Home Improvement Interior Remodel Flooring & Stairs Carpet

How and Where to Buy Cheap Carpet

8 Best Tips to Get Great Carpet on a Budget

person holding a carpet swatch

The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

Carpet is one of the least expensive floor covering options available, and many versatile designs suit your needs at home. Many prefer carpet to hardwood or natural stone because of its cozy feel and low price point. However, there's no doubt that it is still a significant expense for most homeowners (and renters if your landlord won't cover the cost). There are ways to keep the cost down while ensuring you choose a carpet that suits your needs. 

Here, learn how to find cheaper carpeting for your home without sacrificing quality.

Best Ways to Get Cheap Carpet

  • 01 of 08

    Consider Different Fibers

    person holding carpet swatches

    The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

    For many, nylon is the first carpet fiber that comes to mind. Nylon has a long history of proving itself to be very durable and resilient, and it's the most popular synthetic fiber used in carpet. However, nylon is also the most expensive synthetic carpet fiber. The cheaper polyester carpet typically costs $1 to $3 per square foot, compared to $2 to $7 per square foot for most other carpets. Prices can be significantly higher for some high-quality options.

    Consider choosing a less expensive fiber for your carpet. Polyester is a great middle-priced option. It has been around for a long time and is more durable than ever. Polyester is naturally stain-resistant and comes in various styles and colors. A big plus with polyester is that you can get more vibrant colors than nylon due to how the fiber accepts the dyes.

    Olefin (polypropylene) is one of the cheapest carpet fibers to buy. It is best suited for low-traffic areas when made into a cut-pile (Saxony) carpet, as it is not very resilient. However, it is strongest in a looped form, such as a Berber or a level loop commercial style. In these styles, the olefin can stand up quite well to foot traffic, and it has the advantage of being as close to stain-proof as possible because olefin is solution-dyed.

    Tip

    When purchasing carpet on a budget for a small space, consider buying carpet remnants.

  • 02 of 08

    Choose a Durable Style

    durable carpet fiber

    The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

    Any carpet style might last forever if you spend enough money on it. However, when working within a budget, choosing a durable type is essential, even when purchasing a cheaper carpet.

    For example, many Berbers offered at lower prices are still relatively durable. Berbers often cost less because of the olefin fiber content and the production process. All styles of carpet start as looped. For cut piles, the tips of the loops are sheared off. Berbers do not need to undergo this step of the process, so they are less costly to produce.

    Why are Berbers considered to be so durable? This is because the strongest part of a fiber is the side rather than the top. When a fiber is looped around, the side of the fiber is exposed to foot traffic (because the "ends" are tucked into the backing). Therefore, you are constantly walking on the strongest part of the fiber.

    Frieze is another hardy style of carpet that generally offers good durability at a lower price. Friezes consist of longer fibers with a high twist level, increasing the fiber strength. The fibers tend to lean over to the side because they are longer. This means that much of the foot traffic occurs on the side of the fibers, which is a good thing.

    To help with your budget, avoid cut and loop styles. Generally, these styles are more expensive and not as durable as those mentioned above.

  • 03 of 08

    Look for In-Stock

    in-stock carpet on a roll

    The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

    Many carpet retailers carry inventory with large rolls of carpet in their warehouses. Retailers often purchase their inventory at discounted rates because they buy in bulk. This translates into a better deal for you. You can usually save some money by purchasing carpet that a dealer already has on hand. This means you have a more limited selection of the styles and colors offered. However, if you find a product you like that's already in stock, you can likely save some money.

    Carpet is also typically cheaper to buy online. However, it's essential to know what you're getting. If you can test out a particular brand of carpet in-store or order samples online before committing to a large purchase, you may be able to install carpeting at wholesale prices.

  • 04 of 08

    Choose "Seconds"

    Blue runner rug half rolled and half unrolled on wood floor.

     Aleksandr Zhurilo / Getty Images

    Inquire if all of the in-stock products are first-quality goods. This means they are the same product sold initially by the manufacturer and come with a full warranty. Sometimes, dealers may carry "seconds," which means second-quality goods. These are not necessarily bad carpets.

    The most common reason a carpet is deemed second-quality is color match. It has nothing to do with the quality of the carpet; it's usually only the dyeing process was off. When a carpet does not match the manufacturer's sample color, the manufacturer can't sell the carpet when customers order from the sample.

    However, the manufacturer can sell the product to a dealer at a deeply discounted rate. If the color works for you, you can often score a great deal on the carpet. When purchasing a second, confirm the manufacturer's warranty is in effect, and nothing is wrong with the quality.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below
  • 05 of 08

    Upgrade the Underpad

    carpet underpad roll

    The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

    It may seem illogical to spend more money on carpet padding when you're trying to save money. However, the pad is essential to the carpet's overall performance. A good underpad can make a lower-quality carpet perform. When choosing the carpet cushion, purchase the most durable pad and offset the additional cost of the underpad by selecting a less expensive carpet.

    You don't necessarily need to buy the highest grade of pad the retailer offers. Some dealers carry "deluxe" pads that offer additional features, such as being made of memory foam or increasing the length of the manufacturer's warranty. When working within a budget, you don't need these extra features. Just look for a durable pad that is suitable for your use.

    Generally, bonded polyurethane foam underlay (commonly referred to as "rebond" or "chipfoam") is the best choice as it offers good value for the price. Opt for a minimum density of 8 pounds and a minimum thickness of 3/8 (0.375) inches for use under most carpets in residential applications.

