Answers to the top carpet installation cost questions for 2026 — room sizes, stairs, Lowe's vs Home Depot, padding, removal and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet cost installed in 2026?
Carpet costs $3.50-$11.00 per square foot installed in 2026 across the US — including carpet, padding, and professional labor.
What's the average cost to carpet a 3-bedroom house?
$4,200-$16,200 installed for 1,200-1,800 sq ft of carpeted area, depending on tier and stair count.
How long does carpet last?
Residential carpet lasts 7-12 years; high-traffic areas 5-7 years; bedrooms up to 15 years with care.
Is Lowe's or Home Depot cheaper for carpet?
Lowe's is typically 5-10% cheaper on labor; Home Depot wins on warranty (lifetime install on LifeProof carpet).
Does carpet installation include padding?
Yes — standard installed pricing includes 6-8 lb residential rebond pad ($0.30-$0.80/sq ft). Premium memory-foam pad is a $0.50-$1.20/sq ft upgrade.
How much does $99 carpet installation actually cost?
After buying qualifying carpet ($300-$700 minimum), pad ($0.30-$0.80/sq ft), and any stair upcharges ($5-$15/step), the real total averages $1,200-$3,500 for a typical install.