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Tile and hardwood are popular flooring options, but many people prefer a new carpet’s soft, warm feel. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of carpet styles and colors to match the aesthetic of their homes, with the bonus of insulating bedroom or basement floors to retain heat in the winter and reduce heat transmission through the floors in the summer. Laying carpet can be a tricky DIY job, involving specialized carpet installation tools, and many homeowners may prefer to leave it to the professionals.
Whether a homeowner is looking for a carpet replacement or a new carpet installation, it’s important that they find the best company for carpet installation in their area. This will help ensure that the homeowner receives top customer service and could even include a free carpet installation estimate. Potential customers will want to remember that carpet typically lasts for 10 or more years, so it’s not a decision they’ll want to rush. There are several key considerations for homeowners to take into account to determine the best carpet installation company for their home.
- BEST OVERALL: Luna
- RUNNER-UP: Empire Today
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: National Floors Direct
- ALSO CONSIDER: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Carpet Installation Companies
To find the best carpet installation company, customers will need to learn more about the service area limitations, scheduling estimates, in-home shopping services, pricing, financing, warranties, installation, and more. The following are the top factors to keep in mind when evaluating carpet companies.
Service Area
A quick way for a homeowner to find a nearby carpet installation company is to simply search “best carpet installation near me.” Still, the options found within the search results could be limited or based on purchased reviews. Instead, homeowners will want to choose a pool of carpet installation companies based on the quality of work, pricing, and scheduling. The company’s site will likely mention its service area. If the service area isn’t mentioned, customers can contact the carpet installation company directly through phone or email to ask about the service area.
If a customer’s address falls outside of the service area, it still may be possible to hire the company, though the customer may incur a travel fee on top of the installation price. Customers can avoid hidden costs by asking questions before agreeing to the installation or scheduling an estimate.
Estimate Scheduling
Carpet needs to fill every part of the floor. Even if rooms look similar, the exact size, shape, and even the angle of the corners can differ significantly. Due to the unique shape of a room, most companies will schedule an appointment to have a trained carpet installation professional come to the home to take measurements and provide an estimate. The best carpet sales and installation companies will often offer free estimates with no obligation to hire the company for the installation. This ensures that customers get clear, up-front pricing with no strings attached and allows customers to shop for a different company if they don’t like what they hear, or to get multiple quotes to compare and find the one that works best for their needs and budget.
In-Home Shopping
If a customer doesn’t want to go to the store or have carpet samples mailed to their home, the best carpet company for their carpet installation may offer in-home shopping. In-home shopping occurs during the estimate process. Essentially, the carpet installation professional will have a wide assortment of carpet samples so that customers can look at them in the proper lighting and determine what carpet option would be best for the installation area. This service is typically included with the installation estimate. Still, if a customer is concerned about hidden costs, they can ask the customer service representative about any additional charges while booking the appointment.
Pricing and Financing
How much is carpet installation? Pricing can fluctuate based on several additional factors, including selected material, old carpet removal, or stairs. There may even be a cost associated with moving furniture out of the way, so customers will want to ask for a complete breakdown of the estimate to see exactly what’s involved. A scheduled estimate is the first step in the carpet installation pricing process, though not every company offers this service. Customers may need to take measurements of the room and provide the square footage to the carpet installation company to get an estimated price for the work. This can be tricky in some circumstances, especially if customers need to measure stairs for carpeting as part of the pricing process. Residential and commercial carpet installation companies may also have a carpet installation cost calculator to help customers estimate what the final cost will be.
If the installation cost is too high to make in one payment, customers may be able to get financing through one of the best carpet installation companies. Financing options can include helpful add-ons, like a period of interest-free nonpayment, which may be a welcome alternative to seeking out cheap carpet installation options. Still, in most cases, customers will pay more over an extended period instead of a lesser price upon installation completion.
Carpet Selection and Installation
It isn’t recommended that a customer make a carpet selection without seeing a carpet sample. Viewing an image online can give customers a false sense of the carpet’s appearance due to picture lighting, positioning, and differences in screen resolution. Some carpet installation companies will offer in-home shopping during the estimate. Still other companies may require customers to go into the store or have samples mailed to their home for consideration. Customers may also want to consider the type of carpet available, especially if they have a specific need in mind. For instance, dog or cat owners who are concerned about keeping their new carpet clean might want to check that their installation company has some of the best carpets for pets available for sale.
After choosing the material, customers will need to discuss the installation process and look over a breakdown of the estimate to make sure that there aren’t any hidden fees. Now is also a good time for the customer to discuss timelines, access to the home, and any work that needs to occur before the installation; this could include removing furniture, taking out old carpeting, or clearing routes to and from the area. Removing carpet is a relatively straightforward DIY task, but homeowners can also hire a professional if they prefer.
