Carpet Removal Cost 2026: Per Room & Per Sq Ft
Carpet removal costs $120 to $720 in 2026, with a national average of about $280. Most homeowners pay $0.50 to $5 per square foot, though standard stretched carpet typically lands between $1 and $2 per square foot.
A 12×12 bedroom runs $130 to $300 for removal. Whole-house removal of 1,000 square feet costs $700 to $1,500, or $1,500 to $3,000-plus for glued-down commercial carpet.
Carpet Removal Cost Overview
Here are typical 2026 contractor prices for professional carpet removal.
| Service | Average Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| National average | ~$280 |
| Typical range | $120-$720 |
| Per square foot | $0.50-$5 (most $1-$2) |
| 12×12 room | $130-$300 |
| 1,000 sq ft whole house | $700-$1,500 |
| Glued-down, 1,000 sq ft | $1,500-$3,000+ |
| DIY tools | $30-$200 |
Removal Cost by Room and Project Size
| Project | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 12×12 bedroom (144 sq ft) | $130-$300 |
| 15×20 living room (300 sq ft) | $300-$600 |
| 1,000 sq ft whole house | $700-$1,500 |
| Glued-down, 1,000 sq ft | $1,500-$3,000+ |
Stair Carpet Removal Cost
Stairs are priced per step because each one is fiddly hand work. Expect $7 to $10 per step, so a typical 13-step flight costs $91 to $130 for removal. Add disposal on top unless it is bundled.
Glued-Down vs Stretched Carpet
Installation method is the biggest cost driver. Standard stretched carpet pulls up fast and runs $1 to $2 per square foot to remove. Glued-down carpet runs about $5 per square yard and takes two to three times longer, with extra scraping and adhesive cleanup.
Extra Costs to Budget For
| Extra | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Disposal | $0.50-$1 per sq ft, or $40-$50 per room |
| Furniture moving | $0.23 per sq ft, or $60 per hour |
| Subfloor repair | ~$600 average |
| Hardwood refinishing underneath | $3-$8 per sq ft (avg $4.50) |
Many homeowners pull carpet to reveal hardwood floors. If that is your plan, budget for refinishing too, since the wood underneath almost always needs work.
Factors That Affect the Cost
- Installation method. Glued-down costs 2 to 3 times more than stretched.
- Furniture. Moving heavy furniture adds $0.23 per square foot or $60 per hour.
- Stairs. Per-step pricing at $7 to $10 each.
- Disposal. $0.50 to $1 per square foot, or $40 to $50 per room.
- Subfloor condition. Repairs average $600 when damage is found.
- What goes down next. Prepping for hardwood refinishing ($3-$8 per sq ft) adds cost.
Timeline: How Long Does Removal Take?
A two-person crew removes about 1,000 square feet in a day, including pad and tack strips. The process:
- Clear furniture from the work area.
- Cut the carpet into strips and roll it up.
- Pull up the pad and remove tack strips.
- Scrape adhesive (for glued-down carpet).
- Haul everything out for disposal.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Stretched carpet removal is very DIY-friendly. The tools cost $30 to $200: a utility knife, knee kicker, pry bar, work gloves, and a dust mask. A single room takes an afternoon.
Hire a pro for glued-down carpet, large areas, or stairs. Pros also handle disposal, which is the most annoying part of the DIY route: carpet is bulky, heavy, and many landfills charge by volume.
How to Save Money on Carpet Removal
- DIY stretched carpet. Pull it yourself and save the full labor cost.
- Bundle rooms. One visit for the whole house beats per-room minimums.
- Move furniture yourself. Avoid the $60-per-hour moving charge.
- Handle disposal yourself. A dump run beats $0.50-$1 per square foot.
- Combine with new flooring. Flooring installers often discount removal when they get the install job.
- Get three quotes. Removal pricing varies by market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet removal cost per square foot?
Carpet removal costs $0.50 to $5 per square foot in 2026. Most standard stretched carpet lands between $1 and $2 per square foot.
How much does it cost to remove carpet from a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 bedroom costs $130 to $300 for professional removal, not counting disposal or furniture moving.
Can I remove carpet myself?
Yes, stretched carpet is one of the easiest DIY demo jobs. Budget $30 to $200 for tools and plan an afternoon per room. Glued-down carpet is much harder and usually worth hiring out.
Does carpet removal include disposal?
Not always. Disposal runs $0.50 to $1 per square foot or $40 to $50 per room. Confirm whether your quote includes it before you book.
Pulling carpet to reveal wood floors? See our hardwood floor refinishing cost guide for 2026 pricing on bringing them back to life.
