Choosing a carpet fiber
Nylon
Resilient and durable, nylon springs back well in high-traffic areas and on stairs. It is a common choice for busy households.
Polyester and PET
Soft and stain-resistant, often at a lower price. It may mat down faster than nylon in heavy traffic.
Triexta
A newer fiber family with good softness and stain resistance.
Wool
A natural, premium fiber with a rich feel. It costs more and needs appropriate cleaning methods.
Construction, face weight and pad
Cut-pile carpet (plush, textured, frieze) feels soft; loop carpet (Berber-style) is durable but can snag with pets. Face weight, measured in ounces per square yard, tells you how much fiber is on the surface; density and twist matter too, so compare samples side by side rather than relying on one number.
Pad is easy to overlook and makes a big difference to comfort and wear. Many carpet manufacturers specify a minimum pad density and a maximum thickness for the manufacturer's warranty. We match the pad to the carpet's requirements.
How carpet is installed
Wall-to-wall carpet is typically stretched over pad and held on tack strip around the room. Power stretching pulls the carpet tight so it is less likely to ripple later. Seams are planned so they fall in low-traffic areas and run in the direction of light where possible.
Before new carpet goes in, old carpet, pad and damaged tack strip are removed (flooring removal), squeaks are addressed, and the subfloor is cleaned. Where carpet meets hard flooring, a transition strip finishes the edge (baseboards and transitions).
Carpet on stairs and in rentals
Stairs take more time than open floor and are quoted separately. Tell us the number of steps and whether any are open-sided, curved or have landings. See stair flooring for options, including replacing stair carpet with a hard surface.
For rental turnovers, durable, stain-resistant carpet in a consistent color across units can simplify future repairs. Use the Price Guide to compare tiers.
Carpet care and getting the most from your new carpet
New carpet lasts longer with a few habits: vacuum high-traffic areas regularly, use mats at exterior doors (especially during Portland's wet months), blot spills rather than rubbing them, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for professional cleaning, which some manufacturers' warranties require.
Furniture can leave dents in new carpet; moving pieces slightly from time to time and using furniture cups helps. Some shedding of loose fibers is normal in the first weeks with cut-pile carpet. If you have pets, ask about carpets with pet-related stain and moisture protection, and consider a hard floor such as LVP in the rooms where accidents are most likely.
Material price ranges
| Material | Good · Entry | Better · Mid-range | Best · Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $1.50–$2.50 | $2.50–$4 | $4–$7 |
Material-only planning ranges per square foot from the Banana Floors Price Guide. Installation, removal, floor preparation, underlayment, trim, transitions, delivery and taxes are not included.
Carpet installation questions
What is the best carpet fiber for pets and kids?
Nylon is a durable, resilient choice for busy homes. Stain-resistant polyester and triexta carpets are also popular. Avoid loop carpet if pets tend to scratch or snag.
Do I need new pad with new carpet?
In most cases, yes. Old pad is often compressed or soiled, and many manufacturers require pad that meets specific density and thickness standards for the carpet warranty.
Is old carpet removal included?
Removal of old carpet, pad and tack strip can be included in your quote. Tell us how many rooms and whether there are stairs so it is part of the scope.
How long does carpet installation take?
Timing depends on the number of rooms, stairs, furniture moving and removal. We confirm the schedule after reviewing the scope.
What affects the cost of carpet installation?
The carpet and pad you choose, removal of the old floor, stairs, seams, furniture moving and the room layout. Send measurements and photos for a preliminary quote.