In Philadelphia, the average cost to install carpet is betweeb $3 to $8 per square foot, which includes the carpet material, padding, installation labor, and disposal of old flooring. For a 300-square-foot room, you can expect a total project cost between $900 and $2400, depending on the carpet grade, local labor rates and Taxes.
Carpet prices can be different by carpet material, type, style, and room size but understanding the full cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise add-ons.
Average Carpet Cost Per Square Foot
Most homeowners in Philadelphia pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for a complete carpet installation. That estimate price covers:
- Carpet material
- Padding or underlayment
- Professional installation
- Old carpet removal and disposal
- Taxes and labor
Here’s a simple breakdown.
| Carpet Quality | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3+ | Entry-level synthetic fibers like polyester or olefin. Great for rentals or guest rooms. |
| Medium | $5+ | Durable nylon or Triexta options with better stain protection and comfort. |
| Luxury | $8+ | Premium wool or patterned carpets, ideal for main living areas and master suites. |
How Much Should You Budget for New Carpet?
The total cost for new carpets depends on multiple factors like carpet quality you choose, the carpet installer you hire, and the condition of your subfloor.
But here’s a rough estimate.
Basic installations.
Around $900–$1200 for a standard 300 square foot room.
Mid-range options.
Approximately $1,400–$1,800 for the same room size.
Luxury carpet installing:
From $2000–$2400 or more depending on brand and padding quality for 300 sq. ft. room.
If you’re replacing flooring throughout your home, Few Philadelphia carpet installers may also offer discounts or include padding in the price.
How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost by Room Size?
Here’s the estimated carpet installation cost by different room sizes. All prices include materials, padding, and installation labor.
| Room Size | Basic Carpet | Mid-Range Carpet | Luxury Carpet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq. ft. | $300 – $500 | $500 – $650 | $650 – $800 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $600 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $1,300 | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $900 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $1,950 | $1,950 – $2,400 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $2,600 | $2,600 – $3,200 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $3,250 | $3,250 – $4,000 |
| 600 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $3,900 | $3,900 – $4,800 |
| 700 sq. ft. | $2,100 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $4,550 | $4,550 – $5,600 |
| 800 sq. ft. | $2,400 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $5,200 | $5,200 – $6,400 |
| 900 sq. ft. | $2,700 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $5,850 | $5,850 – $7,200 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $6,500 | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| 1,100 sq. ft. | $3,300 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $7,150 | $7,150 – $8,800 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $3,600 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $7,800 | $7,800 – $9,600 |
| 1,300 sq. ft. | $3,900 – $6,500 | $6,500 – $8,450 | $8,450 – $10,400 |
| 1,400 sq. ft. | $4,200 – $7,000 | $7,000 – $9,100 | $9,100 – $11,200 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $4,500 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $9,750 | $9,750 – $12,000 |
| 1,600 sq. ft. | $4,800 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $10,400 | $10,400 – $12,800 |
| 1,700 sq. ft. | $5,100 – $8,500 | $8,500 – $11,050 | $11,050 – $13,600 |
| 1,800 sq. ft. | $5,400 – $9,000 | $9,000 – $11,700 | $11,700 – $14,400 |
| 1,900 sq. ft. | $5,700 – $9,500 | $9,500 – $12,350 | $12,350 – $15,200 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $6,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $13,000 | $13,000 – $16,000 |
| 2,100 sq. ft. | $6,300 – $10,500 | $10,500 – $13,650 | $13,650 – $16,800 |
| 2,200 sq. ft. | $6,600 – $11,000 | $11,000 – $14,300 | $14,300 – $17,600 |
| 2,300 sq. ft. | $6,900 – $11,500 | $11,500 – $14,950 | $14,950 – $18,400 |
| 2,400 sq. ft. | $7,200 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $15,600 | $15,600 – $19,200 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $7,500 – $12,500 | $12,500 – $16,250 | $16,250 – $20,000 |
| 2,600 sq. ft. | $7,800 – $13,000 | $13,000 – $16,900 | $16,900 – $20,800 |
| 2,700 sq. ft. | $8,100 – $13,500 | $13,500 – $17,550 | $17,550 – $21,600 |
| 2,800 sq. ft. | $8,400 – $14,000 | $14,000 – $18,200 | $18,200 – $22,400 |
| 2,900 sq. ft. | $8,700 – $14,500 | $14,500 – $18,850 | $18,850 – $23,200 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $9,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $19,500 | $19,500 – $24,000 |
How Much Does It Cost to Carpet a 10×12 Room?
