It's no surprise expensive carpets tend to be more luxurious and comfortable than cheaper ones.
The carpet material is of high density, ensuring it will last longer and provide greater insulation against noise and foot traffic. Cheaper carpets are often made from polypropylene or polyester fibre, which wear out quickly, fade after time, attract stains easily, deform under heat from shoes and spills, and if damaged, cannot be repaired by a professional. They also have a thin top layer of pile made from nylon or polyester, which can feel coarse to walk on.
The heavier carpets such as the cut pile or loop pile are generally more expensive due to the extra care needed during installation, and those that contain a high proportion of nylon tend to be less costly than those that use wool.
Carpet prices vary depending upon the thickness and density you choose; those with lower densities tend to be cheaper because they wear out quickly, while those with higher densities tend to be more expensive but also last longer because they are hard wearing and crush resistant.Type of carpet | Estimated cost per metre |
|---|---|
Polypropylene carpet | $15 to $25 |
Nylon carpet | $35 |
Wool carpeting | $60 to $80 |
Nylon/wool blend | $120 to $150 |
Based on a home size of 189.8 square metres, a complete carpet installation may cost between $6,000 and $7,000.
The cost of installing a carpet in a room depends on the carpet material, size and type of carpet that you choose, the layout of the rooms, what's underneath your new carpet, and how many people are involved in the installation process. Carpeting cost is also affected by the style and finishing of the carpet installed. A cut pile is cheaper than a loop pile carpet because a loop pile is more luxurious. The cost of a combination pile may also differ from the cut pile and the loop pile. The average cost of carpet installation for a 2.4m x 3.3m bedroom is $150 to $250, including materials and labour; vinyl flooring costs less than $100. If you choose natural materials such as wool or cotton fibre, the average price can increase by over 20%; if you need floor preparation, underlay, tack strips, padding, or transition mouldings, the total carpet cost will be higher still. It is important to note that factors such as carpet removal and uneven surfaces may add to your installation bill. Carpet installers may also charge for furniture removal prior to carpet laying work. If you want luxury and comfort in your home, the higher price of natural fibre carpets may be well worth it.
Carpet laying is a job that's best left to professionals. You could reduce the overall cost by doing it yourself, but don't expect it to be easy. Installing carpet is not just getting the right carpet; it's hard work, and there's a certain amount of skill involved. When you buy a new carpet, make sure the retailer will remove the old carpet for free. Carpet should always be installed over a well-prepared surface that's completely flat and strong enough to support the weight of the new floor covering without sagging or bowing under strain. Old floors must first be covered with an underlay, then covered with asphalt felt (a stiff woven fabric). Cushion underlay is available for particularly heavy floors such as hallways and runs of stairs. The carpet itself is laid over this felt material, which must be tacked (sewn) to the floor along one edge. Note that carpet installers charge by square metre of carpet installed, meaning that it's easy to get a near-accurate cost of carpet installation. However, the total cost may include additional services. Get a free measure and full item details before the carpet installation job is done.
Cleaning is also essential as dirt and grit can wear down the pile and underlying fibres and increase wear and tear. Dirt is abrasive, so regular cleaning helps to prolong its life. If properly installed, regularly cleaned, and protected with a suitable stain repellent, your new carpet should last you well over ten years, but again this depends on how much traffic it receives or whether you have pets in the house.
Important cost factors when installing carpet are how much you need and the type of carpet required. Another consideration is the condition and layout of the room or property to be carpeted. For example, if stairs are involved, this may incur extra costs. Also, carpets in areas where lots of people walk over them might wear out quicker than those in less intensive use areas. Carpet installation cost will also be influenced by how many carpet pieces are needed for each area (the amount varies depending on the size and shape of that area). If using underlay, carpet laying cost will increase accordingly. There is usually an additional cost for installing skirting boards too. Unusual layouts also incur extra costs. Carpet installation prices can range from a few hundred dollars to around $2,000 or so in total at the high end.
Your newly installed carpet needs to be maintained for it to last long. Carpets can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, nylon, and polypropylene. Most modern carpets are treated with stain resistance chemicals, making carpet maintenance much easier.
Maintenance varies depending on the carpet's properties. For example, a carpet that has been tufted may need to be brushed regularly with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to stop it from piling up.
Nylon carpets are more robust and therefore less likely to show signs of wear. They're easier to vacuum, too, because they don't attract dust or fluff as much as wool or other natural fibres do. They are made from synthetic fibres, which makes them stain resistant. In fact, you should never use a conventional household vacuum cleaner on a wool carpet for this very reason. It only pushes the dust further into the fabric causing irreversible damage over time. You may need to have it steam cleaned.Wool rugs are usually easier to maintain than carpets made from natural fibres. Wool has a natural lustre, so it doesn't go threadbare as easily as cotton, silk, or linen would. In fact, wool's properties allow it to remain its original colouring for years if properly maintained with regular cleaning.
Natural fibre carpets should be vacuumed regularly with a good quality upright vacuum cleaner on the lowest setting possible. If you have pets, do this more often and use an upholstery attachment to get rid of any loose hairs and fluff that may cause damage over time (especially in high traffic areas).
If you are looking to buy new carpet that adhere's to the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme, take a look at the guidelines at IP Australia.