How much does carpet installation cost in Australia?

Finding the perfect carpet for your home is key to increasing comfort, style, and property value. A thoughtfully chosen carpet brings warmth and charm to your space. High-quality carpets, especially when maintained, can boost long-term property value and attract potential buyers or tenants. Carpet installation typically costs between $25 and $45 per square metre.

This guide offers insights on carpet laying costs, along with key factors like carpet material options, installation methods, and considerations that impact both initial expenses and long-term maintenance. It will help you make the best choice for your home.

The cost of laying carpet varies depending on the size of the room, the type of carpet, and the installation methods used. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $22 to $50 per square metre, but final price will depend on your specific needs. This can rise to $52 to $80 per square metre if old carpet removal and other prep work are needed. Higher-end carpets or more complex installations, like stairs, can further increase the price.​

Carpet laying prices per location

Prices are affected by regional labour rates, the cost of living, and the availability of skilled installers. In general, urban areas, like Australia’s central business districts, will have higher installation fees than rural areas.

State	Average carpet installation cost per square metre
New South Wales	$45 per m²
Victoria	$43 per m²
Queensland	$28 per m²
South Australia	$40 per m²
Western Australia	$48 per m²

Carpet removal cost

For a standard residential carpet removal, prices generally range from $27 to $35 per square metre, including disposal and labour. The type of carpet and the homeowner’s personalised specifications can also affect the overall price.

Complex projects tend to be more expensive since they usually involve specialised carpets or cover large areas. In these cases, the cost will jump between $30 and $55 per square metre. 

Several variables, in addition to your location and room size, can greatly influence the overall cost of your carpet installation job. 

Type of carpet

High-end carpet materials like wool or premium synthetic fibres generally cost more than standard nylon or polyester options. Additionally, carpets with intricate patterns or textures might need more precise installation techniques, adding to the overall expense.

Type of carpet	Average cost per square metre
Polyester	$20 to $35
Olefin	$15 to $30
Nylon	$25 to $50
Sisal	$50 to $90
Wool	$60 to $100

Room size, number of rooms and shape

If you’re wondering how much it will cost to carpet a 3-bedroom home, know that bigger rooms will need more carpet and labour, increasing the project’s total cost.

Average cost of carpet installation per room

Room size	Estimated carpet cost per square metre
Small room	$500 – $600
Medium room	$650 – $750
Large room	$900 – $1000
Extra large room	$1100 – $1200

Additionally, rooms with atypical shapes or complex layouts can also lead to higher costs because of the additional cutting and fitting required.

Installation method

The complexity of the installation can impact the total costs of this project. Installing carpet in high-traffic areas, on stairs, or in intricate patterns often takes more time and skill, leading to higher labour charges.

Installation methods should also be considered, with each offering different benefits based on the type of carpet, room, and desired outcome. Stretch-in installation, as its name suggests, stretches the carpet over a series of tack strips or grippers strategically placed around the room. A staple for any residential carpet installation job, this method is popular because it cushions your steps, allows for easy carpet replacement, and works well with padded carpets.

For retail, office, or high-traffic commercial areas, glue-down installation is often the method used. The carpet is adhered directly to the subfloor, creating a stable, durable surface. This method includes two types: full spread, where adhesive covers the subfloor, and double glue-down, where both the carpet and an underlay are glued for added comfort.

Additional services

Any additional features, like carpet seams, borders, or custom design elements, will affect the final price of your carpet job. Special requests and complicated or non-traditional designs may also require more precise workmanship and materials.

Labour

The overall labour your project needs can influence the service’s total cost. This includes additional tasks such as moving furniture, removing the old carpet, prepping the floor, and repairing or replacing the subfloor. Installing padding to your carpet can also drive up the cost of the service. While some carpet installers include these tasks in their packages, others charge them as separate fees. 

Related article: How much does carpet cleaning cost?