The cost to carpet a 10×12 room depends on different factors, let’s make an estimate, 10×12 is 120 square feet, which typically costs:
- Basic carpet: From $360–$720
- Mid-range carpet: $540–$900
- Luxury carpet: $720–$1,080
Prices include installation, pad, and removal of old carpet. Labor alone for this size room averages $120 to $300 in the Philadelphia area.
What Factors Can Affect Carpet Installation Costs?
There’re multiple factors that can affect carpet installation cost.
Carpet Type and Material
The carpet fiber type is one of the biggest factor that can affect carpet cost.
Polyester or Olefin
Polyester or Olefin Synthetic fiber carpets are affordable, soft, and naturally stain resistant but less durable than nylon.
This type is best for Apartments, guest rooms or low foot traffic areas. It’s a budget-friendly, easy to clean, good color retention option.
Nylon
Nylon Synthetic fiber carpet are most popular in USA, because they’re durable, resilient, and can handles heavy foot traffic very well.
This type is of carpet is best for family rooms, hallways and stairs because they’ve great wear resistance and stain protection (when treated).
Triexta
Triexta Synthetic fiber carpets are durable like nylon, but their texture is soft. Best for active households, children’s rooms and room with pets.
Wool
Wool natural fiber carpets are luxurious, eco-friendly, biodegradable because they’re naturally flame and stain-resistant. This type of carpets are best for luxury homes, master suites and formal living areas.
Room Sizes
Big sized rooms usually cost less per square foot because of installation efficiency.
But on the other hand small sized rooms or living areas with complex layouts, angled walls, or stairs adds more labor time and carpet waste from extra cuts.
Location
Carpet cost can also be affected by local labor rates in you area. Philadelphia city usually run 10–20% higher than rural Pennsylvania areas.
Philly city installers must also account for parking, disposal fees, and permit regulations, which slightly increase the final cost.
Common Carpet Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Comparing only material prices.
Big box stores often show just the carpet price without padding or labor. Always ask for a complete quote including padding and labor.
Skipping professional installation
DIY carpet installation can cause uneven seams and void manufacturer warranties.
Choosing cheap padding
Good padding extends carpet life and comfort. A dense, moisture resistant pad is worth the upgrade.
Underestimating Foot Traffic
Installing low-grade carpet in high-usage foot traffic areas.It will wear out faster, flatten, or stain.
Ignoring Maintenance Requirements
Buying carpet that looks good but is hard to clean. Can lead to frustration or early replacement. Choose carpet that fits your cleaning habits and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does carpet installation take?
Most single rooms are completed in 4 to 6 hours. A full house may take 1 to 2 days, depending on prep work and furniture moving.
When is the best time to install carpet?
Spring and fall are ideal in Philadelphia. Installers often run seasonal promotions, and humidity levels are lower, helping adhesives set properly.
How often should carpet be replaced?
Quality carpet lasts 10 to 15 years with regular carpet cleaning. High-traffic areas such as hallways may need replacement every 7–10 years.
Can I install carpet over existing flooring?
Yes, if the floor is level and dry. However, removing the old carpet or padding first ensures a smoother finish and longer carpet lifespan.
How much does it cost to get someone to lay a carpet?
Professional labor typically runs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. That includes trimming, seaming, and stretching the carpet into place.
How much should I expect to pay for carpet installation?
For a complete carpet installation job including materials, most Philadelphia homeowners pay $3 to $8 per square foot.
How much does it cost to carpet a 10×12 room in labor?
Labor for a 10×12 room costs around $120 to $300, depending on the installer’s experience and prep work required.
How long does it take to install carpet in a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 room usually takes 5 to 6 hours for a two-person crew, including padding and cleanup.
How much does it cost to have 1,000 sq. ft. of carpet installed?
Expect $3,000 to $8,000 for standard carpet and pad, including full installation and removal of old flooring.
What is a reasonable price to pay for carpet?
A reasonable all-in price for most homes is $4 to $7 per square foot, which balances quality, comfort, and durability.
How much should I expect to pay for new carpet?
Including materials, pad, and labor, most Philadelphia homeowners spend around $1,200 to $4,000 per room depending on size and grade.
Can I negotiate a carpet installation quote?
Yes. Many independent installers are open to price matching or including padding or removal at no extra cost if you request it upfront.
What’s the average labor cost to install carpet?
Labor alone typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot across the Philadelphia metro area.
What time of year is carpet the cheapest?
Late winter and early spring often bring clearance deals as retailers make room for new styles. Scheduling your install during these months can save 10–15% on total cost.
