How much does it cost to install acrylic carpet?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Acrylic is a good option if you like wool carpets but want something less expensive. Acrylic carpets are made from a plastic called acrylonitrile, a synthetic substitute for wool. This is a fairly uncommon carpet fiber because while it resembles wool, it is not as versatile, durable, or stain-resistant. This means acrylic carpets are not easy to find in many types and styles as other fibers. However, they are available and can be a good, low-cost, hypoallergenic alternative to wool carpets.

The national average cost for acrylic carpeting is $1,200 to $1,500, with most people paying around $1,350 for 200 sq.ft. of Saxony acrylic carpet installed. This project’s low cost is $800 for 200 sq.ft. of installed Berber acrylic carpet in a solid color. The high cost is $1,600 to install 200 sq.ft. of cut-and-loop acrylic carpet in a pattern.

Acrylic Carpet Cost Calculator

Acrylic carpet does not come in as many options as other types. However, you can still find different quality levels, types, and styles with varying price points. Below are the average costs for different qualities of acrylic carpets for a 200 sq.ft. installation.

Acrylic carpets are not as common as other types. They are not available in as many patterns or types. Berber is one of the more common low-cost options for acrylic. Saxony is one of the more common acrylic carpet types for a solid color, cut loop type, and is one that people associate with wall-to-wall coverage. Its costs are in the standard range.

There are some velvet, plush, and cut-and-loop acrylic carpets available. These are more likely to be of higher quality and have some patterns. These are usually more wool-like in appearance, but some may also have a feeling or appearance of cotton.

You can also find acrylic/wool blends. This can increase its durability while keeping costs low. Many higher-end acrylic carpets may be a blend of wool and acrylic fibers.

Acrylic Carpet Pros and Cons

It is designed to feel like a natural fiber. It can feel like wool or cotton, depending on how the fibers are spun. Acrylic can be a good alternative for those with wool allergies or who like wool but not the cost.

However, acrylic is not as durable as other carpet fibers. It does not last as long as nylon or triexta, and it is more likely to stain than polyester and natural wool. Because of its decreased durability and increased likelihood of staining, acrylic has fallen out of fashion as a carpet fiber. It is less available than most other fibers. You cannot find as many choices in acrylic as with other fibers. It is also not recyclable or available in recycled fibers, so it is less green than other fibers.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Maintenance. Acrylic has moderate maintenance needs. Vacuum regularly to remove soil. It can stain, so wipe spills as soon as they are noticed. It may require steam cleaning periodically.
• Handmade acrylic carpet. They are not usually handmade, but a few companies make them in broadcloth. This can be a good alternative to a handwoven carpet.
• Moisture. Acrylic is mold and mildew-resistant but not as moisture-resistant as other fibers. It should not be used in basements, bathrooms, or other wet areas.
• Durability. Acrylic is only moderately durable and much less durable than real wool, nylon, and triexta. It crushes and stains, so it ages quicker than others.
• Radiant flooring. You can install radiant flooring beneath your acrylic carpet. Like with all carpets, you may need to increase the heat to combat its insulating properties. The cost of radiant heating is $10 to $25 a square foot.
• Sustainability. Acrylic is not considered a sustainable material. It is not made from recycled fibers and cannot be recycled.
• Carpet pads. Some come with a basic pad as part of the installation. Upgrading to a better pad costs $0.30 to $1 more per square foot.
• Baseboards. You need to remove your baseboards to install carpet and reinstall them after. If you choose to have your installer do this, it increases costs by roughly $1 a linear foot.
• Thresholds. If your carpet abuts another surface in a different room, you may need a threshold. This can add $5 to $50 to the project, depending on the threshold material.