Installing carpet tiles costs an average of $920, with most people spending between $540 and $2,380 on this project. A pro will determine final costs based on material, size, and installation type.
Carpet tiles, also called carpet squares, offer many of the benefits of traditional carpet but with a lower price tag and a simpler installation process. The average carpet tile installation cost is $920, based on the dimensions of a medium-sized, 18-by-12-foot living room (216 square feet). However, costs often range from $540 to $2,380, depending on the tile material and other factors.
Your total cost for this project will depend on a few factors, including how many rooms you’re carpeting, which carpet tiles you choose, and whether or not you have old carpeting to remove.
The size of your space is the most significant factor that determines the overall cost to install carpet tile. On average, you’ll pay between $2.50 and $11 per square foot for professional carpet tile installation, also depending on the specific tiles you choose and the condition of your floor.
As you might expect, it costs much less to put carpet tiles in just one room—a kids’ playroom, for example—than in your entire home. Here are some examples of carpet tile costs per square foot (installed) based on various room and house sizes.
| Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $500–$2,200 |
| 400 | $1,000–$4,400 |
| 600 | $1,500–$6,600 |
| 800 | $2,000–$8,800 |
| 1,000 | $2,500–$11,000 |
| 2,000 | $5,000–$22,000 |
Like regular carpet, carpet tiles come in a variety of materials, with nylon and polyester being two of the most popular options. While they’re both types of synthetic carpet fiber, nylon is slightly more expensive than polyester. Some companies also sell polypropylene (also known as olefin) carpet tiles, which are similar in price to polyester.
The carpet tiles themselves cost between $1 and $5 per square foot (although certain styles may cost more), depending on the material. Here are the average costs for the most popular types of carpet tiles.
| Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Polyester | $1–$3 |
| Polypropylene (olefin) | $1–$3 |
| Nylon | $2–$5 |
If you’re replacing regular carpeting with carpet tiles, you’ll have to get rid of the existing carpet first. Otherwise, you can install carpet tiles directly over the subfloor as long as it’s in good condition (more on that below).
Carpet removal costs range from $0.50 to $5 per square foot. Contractors may charge more to remove carpet that’s glued down (rather than stapled) because it’s harder to pull up without damaging the floors underneath.
The cost of carpet disposal is often included with removal, but you’ll want to confirm this with your carpet removal company. If you remove the carpet yourself, you may be able to arrange disposal for $0.40 to $0.50 per square foot.
| Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $100–$500 |
| 400 | $200–$2,000 |
| 600 | $300–$3,000 |
| 800 | $400–$4,000 |
| 1,000 | $500–$5,000 |
| 2,000 | $1,000–$10,000 |
Before an installer can start laying your carpet tiles, they’ll need to make sure that your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. This can involve pulling out nails or staples, removing dirt and grime, and applying a coat of primer.
If there are any issues (for example, cracks or gaps in the subfloor), you’ll need to account for the cost of subfloor repairs, which range from $2 to $10 per square foot. Or, if the damage is more serious, your contractor may decide that you need a new subfloor. On average, replacing a subfloor costs between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Some flooring pros may move furniture out of the installation area, but many will not. It’s a good question to ask potential pros when collecting quotes—they may offer the service at an extra cost. If you need help moving heavy items within your home to clear the floor, consider hiring professional movers. These pros can transport heavy items to your garage, basement, or storage facility. Depending on your moving needs, prices range from $70 to $400.
The cost of hiring a professional to install carpet tiles will vary. Some companies offer free installation if you buy the tiles from them (although there may be a minimum spend requirement), while others may charge $0.50 to $1 per square foot for installation.
If you’re curious about labor costs in your area, contact a local carpet installer (or multiple installers) to find out what they charge.
Installing carpet tile is a DIY-friendly project that should take a few hours per room. For a 200-square-foot room, you could save up to $200 in labor costs.
However, to perform this job responsibly, you need to know how to prepare the subfloor beforehand. If you don’t feel confident doing this, have a professional inspect your subfloor first. Then, assuming everything looks good, you can lay the tiles yourself.
To do so, start by determining the square footage of the areas where you’ll be adding carpeting. Once you’ve found the carpet tiles you like, you can calculate how many you’ll need based on the dimensions of each tile and the size of your space.
Buy 10% more carpet than you actually need in case you make any mistakes or need to repair the floor in the future.
Depending on what you already have at home, you may also need to purchase some tools and supplies, including a carpet knife, chalk line, tape measure, and level. Check the installation instructions on your carpet tiles for more specific information.
While installing carpet tile yourself is the most obvious strategy for saving money on this project, there are other ways to cut costs, as well—even if you hire a pro for the job. Here are a few tips to keep your budget on track:
Move furniture: Before you can install carpet tiles in a room, you need to make sure that the space is empty and clear of furniture. You may be able to reduce labor costs by handling this yourself.
Remove old carpet: Similarly, you need to pull up and dispose of your old carpet before a pro can lay new tiles. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, you can remove carpet yourself in about an hour per room—just let your contract know ahead of time.
Opt for less-expensive materials: When you’re re-carpeting an entire home, the material costs can add up quickly. To keep expenses down, look for polyester or polypropylene tiles, which are more affordable than nylon.
Compare prices: Shopping around and getting quotes from multiple carpet companies can help you get the best deal on your carpet tile installation. Buying carpet at the right time of year may also help you save money.
Installing carpet costs between $3 and $11 per square foot while carpet tile prices start around $2.50 per square foot, climbing to $11 or higher depending on the style and quality. Other considerations, like adding carpet padding, will impact what you decide to install. Tufted carpet, also called broadloom, is great for hiding issues with the floor itself because of its seamless appearance.
Conversely, carpet tiles, typically used in office settings, are relatively easy to DIY, so you can save on labor costs with this option if you’re up to the task. Perhaps best of all, if a tile is damaged, it's typically a snap to replace it without disrupting the tiles around it.
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In most cases, no. You don’t need to put anything under carpet tiles—unlike regular carpet, which often has a layer of carpet padding beneath it. Carpet tiles attach directly to the floor (as long as it’s a firm surface like plywood, concrete, or tile) with peel-and-stick adhesive, double-sided carpet tape, or carpet glue.
Yes, carpet tiles are easy to install—even if you don’t have much DIY experience. In fact, the simple installation process is one of the main reasons that people choose carpet tiles over traditional carpet. Since carpet tiles come in individual squares, they aren’t as heavy or awkward to install as regular carpet. Plus, you don’t need specialized equipment (like knee kickers or carpet stretchers) when installing carpet tiles.
With proper care, carpet tile can last 10 to 20 years. These tiles are typically used in office settings and are designed to handle heavy foot traffic. However, tiles can start to look a little less fresh over time in super busy homes with pets and kids. Keeping extra tiles on hand to swap out will ensure your carpet looks its best.
Installing carpet tile takes a pro a few hours per room, while experienced DIYers may take a little longer. However, that does not factor in the time needed to remove the old carpet. Also, if there are issues with the subfloor, fixing it will add to the overall time it takes to complete installation.