Warranty
Choosing a top carpet installation company is a great way to ensure that customers get high-quality carpeting and a professional installation. Even pros make mistakes, though, and it’s possible for customers to be unhappy with the quality of the carpet fitting and installation once the job has been completed. In addition, even the highest quality materials can have defects. To help ensure peace of mind, customers will want to consider looking for a carpet installation company that warrants its work. Many companies offer a service guarantee, but it’s important that customers understand its limitations. Before hiring a carpet installation company, customers can discuss the warranty or service guarantee with the customer service representative to understand what the warranty covers and what it does not. Also, customers can find out what the time limit is on the warranty period.
Customer Support
Any company will have a hard time growing if it doesn’t prioritize customer support. To make money, companies need to have customers—and customers don’t tend to stick around if their questions go unanswered or if the scheduling and installation processes are too confusing. Carpet shoppers will want to look for an installation company with a reliable customer support center that can be reached directly. They will also want to consider the quality of the installation professionals, including the company’s training program and whether its professionals hold any licensing.
Estimates should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. While the carpet installation pro is there to hopefully book a job, there should be very little pressure to force a customer to decide. For most people, customer support matters more when they work directly with an individual in the customer’s own home. Customers won’t want to choose a company based on helpful representatives on the phone if the on-site professionals cannot provide the same level of service.
Our Top Picks
This list of the best carpet installation companies below has been selected for outstanding installation knowledge, experience, customer support, and overall quality.
Why It Made the Cut: Low-price guarantees, next-day installation, and specialized pet stain–resistant carpeting are just a few factors that make Luna stand out as a top-notch carpet installation company.
A 110 percent low-price guarantee sounds odd, but Luna guarantees that it will beat any competitor’s price or refund 110 percent of the difference. For example, if a customer receives a written estimate from a competitor that is $100 less expensive within 30 days of placing their order with Luna, they can contact Luna and receive $110 back. Customers can also get a $200 discount if they sign up to receive emails from the company, which can help them reduce the cost of carpet installation and maximize their savings. If the customer’s selected carpet is in stock, and depending on their location, they can often book the installation for the next day.
Customers who want to view their options online may find that the company’s website can be difficult to read at times and may not contain much product or pricing information unless they book an in-home appointment. These in-home estimates are free, though, and could provide customers with a more accurate quote on their carpet installation job. Homeowners can also enjoy the convenience of booking over the phone or online, and they can rest easy knowing that there is a 1-year installation warranty. Luna also offers 50-month service plans that cover damages beyond what would typically be included with a standard warranty, including stains, tears, and snags, which may be appealing to homeowners who want to protect their new carpeting for years to come. Pet owners will also appreciate the specialized pet stain–resistant carpeting options—which may be protected with stain- and soil-resistance warranties in some cases—that can help keep the home looking and feeling clean.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: Yes
- Next-day installation: For in-stock carpets
- Warranty: 1-year installation warranty
Pros
- Next-day installation available
- 110 percent low-price guarantee
- Service plan covers damages beyond warranty coverage
- $200 discount available for email sign-up
- Specialized pet stain-resistant carpeting options
Cons
- Somewhat user-unfriendly website
- Flooring options not available to view online
Why It Made the Cut: Empire Today makes sure that customers have a wide variety of carpet textures, colors, and styles for their ideal home aesthetic—and free installation options as well. Making a decor change should be fun and exciting, but sometimes a limited range of options makes the entire process feel forced.
Empire Today helps avoid carpet installation regrets by providing customers with a wide range of carpets with varying textures, colors, and styles. Its unique offerings include indoor/outdoor, hypoallergenic, and odor-neutralizing carpets. When reviewing their carpet options, customers may want to keep in mind that the company does not provide pricing information online, so they may not see how expensive their preferred option is until they request a quote on carpet installation.
That being said, Empire Today’s free price estimates are quite comprehensive, factoring in all related costs such as moving furniture, removing old carpeting, and cleaning up after the job is completed. As such, customers can get an accurate estimate on carpet installation so they can budget accordingly. In addition, the company’s detailed room visualizer tool allows homeowners to see what new flooring or carpeting will look like in their home; all they need to do is take a picture of the room with their smartphone. This can make it easier for customers to select the right carpet for any room in their house. As noted in our Empire Today review, customers can book a next-day installation appointment if the carpet is currently in stock, so they don’t need to wait weeks to get their new carpet in those situations. The installation warranty is limited to 1 year, but customers with young children or pets who anticipate a lot of wear and tear on the carpet can take advantage of Empire Today’s service plan that covers stains, snags, and unraveling past the warranty expiration.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: Yes
- Next-day installation: For in-stock carpets
- Warranty: 1-year installation warranty
Pros
- Next-day installation available
- Wide selection of carpet textures and styles
- Service plan covers damages beyond warranty coverage
- Transparent, all-inclusive price estimate
- Highly detailed and realistic room visualizer tool
Cons
- Limited pricing information online
Why It Made the Cut: National Floors Direct delivers effective and affordable high-quality carpet installation, as well as a $150 discount for online booking and a low-cost guarantee.
