Carpet vs Vinyl Plank: Should You Upgrade?
Many homeowners are ripping out old carpet and replacing it with vinyl plank — but carpet still has a place. Here's when to keep carpet and when it's time to upgrade to LVP.
Cost at 1,000 sq ft Installed
Pros & Cons
Carpet
Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Keep carpet for bedrooms and stairs where comfort matters. Upgrade to LVP everywhere else — it's waterproof, pet-proof, allergy-friendly, and lasts twice as long.
🧶Pick Carpet if
Bedrooms, stairs (for safety), dedicated home theaters, and rooms where warmth and sound absorption are the priority.
🔷Pick Vinyl Plank (LVP) if
Living rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, pet areas, and any home with allergy sufferers.
Calculate Your Project Cost
Get an instant estimate for Carpet or Vinyl Plank (LVP) in your exact room size.
Frequently Asked
Should I replace all my carpet with LVP?
Most homeowners keep carpet in bedrooms (for warmth and quiet) and switch living areas, hallways, and stairs to LVP. This gives you the best of both worlds. Full replacement makes sense for allergy sufferers or homes with pets.
Is LVP warmer than tile?
Yes — significantly. LVP has inherent insulation properties and feels much warmer underfoot than ceramic or porcelain tile. It's the most comfortable hard-surface flooring option.
Can I install LVP over existing carpet?
No. The carpet and padding must be removed first. LVP requires a flat, hard subfloor. Installing over carpet will cause flexing, gaps, and premature failure.
How much does it cost to switch from carpet to LVP?
Budget $4–$13/sqft for LVP plus $2.50/sqft for old carpet removal and disposal. For a 1,000 sqft area, total runs $6,500–$15,500. Use our calculator for exact estimates.
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Pricing data from HomeGuide, Homewyse, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and FlooringClarity (2026 national averages).