Key Takeaways
- Cost range: $6–$15 per square foot installed (carpet + underlay + labor)
- Site visit required: Assess subfloor, measure space, confirm access and timing
- After-hours premium: Add 20–40% for evenings/weekends to avoid business disruption
- Subfloor prep: Leveling, patching, and moisture testing add $1–$3 per sq ft
- Lead time: 2–6 weeks from order to installation for most commercial carpet
- Warranty: Commercial carpet typically carries 10–15 year manufacturer warranty
- Maintenance: Budget $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft annually for cleaning and upkeep
Commercial vs. Residential Carpet: Why Costs Differ
Commercial carpet is built for punishment. High foot traffic. Rolling office chairs. Constant wear. It’s denser, thicker-backed, and more durable than residential carpet.
Commercial carpet uses solution-dyed nylon or polypropylene fibers. The color goes through the entire fiber. It doesn’t fade. Residential carpet often uses surface-dyed fibers that wear and fade faster.
Installation methods differ. Residential carpet uses stretch-in installation with tack strips. Commercial carpet uses glue-down installation. The carpet backing adheres directly to the subfloor. This creates a flatter, more stable surface that handles office chairs and carts.
Glue-down installation requires a perfectly level subfloor. Any dips or bumps telegraph through the carpet. Subfloor prep adds time and cost to commercial jobs.
Commercial carpet installation also involves coordination. Businesses can’t shut down for a day. Installation happens after hours or on weekends. Installers charge a premium for off-hours work.
For a 2,000-square-foot office, expect to pay $12,000–$30,000 for carpet, underlay (if used), subfloor prep, and installation. Budget carpet brings the cost down to $8,000–$10,000. High-end modular carpet tiles push it to $40,000+.
Cost Breakdown by Component
| Component | Cost per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $3–$10 | Broadloom or modular tiles; price varies by fiber type and brand |
| Underlay | $0.50–$2 | Optional for commercial; used mainly for comfort in private offices |
| Subfloor prep | $1–$3 | Leveling, patching, moisture barrier; required for glue-down |
| Adhesive | $0.50–$1 | Moisture-resistant adhesive for glue-down installation |
| Labor | $2–$5 | Installation, seaming, trimming, cleanup |
| After-hours premium | +20–40% | Evenings, weekends, or overnight work to avoid disruption |
| Furniture moving | $200–$1,000 | Desks, chairs, filing cabinets; some installers include this, others charge separately |
| Waste factor | +10–15% | Extra carpet for cuts, seams, and future repairs |
For a straightforward office install during business hours, total cost runs $6–$10 per square foot. For complex layouts, after-hours work, or premium carpet, expect $12–$15 per square foot.
Site Visit and Pre-Install Assessment
Commercial installations start with a site visit. The installer inspects the space. They measure. They assess the subfloor. They identify challenges.
The site visit answers critical questions:
- Subfloor condition: Concrete or wood? Level or uneven? Moisture present?
- Access: Elevator availability? Loading dock? Stair width for carrying materials?
- Timing: Can installation happen during business hours, or does it need to be after-hours?
- Furniture: Does it need to be moved? By whom?
- Existing flooring: Does old carpet or tile need removal? What condition is it in?
A good site visit produces an accurate quote. A skipped or rushed site visit produces surprises during installation—extra costs, delays, or subfloor problems that halt the job.
For commercial carpet in Ottawa, request a site visit from at least two installers. Compare their assessments. If one installer says the subfloor is fine and another says it needs $2,000 in prep work, get a third opinion.
Subfloor Preparation Requirements
Commercial glue-down carpet requires a flat, clean, dry subfloor. Concrete subfloors in Ottawa offices are common. They’re durable but rarely perfect.
Leveling: High spots get ground down. Low spots get filled with self-leveling compound. The subfloor needs to be flat within 1/8 inch over 10 feet. Anything beyond that creates visible bumps in the carpet.
Patching: Cracks wider than 1/8 inch need filling. Use concrete crack filler or epoxy. Small cracks are fine—they won’t affect the carpet.
Moisture testing: Concrete slabs can release moisture vapor. Test the slab with a calcium chloride test or plastic sheet test. If moisture levels are high, apply a moisture barrier before gluing carpet.
Cleaning: Dust, grease, and old adhesive prevent new adhesive from bonding. Power-wash or scrub the subfloor. Let it dry completely before installation.
Subfloor prep takes time. For a 2,000-square-foot space, plan 1–2 days for prep work. Rushed prep leads to adhesive failure and carpet that lifts at the seams.
Budget $1–$3 per square foot for subfloor prep. Some installers include basic cleaning in their quote. Extensive leveling or moisture mitigation costs extra.