While installing a carpet yourself can help save you money, hiring the right person for the job results in a more professional finish. Carpet installers have the experience, tools, and expertise to handle complex installations, all while reducing the risk of errors and ensuring your carpet lasts. 

Check their experience

Make sure the installer you’re hiring is a licensed professional with the relevant experience to handle your specific carpet type and preferred installation method. 

Different carpets, like wool and nylon, require unique handling and care to execute correctly. An experienced installer will be familiar with the nuances of your chosen carpet, resulting in a smooth installation process.

Request for quotes

Before settling on carpet installers for the job, try to request quotes from as many service providers as you can to compare pricing, services, and the scope of work and results. When asking for quotes, make sure every aspect of the job is included, like removal, subfloor preparation, installation, and disposal of old materials, are included in the billing. 

Look into their references or reviews

Ask the installer for a list of previous clients or look for online reviews on trusted platforms. Positive feedback from past customers can give you insight into the installer’s reliability, quality of work, and attention to detail. Reviews can also highlight any potential issues, such as delays or poor communication. This should help you narrow down your options to the right fit.

Discuss project timeline

Clarify the estimated start and completion dates for the installation, as well as any preparatory work that may be needed. Having a clear timeline can help you plan your schedule and avoid potential delays and disruptions. This can also give both homeowner and installer aligned expectations, leading to a smoother installation process. 

Ask about disposal and additional fees

Before starting the job, clarify the disposal fees for removing old carpet with your installer. Some installers include this in their quote, while others may charge extra. Be sure to also ask about potential hidden fees, like moving furniture, tackling subfloor issues, and other potential concerns.

Understanding all potential costs upfront helps you avoid unexpected expenses and provides you with a clear picture of the total investment required for the project. 

From choosing the right time to shop around for the best deals, here are some handy tips to keep your expenses in check. 

• Dispose of old carpets yourself. Take care of old carpet and furniture removal before the installer comes over to reduce carpet removal and installation costs. 
• Opt for standard carpets. Select less complex carpet designs to save on labour costs with custom options.
• Schedule off-peak installation. Try to book your installation during less busy months for potentially lower carpet installation fees and better availability from installers. 
• Personally handle the cleanup process. Once the carpet’s been successfully installed, take charge of the cleanup process to save on additional costs. This involves removing any debris, dust, and leftover materials from the installation.
• Review warranty terms. A good warranty can save you from unexpected repair or carpet replacement prices and give you peace of mind about the longevity and quality of your investment.

Carpet installation from planning to placement

For a successful carpet installation, it’s important to carefully select materials, manage installation costs wisely, and hire an experienced professional. By being proactive and making informed choices before and during the project, you can ensure a durable, budget-friendly carpet solution that beautifully complements your home.

Ready to get started on your carpet flooring home improvement project? Hire a skilled professional through Oneflare and bring your vision to life!

Are carpets cheaper than other flooring?

Generally, carpets cost way less than typical hardwood flooring. This is because new flooring provides better longevity than a carpet that must be replaced every five years. 

How often should you replace carpets?

The typical service life of carpets ranges between 5 to 15 years. This may vary based on the type of carpet you have. The more durable your carpet is, the better it can withstand wear and tear. 

Should I move all my furniture before installing a new carpet?

Moving all your furniture before you install a new carpet in your home is wise. While you can do it yourself, some carpet installers offer this as additional labour. You can also hire a moving company to help save you time.

What’s the carpet installation cost in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, carpet installation typically costs between AUD $25 and $50 per square metre for standard carpets, and AUD $50 to $80 per square metre for high-end or specialised options.

What’s the carpet installation cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, carpet installation costs range from AUD $30 to $60 per square metre for standard carpets and can reach AUD $60 to $100 per square metre for high-end or specialised variants.

Is it cheaper to install carpet or flooring?

While carpets provide a comfortable and cost-effective solution, they can be less resistant to wear and tear and may require more frequent maintenance compared to hardwood flooring.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources