Olefin carpet is great for basements, children’s play areas, and indoor/outdoor areas like sunrooms. Olefin is made from a plastic called polypropylene and is sometimes sold under this name. Because it is made of plastic, moisture does not affect it and does not grow mold or mildew. It works well in damp areas like basements and resists stains to work in some children’s playrooms.
Olefin is not available in all carpeting types because it does not hold up as well as other types to high traffic and heavy use. It crushes easily and is not recommended for use everywhere.
Olefin is very affordable, however, with some of the lowest costs for wall-to-wall carpeting. The national average cost to install olefin is $400 to $800. Most people pay around $600 to install 200 sq.ft. of standard-quality Berber olefin carpet. This project’s low cost is $300 for low-quality indoor/outdoor olefin carpet installed in a sunroom. The high cost is $1,200 to install 200 sq.ft. of olefin/wool-blend carpeting in level loop style.
Olefin Carpet Costs
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Basic | Standard | Best Quality | |
Olefin Carpet Cost (Material Only) | $150 - $180 | $200 - $400 | $600 - $1,000 |
Olefin Carpet Installation Cost (Labor Only) | $200 - $300 | $200 - $400 | $300 - $400 |
Total Costs | $350 - $480 | $400 - $800 | $900 - $1,400 |
Olefin Carpet Cost per Sq.Ft. | $1.75 - $2.40 | $2.00 - $4.00 | $4.50 - $7.00 |
Olefin can have many qualities like other carpets. It does not come in as many styles as other fibers because of how it is made. Olefin can crush easily, so it is generally sold as a short fiber or loop carpet, such as Berber, level loop, or multi-level loop. Basic-quality olefin is often used as an indoor/outdoor carpet because it does not stain or fade in sunlight. Standard quality is usually a Berber that works in bathrooms, basements, and other moderate-traffic areas with high moisture levels.
The best-quality olefin is generally a blend of olefin with another fiber, such as wool. This increases the softness and durability to tolerate high-traffic areas. The olefin can add some stain and moisture resistance, while the other fiber makes the carpet more attractive, softer, and longer-lasting.
No, olefin is considered inferior. Nylon lasts much longer and is more durable, coming in more styles than olefin.
Olefin is not toxic but is made of plastic and dyed with solvents. For this reason, it can off-gas for up to 5 years after installation.
No, olefin is one of the least expensive carpet types on the market. Even when blended with other fibers, it tends to cost less.
No, olefin is not as durable as other carpet fibers. It does best in low-traffic areas and areas with high moisture levels.
Olefin is moisture-resistant. It does not absorb moisture, so it does not grow mold or mildew and does not easily stain.
Cost to install olefin carpet varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.