Key Takeaways
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average room cost | $150–$400 depending on size and furniture |
| Full house cost | $300–$800 for 3–4 rooms |
| When it works | Carpet under 10 years, no major damage, proper installation originally |
| When it doesn’t | Worn fibers, water damage, poor subfloor, cheap padding |
| Typical timeline | 2–4 hours for one room |
| Re-stretching frequency | Once every 5–10 years in high-traffic areas |
What Carpet Stretching Actually Costs in Ottawa
A single room runs $150 to $250 if furniture is minimal. Add another $50 to $100 if the installer has to move a bed, dresser, or heavy couch. Two rooms cost $250 to $400. A full house with three or four rooms typically lands between $300 and $800.
The price depends on room size, furniture load, and whether the carpet was installed with power stretchers originally. If the installer finds tack strips damaged or padding compressed, the job gets more expensive.
Some companies charge a flat trip fee—usually $75 to $125—then add per-room rates. Others quote by square footage, around $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The math works out roughly the same.
Basement rooms with heavy gym equipment or sectional sofas cost more. Stairs are a separate line item, usually $75 to $150 for a full flight.
If you need carpet repair along with stretching—patching a hole or fixing a seam—expect to add $100 to $300 depending on the damage.
When Stretching Works and When It Doesn’t
Stretching fixes ripples caused by humidity, foot traffic, or poor installation. It works when the carpet fibers are still intact and the backing hasn’t delaminated.
If the carpet is under ten years old and shows no bald spots or fraying, stretching usually restores a flat surface. If the ripples appeared suddenly after a humid summer or winter dry spell, the problem is likely tension related.
Stretching doesn’t work when the carpet backing has rotted, when padding has disintegrated, or when the subfloor is uneven. It also fails if the carpet was cut too short during installation—there’s only so much material to pull.
Water damage is a common deal-breaker. If the carpet sat wet for more than 48 hours, the backing may have separated. Stretching won’t fix that.
Pet urine is another complication. If the padding is soaked, stretching only spreads the smell. You’ll need carpet replacement or at least new padding.
Old carpet—fifteen years or older—often tears when stretched. The fibers have lost elasticity. At that point, replacement makes more sense.
How the Stretching Process Actually Happens
The installer clears the room of furniture or moves it to one side. They pull the carpet loose from tack strips along one wall, then use a power stretcher—a long pole with a lever—to pull the carpet tight from the opposite wall.
The stretcher braces against one wall and hooks into the carpet near the other. The installer pumps the lever, pulling tension across the room. Once tight, they trim excess carpet and re-tack it to the strips.
For a standard bedroom, this takes about two hours. Larger rooms or rooms with multiple doorways take longer. The installer repeats the process in perpendicular directions to eliminate all ripples.
If the padding is compressed in spots, they may lift the carpet and add new padding in those areas. This adds time and cost.
After stretching, the carpet should lie flat with no visible waves. If ripples return within a few weeks, the installer either didn’t use enough tension or the underlying problem wasn’t addressed.
Why Ripples Happen in the First Place
Most ripples come from improper installation. If the installer used a knee kicker instead of a power stretcher, the carpet wasn’t stretched tight enough. Over time, foot traffic and humidity cause it to buckle.
Humidity is the second-biggest cause. Carpet absorbs moisture in summer and releases it in winter. This expansion and contraction creates slack. Basements are especially prone to this.
Heavy furniture left in one spot for years can also create ripples. The weight compresses the padding unevenly, and when you move the furniture, the carpet doesn’t bounce back.
Cheap padding wears out faster. It compresses into hard lumps, creating uneven tension. This is common in builder-grade installations.
Dragging heavy objects across the carpet—furniture, appliances, gym equipment—can pull it loose from tack strips. Once the edge comes free, ripples spread inward.
If you’re dealing with basement carpet, the concrete slab may have moisture issues. The padding absorbs water, expands, and pushles the carpet into waves.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Ripples
Ripples aren’t just ugly. They’re a tripping hazard, especially for older adults or anyone with mobility issues. A wrinkle near a stairway is particularly dangerous.
Walking on rippled carpet wears the fibers faster. The high points get more foot traffic and bald out quicker. You’ll see traffic lanes develop along the peaks.