Homeowners looking for a good deal on carpet installation may find the right fit in National Floors Direct. The company offers competitive rates that include a guaranteed 15 percent lower cost than competitors based on a verifiable written estimate. The affordability of services provided by National Floors Direct also extends to a $150 discount for online booking.
Customers will want to keep in mind that National Floors Direct does not have a listed warranty on its website, so they’ll want to ask about any coverage when booking. Although next-day carpet installation is only available to customers in the northeastern U.S., the company does maintain a nationwide footprint, so homeowners across the country can still hire National Floors Direct for other carpet installation jobs. The prospect of saving money on carpet installation may provide more than enough reason for a customer to select National Floors Direct, though. In addition to offering generous discounts and low-cost guarantees, the company will move furniture and provide premium padding at no extra cost.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Estimate scheduling: Online, phone
- In-home shopping: Yes
- Next-day installation: At select locations
- Warranty: Not specified
Pros
- Installation cost guaranteed to be 15 percent lower than competitors’
- $150 discount available for online booking
- No additional charges for furniture moving or premium padding
Cons
- Next-day carpet installation only available for the northeastern U.S.
- No information readily available on installation warranty
Why It Made the Cut: The wide service area and lifetime labor warranty make The Home Depot a good choice for nationwide installations.
The Home Depot is a well-known home improvement store frequented by many DIYers, but it also offers carpet installation services with over 2,300 nationwide locations. As such, this may be a convenient option for many people across the country no matter what state they live in. Interested individuals can schedule an in-home flooring measurement and estimate, though this service costs $50 and does not include in-home shopping. However, this $50 is deducted from the total cost if the customer proceeds with The Home Depot for new carpet installation.
Customers will need to order carpet samples online for $1 each or book an in-home estimate to get the samples for free. However, this may be a bonus for indecisive customers, as they’re not limited to one in-home shopping appointment and can visualize the samples in different locations in the home at different times of the day. Carpet installation services also come with a lifetime labor warranty that includes seams, restretches, and stairwork, providing greater peace of mind for customers. All scheduling can be done online through The Home Depot’s website as well, which may be very convenient. Customers can simply choose their new carpet from The Home Depot, book the in-home estimate, review the quote and any financing options, and then book the installation.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Estimate scheduling: Online
- In-home shopping: No
- Next-day installation: Not available
- Warranty: Lifetime labor warranty
Pros
- Over 2,300 locations nationwide
- Lifetime labor warranty
Cons
- $50 fee for in-home measurements
- No in-home shopping option
Our Verdict
Customers can select unique pet stain–resistant carpet and get next-day installation with Luna. Alternatively, if a customer is looking for long-lasting peace of mind, Empire Today is an excellent choice with service plan coverage that extends beyond warranty coverage.
How We Chose the Best Carpet Installation Companies
Finding the top carpet installation companies begins by finding a pool of professional options and extensively researching each to determine which carpet installation companies excelled above the rest. Factors we considered included service area limitations, estimate scheduling, pricing, financing, warranties, and the installation process. Extra services, like in-home shopping, also helped companies stand out from competitors, though this alone was not enough to make the list.
It was necessary for the selected companies to employ trained, experienced professionals for quality carpet installations and also to work with the customers as a representative of the company. The best carpet installation companies offer transparent pricing, straightforward scheduling, and efficient communication to help improve the customer’s understanding and further facilitate the installation process.
Before You Hire One of the Best Carpet Installation Companies
There are several factors for homeowners to consider before choosing to hire a carpet installation company. The first thing they’ll need to think about is whether they actually need a new carpet. If the carpet only needs a good cleaning, they may instead consider hiring one of the best carpet cleaning companies such as Stanley Steemer to return the carpet to a like-new appearance. Doing so would be a much cheaper alternative to replacing the carpet entirely, as professional carpet cleaning costs $178 on average. An even more affordable option would be for homeowners to clean the carpet themselves, as the cost to rent a carpet cleaner can be as low as $30 a day.
Homeowners may also find that their current carpet is still in relatively good condition but needs some touch-ups here and there. Carpet repair costs typically range from $131 to $278, depending on the extent of the damage, making it an affordable alternative to buying and installing new carpeting.
