When it’s time to replace the carpeting in your home, you may automatically think you need to purchase brand new carpet. However, there is an excellent money-saving option that many homeowners overlook – using carpet remnants. Carpet remnants can save you 50% or more off the cost of brand new carpet. Here’s what you need to know about how to save money with carpet remnants.
What Are Carpet Remnants?
Carpet remnants, also sometimes called carpet samples, are pieces of leftover new carpet from carpet retailers and installers. When carpets are cut and installed in homes and businesses, there are almost always some odd-shaped leftover pieces. The size and shape of carpet remnants varies widely, from very small samples to large remnants of 5 feet across or more. There is often an abundant supply of remnants available.
Benefits of Using Remnants
There are several excellent benefits to using carpet remnants rather than brand new, wall-to-wall carpeting:
Cost Savings
This is the biggest benefit. Prices typically range from $0.50 to $2 per square foot for remnants, compared to $3 to $6+ for brand new carpet, installed. You save 50% to 75% off regular carpeting costs.
Less Waste
Using remnants is environmentally friendly since you are repurposing scrap carpet instead of purchasing all new materials. 115 million pounds of carpet goes to landfills each year in the U.S. Using remnants reduces waste.
Variety of Styles
Since remnants come from leftover carpet installations, you can find remnants available in almost any type, brand, color and style of carpeting on the market. You aren’t limited only to lower-cost carpeting as you might expect.
Where to Find Remnants
The best places to look for an abundance of carpet remnants at great prices are:
Carpet Stores
Ask at national and local carpet stores and flooring centers about their remnant availability. Larger stores have a regular supply of in-house remnants.
Carpet Installers
Professional carpet installers generate a lot of remnants from their installations. Develop a relationship with installers and let them know you buy remnants regularly.
Carpet Contractors
Home builders and flooring companies for commercial locations like hotels and businesses have large amounts of remnants available. Check with them about purchasing remnants for residential uses.
How to Measure For Remnants
Since remnants come in odd shapes and sizes, take exact room measurements first when assessing if particular remnants will work for your rooms:
- Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Measure the length, width and any irregular nooks or angles. Make sure to account for the carpet pad beneath adding to the height.
- Calculate the total square footage of the room. Experts recommend adding 8% – 10% for cuts and imperfections.
- Allow for at least 6 inches to be trimmed on each end for a professional installation.
- Match these measurements to the leftovers available for the tightest custom fit. Having remnants precisely cut to size before bringing them home makes the installation process easier.
Installing Your Remnant Carpet
While do-it-yourself installations are possible for very handy homeowners, it is highly recommended to hire professional carpet installers for the best looking and long-lasting results, especially when working with irregularly sized and shaped remnants. Reputable installers have the cutting experience and tools to seamlessly match remnants and customize them for difficult room dimensions.
On average, expect to pay £1 – £1.50 per square foot for basic installation labor, in addition to the cost of purchasing the remnant carpet and padding. This still equals huge savings over buying brand new wall-to-wall carpeting installed. Eco-friendly carpet padding made from recycled materials is also available to match your commitment to sustainability.
Final Words
Carpet remnants offer homeowners a simple way to replace worn-out carpeting on a strict budget. If you have an irregularly shaped room, only need new carpeting in high-traffic areas, or want to add unique carpeting highlights in rooms, remnants provide countless creative uses at half the price. Being willing to use leftover carpeting equals spectacular flooring savings you cannot find with any other option.