Ripples also stress the carpet backing. The constant flexing causes the backing to separate from the pile. Once that happens, stretching won’t help.
If you plan to sell your home, rippled carpet signals neglect to buyers. It’s a red flag that the house hasn’t been maintained. You’ll either have to stretch it before listing or accept a lower offer.
Insurance companies sometimes deny claims if a fall happens on visibly rippled carpet. They argue it’s a maintenance issue, not an accident.
Stretching vs Replacing: The Real Decision
Stretching costs a fraction of replacement. A $300 stretching job beats a $2,000 replacement any day—if the carpet is worth saving.
If the carpet is less than eight years old, has no stains, and matches your furniture, stretch it. If it’s twelve years old, stained, and outdated, replace it.
The calculation changes if you’re selling. Buyers don’t care if the carpet is freshly stretched. They want new carpet or hardwood. Stretching for your own comfort makes sense. Stretching to impress buyers usually doesn’t.
If the ripples are in one room and the rest of the house is fine, stretching is the obvious move. If every room has ripples, the installation was bad from the start. You’ll be stretching again in a few years.
Use the carpet cost calculator to compare stretching versus replacement costs for your specific situation.
How Long Stretched Carpet Stays Flat
Properly stretched carpet should stay flat for five to ten years. High-traffic areas may need re-stretching sooner. Basements with humidity swings may need it every three to five years.
If ripples return within six months, the stretching was done poorly or the underlying issue wasn’t fixed. A good installer will guarantee their work for at least a year.
The quality of the original installation matters. If the carpet was power-stretched initially, re-stretching lasts longer. If it was knee-kicked, you’re fighting a losing battle.
Upgrading the padding during stretching can extend the life of the carpet. New 8-pound padding costs $1 to $2 per square foot but makes the carpet feel new again.
If you’re in an older home with uneven subfloors, stretching may not hold. The carpet will keep buckling until the subfloor is leveled.
Finding a Stretching Service in Ottawa
Most carpet installers offer stretching as a standalone service. Some specialize in repairs and don’t do new installations at all. Those shops tend to be cheaper.
Ask if they use a power stretcher. If they say “knee kicker,” walk away. Knee kickers are fine for small adjustments, not full-room stretching.
Get quotes from at least two companies. Prices vary widely. Some charge by the room, others by the hour. Make sure the quote includes moving furniture.
Check if they’ll inspect the padding and subfloor. A good installer will tell you if stretching won’t work before they start.
If you need urgent help, check if the company offers same-day service. Some Ottawa installers will come out within 24 hours for an extra fee.
For professional stretching and repair services, contact us for a free estimate. We serve all of Ottawa and surrounding areas, including Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans.
FAQ
How much does it cost to stretch carpet in one room in Ottawa? $150 to $250 for a standard bedroom or living room. Add $50 to $100 if the installer has to move heavy furniture.
Can I stretch carpet myself? Not recommended. Power stretchers cost $300 to rent and require practice. Improper stretching damages the carpet or leaves ripples.
How long does carpet stretching take? Two to four hours for one room. A full house takes half a day to a full day depending on furniture and room count.
Will stretching remove all wrinkles? If the carpet and padding are in good shape, yes. If the backing is damaged or the padding is shot, ripples may return.
How often does carpet need re-stretching? Every five to ten years in normal conditions. Basements or high-humidity areas may need it every three to five years.
Does stretching damage the carpet? No, if done correctly with a power stretcher. Knee kickers can cause tears in older carpet.
Can you stretch carpet without moving furniture? Not properly. The installer needs access to all four walls to pull tension evenly.
Is carpet stretching covered by warranty? Sometimes. If the original installation was faulty, the installer may cover re-stretching. Check your warranty terms.
What’s the difference between a knee kicker and a power stretcher? A knee kicker is a short tool for small adjustments. A power stretcher spans the room and creates proper tension. Only power stretchers fix ripples permanently.
Can stretching fix carpet buckling on stairs? Yes, but it’s more complex. Stair carpet requires precise tucking and re-tacking. Expect to pay $75 to $150 for a full flight. Learn more about stair carpet repairs.