If a room’s wall-to-wall carpeting begins to bunch, ripple, or wrinkle, a homeowner’s first thought may be to replace it. However, they may be able to restore the carpeting to its original condition by stretching it. Homeowners who don’t know how to stretch a carpet could find that this DIY project is somewhat laborious—and it requires some specialized tools—but the end result could be less costly than installing a new carpet.
However, if the carpet needs a replacement, the next question is if the homeowner can handle the DIY carpet installation. Carpet replacement isn’t the most difficult DIY task, but it isn’t easy, either. Homeowners will want to judge whether to tackle this project on their own based on their skills. They’ll want to keep in mind that they may not have all the tools needed to replace their carpet properly. If a homeowner doesn’t think they can or want to install the carpet themselves, they’ll want to research several companies to find the best carpet installation for their needs rather than hiring the first option they see.
After assessing their flooring needs, homeowners may even decide that carpet isn’t the right way to go, preferring to install hardwood floors, tiles, or laminate flooring. In those situations, they may be better served considering one of the best flooring companies that can offer a wider variety of offerings.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Carpet Installation Companies
Typically, a carpet company will stock or source its own carpet, so the price for carpet installation already varies between the different companies based entirely on the material. There will also be a difference in the carpet installation prices offered by each company and the services included in the cost versus the services that cost extra. Homeowners will always want to ask which services are included and which will cost extra before booking an estimate.
On average, a homeowner can expect to pay about $1,772 for carpet installation cost, though the price can range from $785 to $2,805, depending on the size and shape of the room. The material also factors into this price range, with some carpet options costing just $2 per square foot and others costing up to $20 per square foot. If a homeowner doesn’t like the estimate they receive, they shouldn’t feel obligated to hire the company; instead, they will want to look around for a more affordable option.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Carpet Installation Companies
Carpet installation is one of those DIY tasks that seem easy to do. But when the finished project features end up with a wrinkle or bump, or the carpet just won’t fit under the baseboards properly, it becomes clear that trained professionals likely know something the average DIYer does not. This knowledge and experience, as well as access to the right tools, helps make sure the job is completed right the first time.
Another advantage of using a carpet installation company is that these companies typically have a wide variety of carpet options, so a homeowner won’t have to settle for something they don’t actually like just because nothing else is available. Homeowners will want to keep in mind this floor option will likely be in their home for 10 or more years. Carpet installation companies also provide up-front pricing and estimates based on the size of the room, layout, and material.
- Trained professionals make sure the job is done quickly and correctly.
- Carpet installation companies have a wide range of carpets to install.
- Up-front pricing and estimates are offered by carpet installation companies.
FAQs
Before choosing a carpet installation company, homeowners may want to read through several answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to find out more about when to replace their carpet, as well as some costs associated with the installation process.
Carpets can last for up to a decade before the signs of wear really become apparent, but if a carpet has reached the 10-year mark, it may be time for the homeowner to start looking for an upgrade. Homeowners may also want to consider replacing the carpet in their home if they redecorate or perform a major renovation that renders the existing carpet unsuitable. For those who are merely interested in getting rid of their old carpet, rather than replacing it entirely, carpet removal costs typically run between $100 and $300. Homeowners can save themselves money by tackling this job themselves, but they will need to dispose of the carpet. This may involve recycling the carpet at an appropriate facility.
The average cost to install carpet in a 10-foot-by-10-foot room ranges from about $700 to $1,200. However, the exact cost will depend on the type of carpet the customer chooses and the carpet installation company they hire. For instance, carpet tile installation is often less expensive than installing wall-to-wall carpeting. Homeowners interested in this option may want to consider one of the best carpet tiles for their flooring needs.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $14,000 to $24,000 to install 2,000 square feet of carpet. The wide range in price is due to the discrepancy between material costs. Some carpeting may cost $2 per square foot, while others may cost $7 per square foot. The initial $5 difference quickly becomes greater as the amount of carpet increases.
Homeowners who work full time or otherwise have a busy schedule may wonder, “How long does carpet installation take?” If the carpet installer only needs to worry about installing new carpet into a standard, square, or rectangular room, then the job can be completed in a few hours. However, every home is different, so the installation may take longer if there are any unique corners or angles. The installation time will also increase if the installers need to remove old carpet or if the area includes stairs.
Most carpet installation companies will vacuum after installing the carpet, but not every company includes this cleanup as part of its regular work. Homeowners will want to check with the customer service representative when they are booking the appointment to find out if vacuuming is included or if there is an additional cost for this service. If there is an additional cost, the homeowner may prefer to tackle vacuuming themselves to save some money on their carpet installation project. To keep the carpet clean of dirt, pet hair, odors, and stains year-round, homeowners may want to consider purchasing one of the best carpet cleaners.