How much does it cost to install a plush carpet?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Consider plush carpeting when looking for a soft and dense carpet that works well in bedrooms and living spaces. Plush carpets are made from cut fibers that are twisted and densely packed for a softer feel underfoot. They can be made from multiple fibers, including polyester, nylon, triexta, and wool. Each of these fibers contributes to the material quality and its overall price.

The national average cost to install plush carpeting is $1,050 to $2,000, with most people paying around $1,600 for 200 sq.ft. of installed Silk Reserve plush triexta carpeting. This project’s low cost is $800 for 200 sq.ft. of PET polyester plush carpeting installed. The high cost is $3,400 for 200 sq.ft. of installed wool plush carpeting with a natural fiber backing.

Plush Carpet Cost Calculator

Plush carpeting comes in many fibers and qualities. Some fibers, such as polyester, produce a soft carpet that will not hold up for long. Others like wool produce a very soft, durable, and sustainable carpet, but it can be much more expensive than other fibers. Below are the average costs of different qualities of plush carpeting based on a 200 sq.ft. installation.

Plush carpeting has a wide range of costs within each category due to several factors. The first is the fiber. The better-quality fibers like wool and some triexta types have higher costs, polyester has low costs, and acrylic and nylon fall in the middle.

Fiber density also influences the cost. The more fibers packed into the weave, the higher the cost. This produces a thicker and plusher carpet, however. So while the cost is higher, many people enjoy the thicker and softer carpet feel.

Color also plays a major role in the costs. Brighter colors, colors made from non-toxic additives, and stain-resistant and color-fast carpets have higher costs than those with softer colors or those not treated against staining or fading.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Maintenance. Plush carpet should be vacuumed regularly. Depending on the fibers, it may also need steam cleaning regularly to remove stains.
• Handmade plush carpet. It is possible to find plush handmade carpeting, although the majority is machine-made. Expect starting costs of $20 to $25 a square foot for handmade carpets.
• Moisture. If you are concerned about moisture, opt for a moisture-resistant polyester carpet. The density of this carpet can mean moisture may be trapped in other fibers.
• Durability. The durability of plush carpeting depends on the fibers used. Polyester and acrylic are the least durable, while triexta, nylon, and wool can last longer.
• Radiant flooring. You can install radiant heating beneath your plush carpet. You will need to increase the heat to counteract the carpet’s insulating properties. The cost of radiant heating is $10 to $25 a square foot.
• Sustainability. The sustainability of your carpet depends on the fibers. Wool is highly sustainable, while nylon can be recycled. PET polyester is made from recycled water bottles, but the carpet cannot be recycled. Some triexta types contain corn glucose, making them sustainable.
• Material improvement. Plush carpets can be made from many different fibers. Some, such as polyester, have undergone improvements over the years to become more durable. Always check to see if your carpet is made of the most recent innovations to get the best quality.
• Crushability. Plush carpets may crush more easily than other types, but this depends on the fibers. Some fibers like polyester crush more easily.