You may be wondering how much does it cost to install or replace carpet. How much you pay to have carpet installed can vary hugely depending on how you go about it. Here’s a breakdown of some potential costs.
- Carpet supply: Of course, your chosen carpet comes at a cost. You have a lot of control here, as carpet can range from $20 per square metre or as much as $200+ for top-quality
- Carpet removal: If you’re replacing the carpet, this can incur an additional fee. Be sure to discuss this during your in-home consultation.
- Furniture removal: Likewise, some installers may charge to move furniture – you might consider doing this yourself to save money.
- Subfloor preparation: Your subfloor needs to be clean, flat and even to ensure a quality installation. This is often incorporated into the per-square-metre cost of carpet laying but may be charged separately.
- Underlay: Most quotes include carpet underlay, but you should ask for a full itemised quote to be sure.
- Carpet laying: According to ServiceSeeking.com.au, the average price of carpet installation in Australia is $35 per Some installers may charge extra to lay more delicate carpets, due to the additional care required.
- Stairs: You should expect any stairs to be quoted separately, and often at a higher cost than the rest of your floor.
Based on the average Australian home size of 189.8 square metres (according to CommSec), installation throughout the whole home may cost around $6643. Stairs, carpet removal, furniture moving, and delicate carpet fibres may inflate this cost.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing how much it would cost to replace or install a new carpet. Typically costs range between $20 and upwards of $250 per square metre (installation extra). We have a look at the variations in material, style and durability of carpets and how they may affect the cost.
What material is your carpet?
The cost of your carpet will be determined by the material that 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 is very durable and good for areas with high foot traffic. Polypropylene carpet costs around $20 to $40 per square metre.
- Nylon: is the most popular carpet material as it is tough, hard-wearing and relatively inexpensive. On average, nylon carpet costs around $40 to $50 per square metre.
- 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 $45 per metre, sisal for $50 to $75 per square metre and seagrass carpet for $42 per square metre.
- Wool: While wool is generally more expensive than the other materials, it is known for its luxurious appearance and texture. Wool is also relatively durable and resistant to dirt and liquids; however, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it pristine. The estimated cost of wool carpet is $50 to $60 per square metre.
- Blends: Blended carpets are made of a combination of wool and nylon. A blend of 80% wool to 20% nylon is generally considered the optimal ratio for a combination of luxury and durability. That combination fibre carpet costs between $125 and $150 per square metre.
A home is not meant to be looked at; it’s meant to be lived in. While this is all well and good when it comes to making a space your own, it can also mean that your carpet takes a hit over the years with accidental spills and stains. Fortunately, if you act fast enough, many stains can be removed or minimised, but some stubborn patches can be near-impossible to get rid of, especially when you use DIY carpet cleaning methods. We will offer you a free measure and quote and offer competitive prices for any budget.