How Long Does It Take to Install Carpet? Timing, Prep, and Smart Shortcuts

If you’re planning a flooring upgrade, one of the first questions you’ll ask is how long does it take to install carpet. The answer depends on square footage, prep work, and whether you’re installing over existing flooring like tile or laminate. Let’s break it down so you can schedule your project without surprises. 🧰

Carpet installation itself is fast—the time sink is usually in the prep (removing furniture, pulling old flooring, or fixing the subfloor).

How Long Does It Take to Install Carpet? (The Short Answer)

For an average-sized room (200–400 sq ft), professional carpet installation usually takes 2–4 hours once the space is clear. A full two-car garage–sized home (≈1,000–1,500 sq ft) may take a full day, sometimes stretching into a second day if there’s complex cutting, stairs, or heavy furniture moving.

Industry sources like Home Depot’s flooring installation guides confirm that professional crews often measure carpet jobs in hours, not days—especially once the room is ready.

A sunlit living room featuring a cozy beige sectional sofa adorned with matching cushions. A framed botanical print complements the modern decor, while a lush potted plant and a plush rug enhance the inviting ambiance.

What Adds Time to Carpet Installation?

• Furniture removal: Expect to add 30–60 minutes per room if installers need to move beds, couches, or tables.

• Old flooring removal: Pulling up old carpet adds time; removing glued-down carpet, tile, or laminate can take hours.

• Subfloor repair: Fixing squeaks, dips, or water-damaged plywood will extend the schedule.

• Stairs: Wrapping and cutting carpet for stairs is meticulous and can add 1–2 hours for a flight.

• Complex layouts: Rooms with many angles, closets, or patterns require extra cutting and seaming.

A single clean square room? Fast. Multiple rooms, stairs, and demolition? Block off the day.

Can You Install Carpet Over Tile?

Yes, in some cases you can install carpet over tile, but only if the tile is secure, level, and clean. Installers usually apply a tack strip around the perimeter and pad over the tile before stretching carpet.

• If tiles are loose or uneven, they need to be repaired or removed first.

• Carpet over tile raises floor height; watch out for doors and transitions.

According to Angi’s flooring installation experts (https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-install-carpet.htm), professional installers often prefer removal for longevity, but over-tile installs can work as a time saver.

A close-up view of a textured carpet in a living room

Can You Install Carpet Over Laminate?

Technically, you can install carpet over laminate, but it’s rarely recommended. Here’s why:

• Laminate is a floating floor and can flex under pressure, making tack strip attachment tricky.

• Carpet over laminate can trap moisture, risking mold.

• Floor height may rise significantly, interfering with doors and thresholds.

Most pros advise removing laminate first for a smoother, more secure installation.

Step-by-Step Timeline of a Standard Carpet Install

1. Clear the room – Furniture out, baseboards optional (30–60 minutes).

2. Remove old carpet/flooring – Cut, pull, and haul (30–90 minutes per room).

3. Prep subfloor – Sweep, repair, and tack strips (30 minutes).

4. Lay padding – Staple or glue, trim edges (15–30 minutes).

5. Roll out carpet – Cut to fit, align seams (30–60 minutes).

6. Stretch and secure – Power stretcher + knee kicker (30–60 minutes).

7. Trim and finish – Cut edges, tuck under baseboards, vacuum (30 minutes).

Total = 2–4 hours for a standard room, more if demo or stairs are involved.

FAQ

How long does it take to install carpet in a bedroom?

About 2–4 hours if the room is cleared and the subfloor is sound.

Can you install carpet over tile?

Yes, if tile is secure and level, though removal is better long term.

Can you install carpet over laminate?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended—laminate should usually come out first.

How long for a whole house?

1,000–1,500 sq ft often takes 1–2 days with a pro crew.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to install carpet? For one room, just a few hours; for an entire house, one to two days. The real time sink is prep—moving furniture, removing old flooring, and fixing subfloors. While you can install carpet over tile (with caveats) and sometimes over laminate, the smoothest and longest-lasting installs usually come from starting fresh. Clear the room, plan for a solid base, and you’ll be walking on plush comfort in no time. 🙂

A high angle view of a vintage-style carpet in a modern living room