Carpet remains the most popular flooring choice for NZ bedrooms — warm underfoot, affordable, and available in a huge range of styles. Here's what carpet installation costs in NZ in 2026 and what determines the price.
Carpet Installation Cost NZ 2026
| Item | Typical NZ cost (supply + install) |
|---|---|
| Budget carpet (per m²) | $35–$65/m² |
| Mid-range carpet (per m²) | $65–$120/m² |
| Premium carpet (per m²) | $120–$250/m² |
| Wool carpet (per m²) | $100–$280/m² |
| Standard underlay (per m²) | $12–$22/m² |
| Premium underlay (per m²) | $22–$45/m² |
| Gripstrip (per lm perimeter) | $3–$6/lm |
| Old carpet removal and disposal (per m²) | $5–$12/m² |
| Standard bedroom (10m²) supply + install | $650–$1,400 |
| Lounge (25m²) supply + install | $1,700–$4,000 |
| Full house re-carpet (3-bed, ~100m²) | $6,000–$18,000 |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland 10–15% above. Prices vary significantly by carpet grade, underlay specification, room complexity (stairs, irregular shapes), and whether old carpet removal is included.
Carpet and Underlay — What to Spend Where
The Underlay Is More Important Than You Think
Underlay provides: cushioning underfoot, thermal insulation, noise reduction, and support for the carpet pile — extending its life significantly. A cheap carpet on a good underlay performs better than a premium carpet on poor underlay.
Budget underlay ($12–$18/m²): 6mm foam. Acceptable for low-traffic areas. Standard underlay ($18–$28/m²): 10–12mm rebonded foam or felt. Recommended for most NZ bedrooms and living areas. Premium underlay ($28–$45/m²): 12mm+ high-density foam or wool felt. Excellent noise reduction and cushioning — worth it for master bedrooms, home offices, or properties where sound transmission between floors is a concern.
Don't skimp on underlay. The difference in cost between budget and premium underlay for a bedroom is $100–$200 — the difference in comfort and carpet life is significant.
Carpet Grades by Room
Bedrooms: Lower traffic — any grade is appropriate. This is where premium soft carpet (nylon or wool) is most appreciated underfoot. Budget to mid-range works fine.
Living and dining areas: Medium-high traffic — use a commercial or residential heavy-duty rated carpet. Look for face weight (grams per m²) of at least 800–1,000g/m² for durability.
Hallways and stairs: Highest traffic — use hard-wearing loop pile or twist pile with a high face weight (1,000g/m²+). Wool and nylon resist wear better than polyester in high-traffic areas.
Rental properties: Budget to mid-range with good stain resistance — nylon with built-in stain treatment or solution-dyed fibre is easier to maintain.
Carpet Fibre Types
| Fibre | Durability | Stain resistance | Softness | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Excellent | Good (with treatment) | Good | Mid |
| Wool | Very good | Moderate | Excellent | High |
| Polyester (PET) | Moderate | Good | Very soft | Low-mid |
| Polypropylene | Good (loop) | Excellent | Moderate | Low |
| Wool-nylon blend | Excellent | Good | Excellent | High |
Wool: NZ's traditional carpet fibre — durable, naturally flame-retardant, excellent underfoot feel. Higher cost but long life. Good choice for living areas and master bedrooms in premium homes.
Nylon: The most durable synthetic fibre. Takes stain treatments well. Best for high-traffic areas and family homes. Most widely sold carpet in NZ.
Polyester: Very soft — feels great underfoot, popular for bedrooms. Less durable than nylon in traffic areas; can flatten over time. Good for low-traffic bedrooms.
Polypropylene/solution-dyed: Excellent stain and fade resistance — moisture and bleach resistant. Popular for rental properties and high-risk areas. Loop pile variants (Berber) are common in NZ.
Stairs — A Hidden Cost
Stairs significantly increase installation cost and complexity: - Each stair requires precise cutting, fitting, and gripper strip - Winding or curved stairs are significantly more complex - A standard 14-stair straight staircase: add $400–$900 to the room cost - Patterned carpet on stairs requires careful pattern matching — higher labour cost
Always confirm stair pricing separately from room pricing.
What Old Carpet Removal Involves
Most carpet layers offer carpet removal and disposal as an add-on. A good reason to use this: - Old carpet disposal is bulky — it won't fit in a standard wheelie bin - Professional removal is fast and included in the quote price - Old underlay is often stapled — professional removal is cleaner than DIY
Cost: $5–$12/m². For a 3-bedroom house re-carpet: $500–$1,200 for removal. Worth including.
Finding a Good Carpet Layer in NZ
What to look for: - NZ Flooring Association membership - Good measure-up (will visit and measure, not just quote from your dimensions) - Written quote specifying carpet code, underlay grade, and what's included - References from recent similar jobs
Questions to ask: 1. Can I see samples and what's the product code for the carpet you're quoting? 2. What underlay grade is included? 3. Is old carpet removal and disposal included? 4. How do you handle joins in large rooms? 5. What warranty applies to the carpet and to your installation?
Find carpet layers: Carpet Layers NZ | Post Your Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to carpet a 3-bedroom house in NZ? Full house re-carpet (approximately 100m² of carpet): $6,000–$18,000 supply and install, depending on carpet grade. Budget spec: $6,000–$9,000. Mid-range: $9,000–$14,000. Premium: $14,000–$18,000+. Add $500–$1,200 for old carpet removal.
What is the best carpet for NZ rental properties? Solution-dyed polypropylene (loop pile/Berber) or nylon with stain treatment. Key requirements: stain resistance, easy cleaning, durability, mid-range price. Avoid premium soft polyester in rentals — shows wear faster in high-traffic areas. Choose a mid-grade nylon in a medium tone (hides wear) with a good underlay.
How long does carpet last in NZ? Budget polyester: 5–10 years in moderate traffic. Mid-range nylon: 10–15 years. Premium wool or nylon: 15–25 years with good maintenance. Life is significantly affected by: traffic level, whether shoes are worn indoors, regular vacuuming, and prompt stain treatment.
Can I install carpet myself in NZ? Small areas (a single room) are possible for a confident DIYer with the right tools (knee kicker, stretcher, seaming iron). For whole-house installation, stairs, or joins: professional installation is strongly recommended. Poor installation causes rippling, loose edges, and premature wear — the cost of re-doing poor DIY installation exceeds the savings.
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