Key Takeaways
| Bedroom Size | Budget Install | Mid-Grade Install | Premium Install |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (small) | $400–$550 | $600–$800 | $900–$1,200 |
| 150 sq ft (standard) | $600–$825 | $900–$1,200 | $1,350–$1,800 |
| 200 sq ft (master) | $800–$1,100 | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,400 |
| 250 sq ft (large master) | $1,000–$1,375 | $1,500–$2,000 | $2,250–$3,000 |
Add-ons: Closet carpet ($50–$200 per closet), furniture moving ($50–$150), old carpet removal ($50–$300), subfloor repair ($100–$400).
Standard Bedroom Sizes and Costs
A standard Ottawa bedroom measures 120 to 150 square feet. That’s a 10×12 or 10×15 room. Installed carpet costs $6 to $12 per square foot depending on material quality.
At $7 per square foot, a 150-square-foot bedroom costs $1,050 installed. That includes mid-grade nylon carpet and standard rubber padding. It doesn’t include furniture moving or old carpet removal—those are add-ons.
Master bedrooms run 180 to 250 square feet. At the same rate, a 200-square-foot master costs $1,400 installed. Larger rooms generate less waste per square foot because there are fewer cuts and seams.
Small bedrooms or guest rooms run 80 to 100 square feet. At $7 per square foot, a 100-square-foot room costs $700. But installers often charge a minimum fee of $500 to $800 per job, so small rooms don’t scale down proportionally.
For more on bedroom-specific installation, see our bedroom carpet installation page.
Material Costs for Bedroom Carpet
Bedroom carpet runs $2 to $10 per square foot depending on fiber and construction. Polyester costs $2 to $3 per square foot. It’s soft and works for low-traffic bedrooms, but it mats down in high-traffic areas like doorways.
Nylon costs $3 to $6 per square foot. It’s more durable than polyester and resists staining better. For bedrooms that see daily use—master bedrooms, kids’ rooms—nylon is worth the extra dollar or two per square foot.
Wool starts at $7 per square foot and climbs past $15 for imported designs. It’s warm, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. Wool makes sense in master bedrooms where comfort and longevity matter.
Carpet texture affects price. Plush cut pile—soft and dense—costs more than textured or frieze styles. Berber loop pile sits in the middle. Pattern carpets cost more than solids because installers need to match seams.
Wide carpet rolls reduce seams and waste. Standard rolls are 12 feet wide. If your bedroom is 11 feet wide, you get one seamless piece. If it’s 13 feet wide, you need two pieces and a seam, which increases labor and waste.
Labor Costs for Bedroom Carpet
Labor runs $1.50 to $3 per square foot for a simple rectangular bedroom. Rooms with bay windows, angled closets, or multiple doorways push toward $3 to $4 per square foot.
Installers measure, cut, seam, stretch, and trim the carpet. They tack it down along the perimeter and power-stretch it to prevent ripples. A good installer leaves no visible seams and no buckling.
Closets add labor. A simple reach-in closet adds $50 to $100. A walk-in closet adds $100 to $200 depending on size and shelving. Installers cut around shelving units and tuck carpet along edges, which takes time.
Furniture moving isn’t always included. Some installers shift beds and dressers as part of the base rate. Others charge $50 to $150 per bedroom depending on furniture volume.
Old carpet removal costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot. For a 150-square-foot bedroom, that’s $75 to $150. If the old carpet is glued down or if there’s hardwood underneath that needs cleaning, expect the high end.
Padding Options for Bedrooms
Bedroom padding runs $0.50 to $2 per square foot depending on density and material. Basic foam padding costs $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. It compresses within a few years and offers minimal insulation.
Rubber padding costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot. It lasts longer than foam and provides better cushioning. For bedrooms where you walk barefoot regularly, rubber padding is worth the upgrade.
Memory foam padding costs $1.50 to $2 per square foot. It’s thick, soft, and warm underfoot. It’s overkill for guest bedrooms but makes sense in master bedrooms where comfort matters.
Padding thickness matters. Standard padding is 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker padding feels softer but can create a spongy, unstable surface. Most carpet warranties require padding between 6 and 8 pounds per cubic foot density—thicker isn’t always better.
Some installers skip padding to save money. This is a mistake. Padding extends carpet life, reduces noise, and adds insulation. Without it, carpet wears through faster and feels hard underfoot.
Closet Carpet Add-Ons
Reach-in closets cost $50 to $100 to carpet. The installer cuts the carpet to fit, tucks it along the back and sides, and trims it flush with the door opening.
Walk-in closets cost $100 to $200 depending on size. A 30-square-foot walk-in at $7 per square foot costs $210 for material and labor. Add another $50 for trimming around shelving or built-ins.
Some homeowners skip closet carpet and leave the subfloor bare or paint it. This saves $50 to $200 per bedroom but creates a visible transition at the closet threshold.
Closet carpet should match bedroom carpet. Using different materials creates a visible seam and looks cheap. Installers charge the same rate for closets as for the main room—there’s no discount per square foot.
Add-On Costs for Bedroom Carpet
Old carpet removal costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot. For a 150-square-foot bedroom, expect $75 to $150. If the old carpet is glued to concrete or plywood, removal takes longer and costs more.
Furniture moving costs $50 to $150 per bedroom depending on what you own. Moving a bed, dresser, and nightstand sits at the low end. Moving a bed, two dressers, a desk, and bookshelves sits at the high end.
Subfloor repair costs $2 to $4 per square foot if the plywood is damaged, warped, or stained. Installers replace damaged sections or sand down rough spots before laying new carpet.
