Question 1

How do I convert square feet to square yards for carpet?

Accepted Answer

Simply divide the total square footage by 9. For example, a 180 sq ft room requires 20 square yards of carpet. Always add 10% waste — so 180 sq ft becomes 198 sq ft, which equals 22 square yards to order.

Question 2

How much extra carpet should I order for waste?

Accepted Answer

We recommend adding 10% to your total measurement for standard rectangular rooms to account for cuts, seams, and pattern matching. Use 15% for stairs or irregular shapes, and 20% for complex layouts with multiple seams.

Question 3

What type of carpet padding do I need?

Accepted Answer

For most residential areas, a 7/16 inch thick pad with a 6-8 lb density provides the best balance of comfort and durability. Use 8 lb density for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms, and 6 lb for bedrooms.

Question 4

How much carpet do I need for a 12×15 room?

Accepted Answer

For a 12×15 foot room (180 sq ft), you need about 22 square yards of carpet with 10% waste. Carpet is sold by the square yard, so always convert from square feet by dividing by 9.

Question 5

Why is carpet sold by the square yard?

Accepted Answer

It's an industry tradition from when carpet was manufactured in 12-foot wide rolls. One linear foot of a 12-foot roll equals 12 sq ft or 1.33 sq yd. Most stores still quote prices per square yard, though some now use square feet.

Question 6

Do I need carpet padding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. Padding extends carpet life, adds comfort, and improves insulation. Skip it and your carpet wears out faster. Standard 8 lb density works for most rooms. Go thicker for bedrooms.

Question 7

How much does carpet installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Expect $4-18 per square foot installed (carpet + padding + labor). Budget carpet runs $2-4/sq ft, mid-range $4-8/sq ft, premium $8-12/sq ft. Labor adds $1-3/sq ft. Padding is $0.50-5/sq ft depending on quality.

Question 8

What carpet type is best for high traffic areas?

Accepted Answer

Loop pile (Berber) or frieze handles traffic best. The tight loops resist crushing and hide footprints. Avoid plush or saxony in hallways or living rooms — they show every footprint and vacuum mark.

Question 9

How much waste should I add for carpet?

Accepted Answer

Add 10% for standard rectangular rooms, 15% for stairs or irregular shapes, 20% for complex layouts. Carpet comes in 12-foot wide rolls, so seam placement affects waste. Your installer can give you an exact number.

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