  • 06 of 08

    Go All-in-One

    carpet and underpad combination

    The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

    An alternative to purchasing the carpet and underpad separately is to buy a carpet with the pad attached. The Kanga line of cushioned backing is a popular, contemporary version of this "all-in-one" product. It's available in various carpet styles, and the polyurethane foam pad is adhered to the back of the carpet, eliminating the need for a separate pad.

    These carpets are very budget-friendly. The carpet with the pad attached is generally less than the cost of purchasing the carpet and pad separately. In addition, the installation of carpet with attached padding is relatively simple, so you could save even more money by installing the carpet yourself.

    While we don't recommend Kanga-backed carpets for use in high-traffic areas, they can be effectively used in areas such as basements, playrooms, or even rental units. They offer a low-cost option to the landlord or tenant and, if purchased by the tenant, can be easily removed and transported when the tenant moves out. When it comes to areas with more concentrated traffic (like hallways between main rooms), opting for durable separate underpads or the style of a runner rug to protect the carpeting is helpful.

  • 07 of 08

    Purchase Carpet Remnants for Smaller Rooms

    Carpet-Remnants.JPG

    The Spruce / Cheryl Simmons

    If you want to carpet a small area, such as a bedroom or a family room, check to see if the dealer carries any carpet remnants. These are usually the ends of the large rolls that the dealer kept in inventory and are often discounted even further once the roll gets small enough to be sold as a remnant.

  • 08 of 08

    Purchase at the Right Time

    Chinese woman shopping for rugs in flea market
    Hill Street Studios / Getty Images

    The best time to buy carpeting is during the holidays or post-holiday season in December and January or in the spring from May to June. During those times, most people focus on holidays, paying off gifts from the seasonal season, or getting ready to jet-set for summer vacations. Avoid buying carpets in the late summer or fall season. People usually consider doing home renovations before the holiday season sets in.

Average Carpet Costs

The national average price for a new carpet is $1,777, ranging from $783 to $2,810. The factors determining the end cost are the space size, carpet material, and carpet type.

The room size that needs covering will account for the most significant swing in cost. For example, a 10-foot by 12-foot bedroom can run $420 to $1,320, while a standard 15-foot square living room can cost $800 to $2,500. The range difference depends on the material selected and the cut or loop type.

Costs by Material

  • Polyester: $1 to $3 per square foot; vibrant color; resists fading, wear, stains, mold and mildew; non-allergenic; low-density styles prone to crushing and not recommended for high-traffic areas; suitable for use in kitchen or bathroom, sunny spots
  • Nylon: $2 to $5 per square foot; durable, easy to clean; ideal for use in high-traffic areas, families with kids and pets, and indoor and outdoor use
  • Olefin (polypropylene): $1 to 3 per square foot; some types made of recyclable plastic, durable; stain and bleach resistant; well-suited for wet and sunny areas
  • Wool: $4 to $20 per square foot; most common style is Berber; eco-friendly; absorbs moisture; durable and stain-resistant; prone to mold and mildew growth, fading, and static; best for high-traffic areas, dining and living rooms, luxurious look
  • Sisal: $5 to $15 per square foot; strong weave texture made from agave leaves; eco-friendly; not recommended for bedroom flooring due to its rough feel; good choice for high-traffic, sunny areas, and living rooms
  • Cotton: $6 to $7 per square foot; eco-friendly; soft but prone to stains and fading; not recommended for sunny rooms or spaces with children or pets

Costs by Type

  • Loop: $1 to $5 per square foot; uncut yarn forms loops; durable; hides dirt and stains; adds texture
  • Cut and loop: $1 to $10 per square foot; cut pile and loop adds texture; stands up to medium and high-traffic areas
  • Plush Saxony: $2 to $8 per square foot; woven loops with even cuts and tufting; prone to fluffing or shedding; best for low-traffic areas
  • Textured Saxony: $2 to $12 per square foot; woven loops with even cuts and tufting; features twists and permanent curls; suggested for medium- to high-traffic areas
  • Frieze: $1 to $8 per square foot; woven loops with even cuts and tufting; textured with yarn twists; durable; works well in high-traffic areas
  • Cable: $4 to 8 per square foot; woven loops with even cuts and tufting; uses a thicker, longer yarn; softest texture; prone to wear and matting; best for low-traffic areas

DIY vs. Professional Installation

A do-it-yourself installation will save you money. However, professionals know what they're doing, saving you time, additional costs due to mistakes, and a clean, professional installation.

Contractors often mark up the costs of materials by 50% to 75%. Major home improvement stores and local carpeting companies may offer free installation with a minimum square footage purchase.

FAQ
  • How big is a roll of carpet?

    Rolls of carpet come in standard widths of 12 feet, 13.5 feet, and 15 feet. Depending on the manufacturer, rolls can be 90 to 100 feet long.

  • How long does the cheapest carpet last?

    Cheap carpets only last about one to five years. In contrast, the best quality carpets last 15 to 25 years on average.

  • How can I save money to install carpet?

    To save money on installing a carpet, install it yourself. You'll need to rent some professional-grade tools like a seam iron, a power stretcher, and a knee kicker. 

  • Is it cheaper to lay carpet or vinyl?

    It's cheaper to install vinyl flooring than carpeting. Carpeting costs more to install and maintain, averaging at least $1 to $2 more per square foot for installation.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. How much does it cost to install or replace a carpet? HomeAdvisor.