Are you ready for new carpet in your home? If so, you are probably wondering how long it will take to install your carpet. To properly answer your question, we researched the subject and gathered the most reliable information. See our findings below.
In most cases, it takes approximately one day to install 1,000 square feet of carpet. However, this estimate will vary depending on several factors, including the following:
- Individual Room Size
- Size and Efficiency of Installation Crew
- Total Square Footage
- Old Carpet/Floor Removal
- Furniture Removal
- Shape of Rooms
- Stairs
There is so much to learn before getting new carpet installed. Keep reading to find out how different variables can affect installation time, how long it takes to install carpet in four bedrooms, DIY vs. professional installation times, and more.
How Long Should Carpet Installation Take?
Although installation times will vary, most crews can have 1,000 square feet of carpet installed within one day or less. However, several factors affect this estimate.
Preparation
You should always take preparation into consideration. If you expect the installation process to be finished within a day, that time will likely be extended if the carpet crew has to remove furniture and tear out your existing floor covering. In many cases, floor and furniture removal will add an extra day to the process.
Installation Crew
If you have an inexperienced crew, the job will likely take longer than usual. Likewise, if you have a smaller than normal crew, you can expect the job to take more time. If you hire a company with extra manpower, they may be able to get the job done quicker than a day.
Room Size and Shape
The size and shape of each room can extend or reduce the installation time. According to Carpet Guys, it will be a fairly straightforward task if the room is completely square with no odd-shaped surfaces.
However, if the room has many corners and/or odd-shaped surfaces, the work will be more tedious, adding to the time it takes for completion. Additionally, if you want carpet on your stairs, it will take relatively longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Lay Carpet on Stairs and Landing?
When laying carpet over stairs, installation time will depend on the type of carpet and technique used. If it's not oddly shaped or overly large when considering the landing, it should only take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the process.
Low Pile
Low pile is the easiest to install, and most professionals can get the job done in under two minutes per step. If you are inexperienced and doing it yourself, it could take around three to four minutes per step.
Cut/Loop/Medium Pile and Berber
Cut pile, loop pile, medium pile, and Berber are more tedious to cut but still average around the same times as low pile carpet. If doing it yourself, you should be able to finish the process at a rate of about three to four minutes per step. Whereas a professional can typically get it done within two minutes.
Shag and High Pile
Shag and high pile carpets are significantly more difficult to cut than other types of carpet. For this reason, if you are installing the carpet yourself, it may take up to 10 minutes per step. However, experienced professionals can typically get the job done within three minutes.
While the above estimates are based on the type of carpet, the technique used also plays a role in how long the installation will take for stairs.
Waterfall Technique
This is the fastest technique for fully laying carpet on stairs. The technician will cut one piece of carpet the width of the stairs, starting at the bottom and working his way up. If you are doing the work yourself, you should expect it to take approximately three minutes per step. However, professionals can generally get it done in under two minutes.
Carpet Panel Stapling Technique
This is the easiest and least time-consuming method for installing carpet on stairs. Note that carpet panels will partially cover your steps. Staple or glue the panels to the stair steps. The process should take less than one minute per step, whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a professional.
Cap and Band Technique
With this technique, it takes more time and patience. The technician will cut two separate pieces of carpet for each step, fitting them accordingly. Although more work is involved, experienced technicians can usually complete the installation using this technique within two to three minutes. If you are trying to do it yourself, you can expect it to take around 10 minutes per step.
How Long Does it Take to Install Carpet in Four Bedrooms?
The length of time it takes to install carpet in four bedrooms will vary, depending on the size of the rooms and how they are shaped. Remember, you must also factor in moving furniture and prepping the existing floor. That being said, the average bedroom is approximately 132 square feet.
It should take roughly one day to install 1,000 square feet of carpet. If the bedrooms are equal to 132 square feet, you can probably expect it to take a seasoned professional less than a day to install carpet in four bedrooms without moving furniture or ripping up old carpet/flooring.
How Long Does it Take a Carpet Fitter to Install Carpet vs. DIY?
While professional carpet technicians typically finish carpet installation within one or two days, depending on the prep work, it can take significantly longer if you go the DIY route. Not only will it take more time, but it will be a lot more frustrating.
If you have some handyman experience, you may be able to install your own carpet within two to three days. However, if you have no experience, you could be looking at a week or more. Carpet installation looks pretty simple, but the process is not without its difficulties.
What to Do After Installation
Once your carpet is properly installed, you will need to keep the area well ventilated. Many carpet glues put off fumes which can make you sick. Some experts recommend waiting two or three days before sleeping in a room with newly placed carpet.
However, in most cases, you can safely sleep in the area right after completion as long as plenty of ventilation. Always check the manufacturer specifications because some carpet glues may produce harmful off-gassing, in which case, it would be dangerous to sleep in the room before the fumes have cleared.
Does New Carpet Need to Settle?
Although many people believe that new carpet needs to settle, it simply isn't true. No matter what you do, your new carpet will shed. You have to keep the debris cleaned up. You can vacuum your new carpet whenever you are ready. In fact, it's best to vacuum quite often within the first week or two after obtaining new carpet.
How Long After Carpet Installation Can You Walk on It?
Although it takes roughly 24 hours for the glue to dry, you should begin walking on your carpet immediately following installation. A fair amount of foot traffic will help the carpet stick to the floor better.
How Long After Carpet Installation Can You Replace Furniture?
While you can walk on your new carpet as soon as it is installed, the same does not apply to replacing furniture. Since the carpet glue will take at least 24 hours to dry, you should not replace your furniture before that timeframe has passed. Doing so will harm your carpet, leaving large indentations in the floor. The heavy furniture will press down and cause the glue to seep too far into the carpet fibers.
In Closing
On average, carpet installation should take one or two days, depending on how much prep work needs to be done. It will take significantly less time for a seasoned professional to lay carpet compared to someone with no experience. Carpeting stairs and oddly shaped rooms will add extra time to the job, and the crew's efficiency also plays a major role.
To learn more about carpet installation, read this post on our blog about installing carpet on staircases. Find out if the cost of carpet installation includes moving furniture by reading this article. Finally, learn how to properly prepare for your carpet installation here.