How much does it cost to install olefin carpet?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

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 Cost Calculator

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.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Maintenance. Olefin is easy to maintain. Vacuum to remove soil and wipe spills as they occur. It is stain-resistant because the material does not absorb moisture.
• Handmade olefin carpet. While olefin is not handmade because of the short plastic fibers, it can be found in broadloom carpets if you desire a woven look.
• Moisture. Olefin does not absorb moisture, making it a good choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and outdoors.
• Styles. Olefin does not have as many styles as other carpets because it must be in a loop to prevent fraying. It can come in a blend with other fibers, colors, and patterns.
• Durability. Olefin crushes easily, which is why it is sold in loop patterns or short fibers. It does not last as long as other carpet fibers and should be used in low-traffic areas only.
• Furniture. Dragging furniture over olefin can leave scorch or burn marks on the material. This is due to the friction heating the plastic fibers.
• Radiant flooring. You can install radiant heating beneath olefin carpeting. Radiant heating may not work as well beneath carpet because of the insulating properties, so you may need to increase the heat. Radiant heating costs $10 to $25 a square foot.