How much does carpet replacement cost?

Wondering how much does carpet replacement cost in Australia? On average, the total carpet replacement cost is around $65 per square metre, which includes both the price of the carpet and the installation. Carpet installation costs alone typically start from $35 per m², but the full cost can vary significantly depending on the type of carpet, underlay, and installation service you choose.

Carpet prices themselves can range from $20 to $200 per m² or more, depending on the material and quality. Whether you’re updating a single room or replacing flooring throughout your entire home, knowing what affects your carpet installation cost can help you plan and budget effectively.

In this comprehensive guide to carpet installation costs, we’ll cover:

• Key factors that impact the cost of replacing carpet

• Average carpet installation cost per m²

• Typical carpet prices in Australia

• Tips to prepare your home for new carpet

• How to get accurate carpet installation quotes, and more.

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How much does carpet installation cost?

So, how much is carpet installation in Australia? On average, carpet installation costs around $35 per square metre, but this can increase depending on the type of carpet you choose. Premium materials like wool or delicate fibres typically cost more to install due to their specialised handling requirements.

For a standard home of around 189.8m², the estimated carpet installation cost could be approximately $6,645, not including extras. When you factor in both materials and labour, the total carpet replacement cost usually averages around $65 per square metre.

Additional factors — such as carpet removal, moving furniture, stair installation, and underlay upgrade — can all raise the final price.

Here’s a breakdown of common carpet installation cost estimates:

• Carpet replacement cost for 1 bedroom: $150 to $300

• Average cost to carpet a 3-bedroom house in Australia: $4,000 to $5,200

• Carpet installation cost for a 4-bedroom house: $6,000 to $7,000

To get the most accurate pricing, it’s recommended to request quotes from local carpet installers in your area. This will help you better understand your specific carpet installation price based on home layout, carpet type, and any additional services required.

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How much does carpet cost?

If you’re wondering how much is carpet per m² in Australia, prices typically range from $20 to $200 per square metre, depending on the material, quality, and brand. Premium carpets, such as wool or designer styles, can cost even more.

Different carpet materials offer different benefits and price points. Here’s a quick guide:

• Olefin (polypropylene): Durable, moisture-resistant, and budget-friendly.

• Polyester: Affordable and mould-resistant, ideal for low-traffic areas.

• Nylon: Highly durable and easy to clean, great for high-traffic zones.

• Sisal: A high-end, textured natural fibre suitable for busy areas like hallways and entryways.

• Wool and Cotton: Premium natural options with excellent comfort and insulation, but higher in price.

Average Carpet Prices Per Square Metre

These carpet prices are indicative and can vary based on your location, supplier, and any custom features (e.g. stain resistance, eco-friendly materials). For the most accurate carpet pricing, it’s best to request quotes from local carpet retailers or installation professionals.

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Factors that affect carpet installation price

The cost of carpet installation in Australia can vary significantly depending on a range of factors. Understanding these variables can help you plan your budget more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

Here are the main factors that influence carpet installation cost:

• Size of the Area: Larger rooms or total floor area will naturally require more carpet and labour, increasing both material and installation costs.

• Carpet Type and Quality: Premium carpet materials—like wool or patterned designs—are more expensive and may require specialised installation techniques.

• Subfloor Preparation: If your subfloor needs to be repaired, levelled, or cleaned before installation, this can add to the overall carpet replacement cost.

• Underlay or Padding: Higher quality carpet underlay offers better comfort, insulation, and durability, but also increases the total price.

• Stairs: Installing carpet on stairs is more labour-intensive and requires precise cutting and fitting, resulting in a higher installation cost.

• Room Complexity: Irregularly shaped rooms, tight corners, alcoves, or multiple doorways can make carpet installation more time-consuming and expensive.

• Furniture Handling: If the installers need to move or replace furniture, this service typically incurs an additional fee.

• Location: Regional variations in labour rates and material availability can impact carpet installation prices across Australia.

• Additional Services: Tasks like removing and disposing of old carpet, installing transition strips, or subfloor repairs will all add to your final cost.

To get the most accurate pricing for your project, it’s best to request detailed quotes from experienced, local carpet installers. They can assess your home’s specific needs and provide a tailored breakdown of the expected carpet installation costs.

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How to prepare for carpet replacement

Getting your home ready for carpet replacement is an important step to ensure the installation goes smoothly and efficiently. Proper preparation can also help reduce delays and protect your belongings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for carpet installation:

1. Clear the Area

Remove all furniture, decor, and personal belongings from the rooms where carpet will be installed. This gives installers a clean, open workspace and reduces the risk of damage to your items.

2. Disconnect Electronics

Unplug and safely store any electronics like TVs, computers, and entertainment systems. This helps prevent accidental damage during carpet removal and installation.

3. Remove Valuables and Breakables

Take down wall hangings, mirrors, artwork, and other fragile items. Store them in a separate, secure location during the carpet replacement process.

4. Inspect and Clean the Area

Vacuum your existing carpet before removal to help minimise dust. Check the subfloor for any visible issues. A clean, clutter-free space helps speed up the process and ensures a better result.

5. Remove Old Carpet and Underlay (if DIY)

If you’re handling carpet removal yourself, make sure to lift both the carpet and the underlay. Replacing the entire carpet in a room—not just one section—ensures a uniform look and feel throughout.

Bonus Tip:

Some carpet installation services include furniture moving and old carpet disposal, but it’s always best to confirm in advance. If not included, you may need to arrange this yourself or request it as an add-on service.

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How to lay carpet

While it’s possible to install carpet yourself, carpet laying is a labour-intensive process that requires precision, the right tools, and a bit of know-how. For most homeowners, hiring a professional carpet installer is the best way to ensure a high-quality finish, especially for complex areas or premium carpets.

Professional carpet layers bring experience, tools like knee kickers and stretchers, and the skill to handle seams, patterns, and subfloor issues. This results in a smoother, longer-lasting carpet installation and fewer costly mistakes.

However, if you’re confident in your DIY skills, here are the basic steps on how to lay carpet:

Step-by-Step: How to Lay Carpet

1. Prepare the room
Remove all furniture, existing flooring (if applicable), and clean the subfloor thoroughly.

2. Measure the space
Accurately measure the room dimensions and cut your carpet accordingly. Add extra material to allow for trimming.

3. Repair and clean subfloor
Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, level, and free of nails or debris. Make any necessary repairs.

4. Install tack strips
Secure tack strips around the perimeter of the room, leaving a small gap between the strips and the wall (about the thickness of the carpet).

5. Lay the underlay (padding)
Roll out the carpet padding, tape or staple it in place, and trim off any excess. Seams should be taped securely.

6. Position and trim carpet
Roll out the carpet over the padding. Align any patterns and trim the edges to fit, leaving slight excess around the perimeter.

7. Stretch and secure
Use a knee kicker or power stretcher to stretch the carpet and hook it onto the tack strips for a tight, professional finish.

8. Join seams (if needed)
For larger rooms, join carpet pieces using carpet seam tape and a seaming iron to create a smooth connection.

9. Trim edges and tuck
Use a carpet trimmer to cleanly cut around edges and doorways. Tuck the edges neatly into the gap between the wall and tack strip.

10. Replace furniture
Once the carpet is secure and trimmed, carefully move furniture back into the room.

Tip: DIY carpet laying can be tricky—especially with patterned carpets, staircases, or uneven floors. If you’re unsure at any stage, consult a professional or ask your carpet supplier for advice.

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Getting carpet replacement quotes

Still wondering how much does carpet installation cost? The best way to get an accurate estimate is by gathering multiple quotes from local professionals.

Start by researching experienced carpet layers through online directories like Yellow Pages. Look for businesses with high ratings, verified reviews, and photo galleries of completed work to assess their quality and reliability.

When requesting quotes for your carpet replacement, be sure to include:

• Room dimensions or total square metreage

• Carpet type and material (e.g. wool, nylon, polyester)

• Any special requirements (e.g. staircases, patterned carpet, furniture removal)

Some companies may offer a free in-home measure and quote, while others may request detailed information upfront before providing a price.

A comprehensive carpet installation quote should include:

• Carpet price per m²

• Underlay (padding) costs

• Labour costs

• Additional services like old carpet removal, subfloor prep, or moving furniture

Once you’ve received a few quotes, compare them carefully — not just on price, but also on the carpet layer’s reputation, workmanship guarantees, and whether they’re fully licensed and insured. Choosing a professional with proven experience will help ensure a smooth installation and long-lasting result.

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*All prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.