Who Should You Hire to Install Carpeting?

Professional carpet installers are the best choice for smooth, safe, long‑lasting results

Contractor installing new carpet in the living room
Photo: bill oxford / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Contractor installing new carpet in the living room
Photo: bill oxford / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Hire a professional carpet installer to measure, prep, install, and finish wall‑to‑wall carpeting with clean seams and a smooth surface.

  • Pros remove old carpet, prep subfloors, install padding, and power‑stretch to prevent wrinkles and tripping hazards.

  • Ask about workmanship and product warranties for added protection over the life of your new carpet.

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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who installs carpet, the answer is professional carpet installation companies and local carpet installers. These specialists guide selection, measure precisely, and install for a smooth, safe finish. General contractors with flooring experience also install carpet, though a carpet‑focused company can be more cost‑effective.

A pro hiring guide approach helps you compare options, prioritize quality, and set expectations. Many installers offer warranties on materials and workmanship, which protects your investment and ensures long‑term performance without wrinkles or buckling.

Benefits of Hiring a Carpet Installation Service for Carpet Installation

Hiring a carpet installation service makes the project straightforward from start to finish. Pros help you choose a carpet that fits your home and budget, then complete a clean, secure installation. Many also provide cleaning services afterward. Expect warranty support on both the carpet and the installer’s work for added peace of mind.

  • Remove and dispose of old carpet and padding safely.

  • Identify subfloor problems and advise on next steps.

  • Measure accurately for carpet and padding quantities.

  • Cut precisely around vents, doorways, and corners.

  • Use a power stretcher to eliminate wrinkles and buckling.

  • Seal seams for durable, low‑visibility joins.

  • Trim neatly at baseboards and thresholds.

  • Perform a final inspection to catch imperfections.

  • Clean up, remove debris, and vacuum the new carpet.

  • Support warranties on materials and workmanship.

If you want to ensure a flawless result and avoid common installation pitfalls, you might want to consider hiring a carpet installer near you to handle the job from start to finish.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Install Carpeting?

You can hire a general contractor with flooring experience to install carpet. They manage large renovations and smaller single‑room projects. However, a carpet‑specific installer can be more cost‑effective and often focuses on the tools and techniques unique to carpeting. Choose a general contractor when the job spans multiple trades, but choose a carpet specialist for focused expertise and competitive pricing. Confirm flooring experience and references before you decide.

How Do Pros Handle Carpet Installation?

A carpet installation specialist follows a clear sequence so you know what happens and why. They measure, prepare the subfloor, install padding, and fit, stretch, and finish the carpet for a clean result. Expect careful seam work, detailed trimming, and a final walkthrough before cleanup.

Pros follow these carpet installation steps:

  1. Assessment and measurements to determine exact carpet and padding needs

  2. Subfloor cleaning and repairs, addressing moisture or uneven areas

  3. Carpet padding installation for cushioning, insulation, and comfort

  4. Carpet cutting to fit the room and around obstacles

  5. Stretching and securing with a power stretcher for a smooth surface

  6. Seam sealing with specialized tape and a seaming iron

  7. Trimming and finishing at baseboards and thresholds

  8. Final inspection to confirm smoothness and secure attachment

  9. Clean up with debris removal and vacuuming

How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost?

Homeowners pay an average of $1,780 for carpet installation, ranging from $780 to $2,800 on average. Costs depend on the carpet type and material, falling between $1 and $20 per square foot. Removing existing carpet or other flooring, repairing subfloors, and other preparation tasks can also increase labor requirements and expenses.

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The homeowners guide to carpet installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.