Transitions and thresholds cost $15 to $40 per doorway. Most bedrooms have one door, so budget $15 to $40. If the bedroom connects to a bathroom with tile, you need a transition strip to bridge the height difference.
Stain-resistant treatments cost $0.50 to $1 per square foot. Some carpets come pre-treated. Others require an add-on coating applied during installation. For kids’ bedrooms or rooms with pets, this is worth it.
For more on removing and replacing old carpet, see our carpet replacement service page.
Pricing Examples for Common Bedroom Scenarios
Scenario 1: Small guest bedroom, budget build
- 100 sq ft polyester carpet at $5/sq ft: $500
- Foam padding: included
- Furniture moving (minimal): $50
- Transition (1 doorway): $20
- Total: $570
Scenario 2: Standard bedroom, mid-grade
- 150 sq ft nylon carpet at $7/sq ft: $1,050
- Rubber padding: included
- Reach-in closet: $75
- Old carpet removal: $100
- Furniture moving: $100
- Transition (1 doorway): $25
- Total: $1,350
Scenario 3: Large master bedroom, premium
- 250 sq ft wool carpet at $11/sq ft: $2,750
- Memory foam padding: included
- Walk-in closet (40 sq ft): $200
- Old carpet removal: $200
- Furniture moving (heavy): $150
- Subfloor repair (50 sq ft): $150
- Transition (1 doorway): $30
- Stain treatment: $125
- Total: $3,605
These numbers assume standard rectangular bedrooms with one closet. Bay windows, angled walls, or multiple closets increase costs by 10% to 20%.
When to Upgrade Bedroom Carpet
Master bedrooms justify premium materials. You spend a third of your life in the bedroom. Upgrading from polyester to nylon or wool adds $2 to $5 per square foot but improves comfort and longevity.
Kids’ bedrooms benefit from stain-resistant treatments. Spills and accidents happen. Treated carpet costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot more but saves replacement costs down the line.
Guest bedrooms can use budget materials. A room that’s occupied a few weeks per year doesn’t need $10-per-square-foot wool. Mid-grade polyester at $4 to $5 per square foot is enough.
High-traffic bedrooms—rooms with direct access to bathrooms or hallways—need denser carpet. Upgrading to a higher face weight costs $1 to $2 per square foot but prevents matting in doorways.
If you’re selling the house within two years, mid-grade carpet in neutral tones is enough. Buyers notice fresh carpet but won’t pay extra for premium materials.
Use our carpet cost calculator to estimate your bedroom project.
How to Get an Accurate Bedroom Quote
Measure the room. Length times width gives you square footage. Add 10% for waste and cuts. That’s your material estimate.
Measure closets separately. Include them in your total square footage if you’re carpeting them.
Count doorways. You’ll need a transition strip for each one. Budget $15 to $40 per door.
List furniture that needs moving. The more you move yourself, the less the installer charges.
Ask what’s included in the quote. Does it cover padding? Furniture moving? Old carpet removal? Transitions? If the quote doesn’t specify, assume they’re extra.
Request itemized quotes from at least three installers. Compare material quality, padding specs, and labor rates. The lowest bid isn’t always the best—check what’s included.
Common Bedroom Carpet Mistakes
Skipping padding to save money. Padding costs $75 to $300 for a standard bedroom but extends carpet life by years. The savings aren’t worth it.
Using cheap carpet in high-traffic doorways. The area just inside the door wears faster than the rest of the room. Using builder-grade polyester there means premature replacement.
Not matching closet carpet to room carpet. Mismatched materials look cheap and create visible seams.
Ignoring furniture moving costs. If the quote doesn’t include furniture moving, you’ll pay $50 to $150 extra or do it yourself.
Installing carpet over damaged subfloor. Lumps, dips, and stains show through carpet. Fix the subfloor first or the new carpet will look wrong.
Not asking about power stretching. Installers who use only a knee kicker leave ripples. Power stretching is required for a tight, clean install.
For help fixing carpet issues, see our carpet stretching service page.
FAQ
How much does it cost to carpet a 150 sq ft bedroom in Ottawa? $600 to $1,200 depending on carpet quality. Budget polyester installs cost $600 to $825. Mid-grade nylon costs $900 to $1,200. Premium wool costs $1,350 to $1,800.
Does the price include padding? Usually. Most quotes bundle padding with the carpet. Always ask to confirm. Separate padding costs $0.50 to $2 per square foot.
How much does it cost to carpet a bedroom closet? $50 to $100 for a reach-in closet, $100 to $200 for a walk-in closet. The installer charges the same per-square-foot rate as the main room.
Can I install carpet in one bedroom or do I need to do the whole house? You can do one bedroom at a time. There’s no requirement to carpet multiple rooms. Some installers charge a minimum fee of $500 to $800 per visit.
How long does it take to install carpet in a bedroom? Two to four hours for a standard bedroom. That includes moving furniture, removing old carpet, and installing new carpet with padding.
Is it cheaper to buy carpet and hire installation separately? Rarely. Installers mark up materials but discount labor when you bundle. Buying carpet retail and hiring separate labor usually costs more.
What’s the best carpet for a master bedroom? Nylon or wool with rubber or memory foam padding. It’s soft underfoot, durable, and warm. Expect to pay $8 to $12 per square foot installed.
Do I need to move furniture before the installer arrives? Most installers move basic furniture as part of the job. Heavy or fragile items should be moved beforehand, or the installer will charge extra.
How much does it cost to remove old bedroom carpet? $0.50 to $1 per square foot. For a 150 sq ft bedroom, expect $75 to $150.
Can I use the same carpet in bedrooms and hallways? Yes, and it’s recommended. Using the same carpet creates a cohesive look and reduces visible seams between rooms.