Worn-out carpets can make any home feel drab and uncomfortable. When cleaning no longer restores the carpet’s appeal, it’s time to consider replacing it. While tile and hardwood flooring have their fans, many homeowners still love the soft, cozy feel of new carpet. Plus, carpet provides the added benefit of insulation, helping to keep rooms warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, installing carpet is not always an easy DIY project, requiring specialized tools and skills. That’s where professional carpet installation services come in.
Whether you’re replacing old carpet or installing new carpet for the first time, finding the best carpet installation company is crucial. A reliable company will ensure excellent customer service and might even offer a free estimate, helping you make an informed decision. Since carpet typically lasts for 10 or more years, it’s important to choose a company that will get the job done right. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best carpet installation company for your home.
- Best Overall: Luna
- Runner-Up: Empire Today
- Best Bang for the Buck: National Floors Direct
- Also Consider: The Home Depot
Why Luna Stands Out: Low Prices, Quick Service, and Great Discounts
Luna has earned its reputation as a top-tier carpet installation company thanks to its 110% low-price guarantee, next-day installation, and attractive discounts. The company promises to beat any competitor’s price by not only matching it but refunding 110% of the difference. For instance, if a competitor offers a $100 lower estimate within 30 days of your order, Luna will give you $110 back. Additionally, customers can save even more with a $200 discount just for signing up for Luna’s email list. For those in a hurry, Luna often offers next-day installation for in-stock carpets, making it a great option for homeowners who need quick service.
While Luna’s website can be challenging to navigate and may lack detailed product and pricing information without booking an in-home appointment, these free estimates provide accurate quotes and personalized service. Booking an appointment is easy, whether online or by phone, and all installations come with a 1-year warranty. Luna also offers 50-month service plans that cover damages like stains, tears, and snags, which are not typically included in standard warranties—ideal for homeowners who want long-term protection for their new carpet.
Specs:
- Service Area: 27 states and Washington, D.C.
- Estimate Scheduling: Online, phone
- In-Home Shopping: Yes
- Next-Day Installation: Available for in-stock carpets
- Warranty: 1-year installation warranty
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Service Area | Estimate Scheduling | In-Home Shopping | Next-Day Installation | Warranty | |
| Luna | 27 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | Yes | For in-stock carpets | 1-year installation warranty |
| Empire Today | 26 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | Yes | For in-stock carpets | 1-year installation warranty |
| National Floors Direct | Not disclosed | Online, phone | Yes | At select locations | Not specified |
| The Home Depot | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | No consultation | Not available | Lifetime labor warranty |
Why Empire Today Made the Cut
Empire Today offers an extensive selection of carpet textures, colors, and styles, which customers can explore and even test virtually using a visualizer tool. With options like next-day installation, transparent pricing, and an optional 5-year service plan, Empire Today stands out as a top choice for carpet installation.
Diverse Carpet Options: Choosing new carpet can be an exciting process, but a limited selection can make it feel overwhelming. Empire Today eliminates that problem by offering a broad range of carpets, including indoor/outdoor, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, pet-friendly, and odor-neutralizing varieties. This variety allows homeowners to find the perfect carpet to match their needs and preferences. Additionally, Empire Today’s room visualizer tool lets customers see how different carpets will look in their space by simply uploading a photo, making the decision-making process smoother and more personalized.
Transparent Pricing: Although Empire Today doesn’t list prices online, their comprehensive in-home estimates ensure there are no surprises. These estimates include all associated costs, such as moving furniture, removing old carpet, and cleanup, giving customers a clear understanding of the total expense before committing.
Convenient and Fast Installation: For those eager to refresh their home quickly, Empire Today offers next-day installation for in-stock carpets, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy your new flooring. While the standard installation warranty is limited to 1 year, Empire Today also offers a 5-year service plan that covers additional wear and tear, such as stains, snags, and unraveling. This extended protection can be especially valuable for families with young children or pets, ensuring that your new carpet stays in great condition for years.
Specs
- Service Area: 26 states and Washington, D.C.
- Estimate Scheduling: Online, phone
- In-Home Shopping: Yes
- Next-Day Installation: Available for in-stock carpets
- Warranty: 1-year installation warranty
How We Selected the Best Carpet Installation Companies
To identify the top carpet installation companies, we began by compiling a list of potential options and conducting thorough research on each one. We evaluated key factors such as service area coverage, ease of estimate scheduling, pricing transparency, financing options, warranties, and the overall installation process. Additional services, like in-home shopping, also helped some companies stand out, though they weren’t the sole criteria for making the list.
It was crucial that the companies we selected employed trained, experienced professionals who could ensure high-quality carpet installations and effectively represent the company when interacting with customers. The best carpet installation companies provide transparent pricing, straightforward scheduling, and efficient communication to enhance customer understanding and streamline the installation process.
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Carpet Installation Company
Before deciding to hire a carpet installation company, homeowners should consider several factors. First, they should determine if a new carpet is truly necessary. In some cases, a professional cleaning might be sufficient to restore the carpet to a like-new condition. For example, hiring one of the best carpet cleaning companies, such as Stanley Steemer, could be a more cost-effective alternative, with professional cleaning services averaging around $178. For an even more budget-friendly option, homeowners might consider renting a carpet cleaner, which can cost as little as $30 per day.
If the current carpet is still in relatively good shape but requires minor repairs, homeowners might find that carpet repair is a more affordable option. The cost for carpet repairs typically ranges from $131 to $278, depending on the extent of the damage.
When wall-to-wall carpeting begins to bunch, ripple, or wrinkle, a homeowner might initially consider replacing it. However, stretching the carpet could restore it to its original condition. While this DIY project can be labor-intensive and requires specialized tools, it can be a more cost-effective solution than replacing the carpet entirely.
If replacing the carpet is necessary, homeowners may consider whether they can handle a DIY carpet installation. Carpet replacement is not the most challenging DIY project, but it does require some skill and the right tools. Homeowners should carefully assess their abilities and tool availability before deciding to take on this task themselves. If they’re unsure or unwilling to handle the installation, it’s wise to research multiple companies to find the best carpet installation service for their needs, rather than settling for the first option that comes up.
After evaluating their flooring needs, homeowners might decide that carpet isn’t the best option for their space. In such cases, considering other flooring materials like hardwood or laminate might be more suitable. Homeowners can explore these alternatives by looking into some of the best flooring companies that offer a broader range of options.
