Carpet is still the most common bedroom flooring choice for good reason -- it's warm underfoot, absorbs sound, and costs less than hardwood or tile per square foot. Here's a realistic cost guide.
Carpet cost by type
Polyester: $1-$3/sq ft (material only) -- affordable, good stain resistance, less durable. Nylon: $2-$5/sq ft -- most durable, best for high-traffic areas. Triexta (SmartStrand): $2-$4/sq ft -- excellent stain resistance. Wool: $5-$20/sq ft -- premium, most durable, eco-friendly. Most installed carpet uses nylon or polyester.
Padding matters more than most people realize
Cheap padding (less than 7 lbs density) causes carpet to wear faster and feel flat quickly. Quality padding ($0.50-$1.50/sq ft) extends carpet life significantly, provides better cushioning, and improves thermal and acoustic insulation. Don't let an installer talk you into 'included' padding without specifying density.
Installed cost all-in
Budget carpet with basic pad: $3-$5/sq ft installed. Mid-range nylon with quality pad: $5-$8/sq ft. Premium carpet and pad: $8-$12/sq ft. A 1,200 sq ft area (3 bedrooms plus hallway) runs $4,000-$8,000 at mid-range pricing including removal of old carpet.
Old carpet removal
Removing existing carpet costs $0.50-$1.50/sq ft -- most installers include it or charge minimally. If you remove it yourself, you save $200-$400 but must dispose of it (check local bulk pickup rules). Staple and tack strip removal takes about 2 hours for a typical bedroom.
Bottom line
Budget $5-$8/sq ft installed for a quality carpet that will last 10-15 years. The padding choice matters as much as the carpet -- invest in at least 7 lb density.
Need flooring work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.