fibre carpet costs between $125 and $150 per square metre.

What is the style of your carpet?

When choosing the perfect carpet for your home, you may also want to consider the style of carpet. The style refers to the way the yarn or fibre of your carpet is woven and it may determine the material you choose to use, affecting the overall cost.

Cut pile

This classic style of carpet has fibres that are upright and cut at the loop ends. Some options for cut pile carpets are:

• Plush: is short and gently twisted, generally with a luxurious feel. However it is more likely to show marks from vacuuming and foot traffic.
• Pile Twist: is strongly twisted for a smoother, more hard wearing surface. It’s also more durable and less likely to show marks from foot traffic than plush.
• Frieze: is generally made of long fibres with a strong twist which gives your carpet a ‘shag’ effect reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Current styles of frieze pile carpet are relatively durable and don’t compress and flatten like they used to.

Loop pile

Loop pile carpet has a smooth finish that is durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. The tightness of the loops determines the durability, making it easy to clean and more crush resistant. This means that tight loop pile carpet works well in areas where there is high foot traffic.

Combination

A combination carpet features the cut and loop pile styles side by side; creating texture and pattern in your carpet. This could be ideal if you want the carpet to be a visual feature of the room, rather than just practical or tactile.

Does your carpet need to be child or pet friendly?

If the carpet is to be installed in high foot traffic areas, you might want to think about the durability and stain resistance of your carpet. And, if you have pets, you may want to consider anti-static materials to avoid attracting pet hair and to protect the carpet from their claws that may catch on the pile. In the unfortunate circumstance that your carpet becomes dirty or stained, carpet cleaners and shampooers may help.

If you’re concerned about the potential wear and tear of your carpet, carpet tiles are also an option. They can be easily moved around or replaced if they become damaged or stained.

How much does carpet cost to install?

Once you have purchased your carpet, there is the added cost of installation if you choose to have it done professionally. Carpet installers generally charge per square metre (which is a  more exact quote) or by the hour. According to hipages, a quote for carpet installation will vary depending on a variety of factors. These include: the scope of the job, the type of underlay and carpet being installed and whether there are stairs. Oneflare suggests that the average cost to carpet a three bedroom house can range from $4,000 to $5,200. Whereas a four bedroom house could run as high as $6,000.

The cost of installation often varies state to state. According to OneFlare, the average installation costs for carpet in the following states is:

• New South Wales: installation generally costs $43 per square metre.
• Victoria: installation generally costs $40 per square metre.
• Queensland: installation generally costs $25 per square metre.
• Western Australia: installation generally costs $45 per square metre.

When you receive a quote for your carpet installation it may be important to double check what is included. For example, the quoted figure may not include the removal and disposal of any previous carpet, any floor preparation or furniture removal. You may also be interested in Canstar Blue’s Best Rated Flooring Retailers, when making your decision.

How can I pay for my carpet?

You’ve got a few options when it comes to financing any sort of home improvement. This includes paying out of pocket, refinancing your home loan, or taking out a personal loan.

If you are planning on having your carpet professionally installed, it’s generally a good idea to receive a few quotes so that you can compare prices and be aware of any inclusions and exclusions. This may help to ensure that you’re getting a good deal and to minimise the chance of surprises down the track. You might also like to ensure that the installer is properly licenced and insured before commencing the job. This will also help you to determine which form of finance is best for your personal circumstances.

If you plan on borrowing money to fund the job, be aware of factors such as the interest rate you’re charged by the lender, any fees that apply and whether you will be able to afford the repayments.

Cover image source: George Rudy/Shutterstock.com