Broadloom vs. Modular Carpet Tiles
Broadloom is carpet sold in 12-foot-wide rolls. It’s cut to fit the room and glued down as a single piece. Seams occur where rolls meet.
Modular carpet tiles are 18-by-18-inch or 24-by-24-inch squares. They click together or lay loose. No adhesive required for some types. Easy to replace if a tile gets damaged.
| Feature | Broadloom | Modular Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3–$6 per sq ft | $5–$12 per sq ft |
| Installation | Glue-down; seamless look | Click-together or glued; grid pattern visible |
| Repairs | Hard—requires patch or replacement of large section | Easy—pop out damaged tile, replace with new one |
| Design flexibility | Limited; one color/pattern per area | High; mix colors and patterns for custom designs |
| Typical use | Large open spaces, hallways | Offices, retail, areas with frequent spills |
Broadloom is cheaper and creates a seamless appearance. Modular tiles cost more but offer easier maintenance and replacement.
For Ottawa offices with high wear (call centers, retail), modular tiles make sense. For low-traffic areas (private offices, boardrooms), broadloom works fine.
After-Hours Installation and Scheduling
Businesses don’t stop operating for carpet installation. Most commercial installs happen after hours: evenings, weekends, or overnight.
After-hours work costs more. Installers charge a premium—typically 20–40% above standard rates. A job that costs $10,000 during the day costs $12,000–$14,000 at night.
The premium covers:
- Labor: Installers work outside normal hours and expect higher pay.
- Supervision: After-hours jobs require on-site supervision to coordinate access and security.
- Complexity: Working in occupied buildings means navigating around desks, equipment, and staff who may still be on-site.
Scheduling requires coordination. Book elevator time. Arrange building access with security. Notify tenants and cleaning staff.
For large projects (5,000+ square feet), installation may span multiple nights or weekends. The installer completes one section per night. The business operates normally during the day.
Plan the install during slow periods. Avoid tax season for accounting firms. Avoid December for retail. Avoid summer for schools.
Furniture Moving and Workspace Preparation
Commercial spaces are full of furniture. Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, bookshelves, servers, and equipment all need to be moved before carpet installation.
Some installers include furniture moving in their quote. Others charge separately—$200–$1,000 depending on the amount of furniture.
Many businesses handle furniture moving internally. Staff move their own desks to a temporary area. IT disconnects servers and equipment. The installer works in the cleared space.
For large offices, hire a commercial moving company. They disconnect, move, and reconnect everything. Cost: $1,000–$5,000 depending on office size.
Plan furniture moving 1–2 weeks in advance. Create a floor plan showing where furniture will be staged during installation. Label desks and equipment so they return to the correct location.
IT equipment requires special handling. Servers can’t be unplugged without planning. Coordinate with your IT team to schedule downtime.
FAQ
How much does commercial carpet cost per square foot in Ottawa? $6–$15 per square foot installed, depending on carpet type, subfloor prep, and installation timing. Budget carpet runs $6–$8. Premium modular tiles run $12–$15.
How long does commercial carpet installation take? 1–2 days for a small office (1,000–2,000 sq ft). 3–5 days for larger spaces (5,000+ sq ft). After-hours installs take longer due to limited daily work windows.
Do I need to close my business during carpet installation? No. Most commercial installs happen after hours or on weekends. The installer works around your business schedule. Some disruption occurs, but full closure is rarely required.
Can I install carpet over existing tile or vinyl in my office? Yes, if the existing flooring is level, clean, and firmly adhered. Remove loose or damaged tiles first. Glue-down carpet works over most hard surfaces with proper prep.
What type of carpet lasts longest in high-traffic commercial spaces? Solution-dyed nylon broadloom or modular carpet tiles. Look for products with a high face weight (40+ oz per sq yard). Modular tiles are easier to replace as they wear.
How do I budget for future carpet replacement in my office? Commercial carpet lasts 10–15 years with proper maintenance. For a 2,000-sq-ft office, set aside $1,000–$2,000 annually in a capital reserve. This covers replacement when the time comes.
Is underlay necessary for commercial carpet? Usually no. Glue-down installation goes directly onto the subfloor. Underlay is used in private offices or executive areas for added comfort but is uncommon in open-plan spaces.
Can I install carpet myself to save money? Not recommended. Commercial glue-down installation requires specialized tools (rollers, trowels, seam irons) and experience. Poor installation voids the carpet warranty and creates liability if someone trips on a loose seam.
How do I maintain commercial carpet after installation? Vacuum daily. Deep-clean quarterly. Address spills immediately. Use chair mats under rolling chairs. Budget $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft annually for professional cleaning.
Where can I get a quote for commercial carpet installation in Ottawa? Contact commercial installers who provide site visits, subfloor assessments, and after-hours scheduling. For an estimate, visit our contact page.