How Much Does It Cost to Carpet a 8x20 Room?
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
For a 8×20 space (160 sq ft), expect a total installed price between $459 and $3,844 for carpet. A solid mid-range product with professional installation typically totals about $1,078.
Cost by carpet product tier for a 8x20 room
| Product tier | Material | Installed range | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet | $1.69/sf | $459–$896 | $633 |
| Berber Loop-Pile Carpet | $3.29/sf | $653–$1,380 | $955 |
| Frieze / Twist Carpet | $3.79/sf | $741–$1,468 | $1,043 |
| Nylon Cut-Pile Carpet | $3.99/sf | $777–$1,556 | $1,078 |
| Triexta Pet-Friendly Carpet | $4.49/sf | $865–$1,644 | $1,166 |
| Pet-Proof Performance Carpet | $6.49/sf | $1,165–$2,128 | $1,558 |
| Wool Carpet — Luxury | $9.99/sf | $1,465–$3,844 | $2,214 |
Totals include 10% material waste and professional installation. Carpet rows include a standard rebond pad at $0.60/sf.
Where the money goes at 160 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 $280 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 8x20 room cost with your state's labor rates
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to floor a 8x20 room with carpet?
The budget tier (Polyester Cut-Pile Carpet) installed professionally starts around $459. Installing it yourself removes the labor line entirely and can cut the total by 30–45%.
How long does a 160 sq ft carpet install take?
A professional crew typically completes a single 160 sq ft room in half a day, plus removal time if old flooring is coming out.
Will my state change these 8x20 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 ±$70.