Carpet Removal Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting. Costs vary by carpet condition, glue type, and stairs. Get quotes from flooring contractors.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Carpet Removal Cost by Type
| Removal Type | Cost / Sq Ft | 300 Sq Ft Room |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Only | $0.50 – $1.00 | $150 – $300 |
| Carpet & Padding | $1.00 – $2.00 | $300 – $600 |
| Carpet, Pad & Tack Strips | $1.50 – $2.50 | $450 – $750 |
| Glued-Down Carpet | $2.00 – $4.00 | $600 – $1,200 |
Average Cost by Room Size (Carpet & Padding)
| Room Type | Typical Size | Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 200 sq ft | $200 – $400 |
| Living Room | 350 sq ft | $350 – $700 |
| Master Bedroom | 300 sq ft | $300 – $600 |
| Whole House | 1,500 sq ft | $1,500 – $3,000 |
* Add $50–$150 for disposal. Add $0.50–$1/sq ft for floor prep and cleaning.
How We Calculate
Our carpet removal cost calculator estimates project costs based on floor area, removal type, and additional services. Pricing varies by whether you remove just carpet, carpet with padding, or full removal including tack strips.
How the math works: Removal cost = area × price per sq ft (varies by type). Disposal = flat fee $50–$150. Floor prep = area × $0.50–$1/sq ft if included. Total = removal + disposal + prep.
Removal Type Comparison
Carpet Only ($0.50–$1/sq ft) removes just the carpet surface, leaving padding and tack strips. Rarely used — only when reusing padding or replacing carpet-only sections. Takes 30–60 minutes per room.
Carpet & Padding ($1–$2/sq ft) is the standard service. Pulls up carpet and padding, leaves tack strips for new carpet. Most common for carpet-to-carpet replacement. Takes 1–2 hours per room. Includes basic cleanup.
Carpet, Pad & Tack Strips ($1.50–$2.50/sq ft) is full removal for non-carpet flooring. Removes everything down to subfloor. Required for hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl. Takes 2–3 hours per room. Includes staple removal.
Glued-Down Carpet ($2–$4/sq ft) for carpet adhered with mastic or adhesive. Requires scraping with floor scraper. Very labor-intensive. Common in basements and commercial spaces. Takes 4–6 hours per room. May need adhesive remover chemicals.
Additional Costs
Our estimates cover basic removal. Not included: stairs ($3–$5 per step), furniture moving ($50–$150 per room), subfloor repair ($2–$5/sq ft for damaged areas), asbestos testing ($200–$400 for pre-1980 homes), and travel fees ($50–$100 for rural areas).
Floor Prep After Removal
Basic Cleaning (included): Vacuum staples and debris, sweep subfloor. Standard after carpet removal.
Floor Prep ($0.50–$1/sq ft): Remove all staples with pliers, scrape adhesive residue, sand high spots, fill low spots with floor patch. Required for smooth flooring like laminate or vinyl. Adds 2–4 hours per room.
Subfloor Replacement ($2–$5/sq ft): Replace damaged OSB or plywood. Needed if subfloor has water damage, rot, or major structural issues. Add 1–2 days to project.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and verified flooring contractor estimates. Labor rates based on 2026 regional averages. We review and update regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet removal cost? +
Carpet removal costs $1–$2 per sq ft for carpet and padding removal. A 300 sq ft room costs $300–$600. Full removal including tack strips costs $1.50–$2.50/sq ft ($450–$750 for 300 sq ft). Glued-down carpet costs $2–$4/sq ft due to scraping labor. Add $50–$150 for disposal and $0.50–$1/sq ft for floor prep.
Can I remove carpet myself to save money? +
Yes, DIY carpet removal is straightforward and saves 70–80% on labor. Rent tools: utility knife ($5), pry bar ($10), knee pads ($15). Cut carpet into strips, roll up, pull tack strips, remove staples. Takes 2–4 hours for average room. Rent dumpster ($100–$200) or haul to dump ($30–$50). Heavy work — get help for large rooms.
How long does professional carpet removal take? +
Professional crews remove carpet from a 300 sq ft room in 1–2 hours including disposal. Whole house (1,500 sq ft) takes 4–6 hours. Glued carpet takes 2–3× longer due to scraping. Stairs add 1–2 hours. Most contractors complete removal same day and haul away debris. Schedule removal 1–2 days before new flooring installation.
What is included in carpet removal? +
Standard carpet removal includes: pulling up carpet, removing padding, and hauling away. Does NOT include: removing tack strips (add $0.50–$1/sq ft), removing staples, repairing subfloor damage, or floor prep/cleaning. Specify what's included when getting quotes. Some contractors charge extra for stairs ($3–$5 per step).
Do I need to remove tack strips? +
Depends on new flooring type. Remove tack strips for: tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank (strips create bumps). Leave tack strips for: new carpet installation (reusable if undamaged). Removal costs $0.50–$1/sq ft and takes 1–2 hours per room with pry bar. Wear gloves — tacks are sharp and rusty.
How much does it cost to remove glued-down carpet? +
Glued-down carpet removal costs $2–$4 per sq ft, double normal carpet. Requires scraping adhesive with floor scraper, which is labor-intensive. Rent floor scraper ($75/day) or hire professionals. Chemical solvents help loosen glue ($20–$40/gallon). Common in basements, commercial spaces, and 1970s–1980s homes. Allow extra time for this type.
Can I put new flooring over old carpet? +
No, never install new flooring over old carpet. Carpet compresses under weight, causing tile to crack, hardwood to buckle, and laminate to separate. Remove all carpet and padding first. Exception: Some luxury vinyl planks can go over thin commercial carpet tiles with manufacturer approval, but residential carpet must always be removed first.
What do I do with old carpet after removal? +
Options: (1) Rent dumpster ($100–$200 for 10 yard), (2) haul to dump yourself ($30–$50 disposal fee), (3) hire junk removal ($150–$300 full-service), or (4) check if new flooring installer includes removal/disposal. Roll carpet into 4-ft sections secured with tape for easier hauling. Carpet weighs 2–5 lbs/sq ft with padding.
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