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How much does carpet cost in Australia?
The cost of carpet varies a great deal in Australia. Prices can start at $20 per square metre, but a more luxurious carpet made of higher-quality materials can cost as much as, or even more than, $200 per square metre. The main factor affecting the cost of carpet is material, but its thickness, colour, quality, and style can all play a part.
Generally speaking, carpets made of synthetic fibers are cheaper and harder-wearing, but can lack the luxurious look and feel of natural fiber carpets. The tradeoff, of course, is that natural fiber carpets are typically a lot costlier.
Note that, in Australia, some carpet is priced by ‘broadloom metre’, which is around 3.66 metres wide by one metre long – the width of a standard carpet roll. For the sake of simplicity, the costs in this article are expressed in terms of metres squared.
How much do different carpet materials cost?
Whether you’re considering the price of new carpet or your carpet’s replacement cost, material is a key factor when determining carpet prices. Synthetic fibres are generally cheaper than natural fibres like wool, whereas natural fibres can have a more luxurious feel, but tend to come with a higher price tag. Note that the following estimates take into account materials cost only, not installation.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene, a synthetic plastic, is one of the cheapest carpeting materials. It’s known for being durable and therefore suitable for areas with high foot traffic. Choices Flooring says that ‘entry-level’ synthetic polypropylene carpets can cost $20 to $30 a square metre.
- Nylon: Nylon is a tough, lightweight and flexible synthetic material, which makes it a popular choice for flooring, especially in areas with high foot traffic. According to trade website hipages, the cost of nylon carpeting varies depending on quality. Basic nylon carpets can start at $30 per square metre, while nylon carpets with a thicker, more plush pile can cost $40 to $60 (or more) per square metre.
- Sisal, coir and seagrass: These hard-wearing natural fibre options are both hard-wearing and environmentally conscious. The cost of natural fibres varies, but for reference, retailer Floorspace Melbourne sells coir for $50, sisal from $55, and seagrass carpet for $55 a square metre.
- Wool: Wool is a luxurious and long-lasting carpet material, which can act as a strong insulator. Bear in mind, though, it requires careful maintenance to keep it in pristine form. Its absorbency means that it’s vulnerable to stains, and too much exposure to moisture in the longer term can lead to mildews and smells. According to Choices Flooring, 100% wool carpets commonly cost from $80 to $100 a square metre. Hipages notes that some very luxurious wool carpets such as alpaca can cost upwards of $275 a square metre.
- Blends: Blended carpets are made of a combination of wool and nylon. According to carpet retailer The Flooring Centre, a blend of 80% wool to 20% nylon is generally considered the optimal ratio for a combination of luxury and durability. They estimate the cost of this type of flooring to be between $50 and $100 a square metre.
What are the different styles of carpet?
When choosing the perfect carpet for your home, style is also an important consideration. ‘Style’ in this case 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: Short and gently twisted, generally with a luxurious feel, but more likely to show marks from vacuuming and foot traffic.
- Pile twist: 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: Generally made of long fibres with a strong twist which gives carpet a ‘shag’ effect reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Current styles of frieze pile carpet are relatively durable to avoid compressing and flattening.
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.
What carpet is best for pets?
Many Aussies share our homes with four-legged friends like cats, but pets can shed and cause wear and tear to your furniture and carpets. According to Carpet Call, it’s wise to avoid carpet with loops, as these can cause pets’ claws to catch. They say that high-durability nylon carpet can be a good option for homes with pets, and also suggest that carpet tiles can be a worthwhile option, as they can be individually replaced if your pet is prone to accidents.
What carpet is the most child-friendly?
Carpet One says that for families, it can be wise to opt for a carpet that is soft (in case your little ones have a fall) but also durable (in case of spills). This could mean that a nylon carpet with a thicker pile is suitable. They also recommend choosing a darker-toned carpet, that may show stains and dirt less readily.
What carpet is the most eco-friendly?
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, then carpets made from renewable, un-dyed natural fibers like sisal, coir, seagrass or jute may fit the bill. Green Magazine says that, if you’re shopping for eco-friendly carpet, you can look out for a Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certification to help guide your choice. They note that, while wool is a natural fiber, the treatments applied to it can mean it’s not always an ideal choice from an environmental perspective.
How much does carpet cost to install?
On top of the materials, you’ll also need to consider carpet installation cost, if you opt to have it professionally laid.
According to hipages, carpet layers tend to charge by the square metre rather than the hour. The cost of installation can be affected by factors like the scope and size of the job, the type of underlay you choose, your choice of carpet, and whether your house has stairs.
They estimate that, Australia-wide, carpet costs around $55 to $75 a square metre to install. This could mean that installation costs for a 10 square metre bedroom might be $650, and for a whole 190 square metre house, the cost could be as high as $12,000.
The cost of installation often varies state to state. According to hipages estimates, the average installation costs for carpet in the following capital cities in 2026 is:
- Sydney: $45 a square metre
- Melbourne: $35 a square metre
- Queensland: $25 a square metre
When you receive a quote for your carpet installation, it’s important to double check what’s included. For example, the quoted figure may not include the removal and disposal of any previous carpet, any floor preparation, or furniture removal. It’s also important to ensure your tradies are properly insured and licensed, to avoid any financial headaches down the track.
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 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.
