Lets take a look at the cost of a typical residential NYLON carpet and how long a carpet might last depending on what grade or quality level you choose. To learn what grade of carpet you need to select, take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test.

1. Apartment Grade Carpet

Average Longevity:

Low traffic                  5 years

Medium traffic             4 years

Heavy traffic       `       3 years

Average Cost per square yard installed $12.00 to 15.00

Carpet Cost $7.00 to 10.00 per sq. yd.

Specifications - 24 to 28 ounce face-weight, 100% Nylon fiber.

Fiber: Staple or Continuous Filament

Pad Cost $1.75 to 2.50 per sq. yd.

Pad Specs - 3/8" to 7/16" Rebond pad, 3 to 6 pound density.

Installation Cost $2.50 to 3.00 per sq. yd.

There is no manufacturer's warranty for any carpet installed on rental property. Shaw makes apartment-grade textured plush style carpets. Berber styles are not recommended for rental properties.

2. Builder Grade Carpet

Average Longevity

Low traffic                   8 years

Medium traffic              6 years

Heavy traffic                4 years

Average Cost for Carpet, Pad & Installation - $14 to $22 per square yard

Carpet Cost $10.00 to 15.00 per sq. yd.

Specifications - 28 to 35 ounce face-weight, 100% nylon fiber.

Fiber: Staple or Continuous Filament

Pad Cost $2.00 to 3.00 per sq. yd.

Pad Specs - 3/8" to 7/16" Rebond pad, 4 to 6 pound density.

Installation Cost $2.75 to 3.25 per sq. yd.

Many home builders require homebuyers to select carpet upgrades from the builders predetermined sources. The builder may receive a monetary kickback from any upgrades selected.

3. Upgraded Residential Carpet



Average Longevity

Low traffic                 12 years

Medium traffic             9 years

Heavy traffic                7 years

Average

Carpet Cost $15.00 to 20.00 per sq. yd.

Specifications - 30 to 40 ounce face-weight, 100% Nylon BCF fiber.

Fiber: Continuous filament

Minimum Carpet Density 1800

Minimum Tuft Twist 4.5

Pad Cost $3.50 to 4.50 per sq. yd.

Pad Specs - 3/8" to 7/16" Rebond pad, 6 to 8 pound density.

Installation Cost $3.75 to 6.25 per sq. yd.

Check installer qualifications and references, make sure a power stretcher is used. Select from Berber, Plush, Saxony, Textured Plush, frieze, or Sculptured styles. There is no carpet warranty for any carpet installed on stairs.

4. High Quality Residential Carpet



Average Longevity

Low traffic                  20 years

Medium traffic             15 years

Heavy traffic                12 years

Total Cost for Carpet, Pad & Installation - $28 to $55 per yard.

Carpet Cost $15.00 to 20.00 per sq. yd.

Specifications -

Fiber: Continuous Filament

Minimum Carpet Density 2500

Minimum Tuft Twist 5.0

Pad Cost $3.50 to 4.50 per sq. yd.

Pad Specs - 3/8" to 7/16" Rebond pad, 6 to 8 pound density.

Installation Cost $3.75 to 6.25 per sq. yd.

Berber, Frieze and Cut & Loop styles wear exceptionally well. You must use a well-qualified installer for this grade of carpet. Popular carpet brands are Stainmaster, Karastan, and Royalty. Non branded carpets are Shaw, Mohawk and Beaulieu. There is no carpet warranty for any carpet installed on stairs.

Visit my Carpet Care Guide to learn how to make your carpet last years longer.

Note: Many factors contribute to the longevity of carpets. This is a basic estimate of carpet longevity and cost. it assumes you follow the manufacturers maintenance and care guidelines. The more foot traffic you have in your home, the faster your carpet will wear out. The purpose of the information on this web page is to help you choose a suitable carpet to meet your needs, goals, budget and lifestyle. Having pets in the home was not factored into the estimates of this guide.

How Much Carpet Do You Need?

This can be a simple "rough" measure you can do yourself or an accurate measure done by a professional. Learn how to measure for carpet yourself.