How Much Does It Cost to Carpet a 16x18 Room?
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
For a 16×18 space (288 sq ft), expect a total installed price between $826 and $6,919 for carpet. A solid mid-range product with professional installation typically totals about $1,941.
Cost by carpet product tier for a 16x18 room
| Product tier | Material | Installed range | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet | $1.69/sf | $826–$1,613 | $1,140 |
| Berber Loop-Pile Carpet | $3.29/sf | $1,176–$2,484 | $1,719 |
| Frieze / Twist Carpet | $3.79/sf | $1,335–$2,642 | $1,877 |
| Nylon Cut-Pile Carpet | $3.99/sf | $1,398–$2,801 | $1,941 |
| Triexta Pet-Friendly Carpet | $4.49/sf | $1,556–$2,959 | $2,099 |
| Pet-Proof Performance Carpet | $6.49/sf | $2,096–$3,830 | $2,805 |
| Wool Carpet — Luxury | $9.99/sf | $2,636–$6,919 | $3,986 |
Totals include 10% material waste and professional installation. Carpet rows include a standard rebond pad at $0.60/sf.
Where the money goes at 288 sq ft
Three inputs set your total. Tier ($0.89 to $18.99/sf material across the lineup) is the lever you control. Labor — around $504 for a mid-range install in this room — is set by your local market. And waste: installers order 10% over, which these numbers already include, so the table above is the check-out price, not a teaser.
See your exact 16x18 room cost with your state's labor rates
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to floor a 16x18 room with carpet?
The budget tier (Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet) installed professionally starts around $826. Installing it yourself removes the labor line entirely and can cut the total by 30–45%.
How long does a 288 sq ft carpet install take?
A professional crew typically completes a single 288 sq ft room in one day, plus removal time if old flooring is coming out.
Will my state change these 16x18 room prices?
Materials barely move by state, but labor does — Floormath adjusts installation from 0.80x in the cheapest markets to 1.25x in the priciest. On this room that swings the labor line by up to ±$126.