Quick answer: Mohawk carpet typically costs between $2 and $8 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the fiber type, collection, and quality level. Premium Mohawk carpets like SmartStrand Silk and Karastan collections can exceed $10 per square foot installed, while budget-friendly polyester options may start closer to $3–$5 installed.
The total price of Mohawk carpet depends on several factors, including the carpet fiber, pile style, padding quality, room size, furniture removal, and installation labor. Homes with stairs, custom layouts, or premium waterproof padding usually cost more.
Mohawk remains one of the most popular carpet manufacturers in the United States because it offers options ranging from affordable builder-grade carpet to premium SmartStrand and luxury Karastan collections.
Average Mohawk Carpet Cost Per Square Foot
| Mohawk Carpet Type | Material Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic polyester carpet | $2–$4 sq ft | $3–$6 sq ft |
| Mid-range nylon carpet | $4–$6 sq ft | $6–$9 sq ft |
| SmartStrand Triexta | $5–$8 sq ft | $7–$12 sq ft |
| SmartStrand Silk | $7–$10 sq ft | $10–$15 sq ft |
| Karastan luxury carpet | $8–$15+ sq ft | $12–$20+ sq ft |
Installed pricing usually includes carpet, padding, labor, and basic removal of old carpet. However, stairs, floor repairs, premium padding, or furniture moving may increase the final cost.
What Affects Mohawk Carpet Pricing?
1. Carpet Fiber Type
The carpet fiber is one of the biggest pricing factors.
Polyester is usually the cheapest option and works well in bedrooms or lower-traffic areas. Nylon costs more but lasts longer in stairs and hallways. SmartStrand Triexta typically costs the most outside of wool because it combines softness, durability, and built-in stain resistance.
If you are comparing durable synthetic fibers, see our guide to the best nylon carpet brands.
2. Carpet Quality and Density
Higher-density carpets cost more because they contain more fiber and generally perform better long-term. Dense carpet resists crushing, matting, and texture loss much better than cheaper low-density alternatives.
For active households with kids or pets, higher-density carpet is usually worth the extra investment.
3. Carpet Padding
Padding is often overlooked, but it significantly impacts comfort and carpet lifespan. Basic padding may add around $0.50 per square foot, while premium moisture-resistant padding can add $1–$2 per square foot.
Homes with pets often benefit from upgraded waterproof padding systems that help protect the subfloor from accidents and spills.
4. Installation Complexity
Simple square rooms cost less to install than stairs, hallways, custom layouts, or homes with extensive furniture moving. Stairs can significantly increase labor costs because installers must individually wrap and secure each step.
Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet Cost
Mohawk SmartStrand is one of the company’s most popular carpet lines because of its built-in stain resistance and strong long-term durability.
Unlike many traditional carpets, SmartStrand stain resistance is built directly into the Triexta fiber instead of relying only on a surface coating. This makes SmartStrand especially popular in homes with kids and pets.
Most SmartStrand carpets cost between $7 and $12 per square foot installed, depending on the specific collection and padding choice.
For households focused on pet durability and stain resistance, see our guide to the best carpet for pets.
Mohawk SmartStrand vs EverStrand Cost
| Feature | SmartStrand | EverStrand |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | Triexta | Recycled polyester |
| Installed Cost | $7–$12 sq ft | $4–$7 sq ft |
| Durability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Traffic Performance | High traffic | Moderate traffic |
| Best Use | Whole-home installations | Bedrooms and lower-traffic rooms |
Verdict: SmartStrand costs more upfront, but it generally lasts longer and performs better in active homes. EverStrand works well for homeowners prioritizing affordability over maximum durability.
For a deeper comparison, see our full Mohawk EverStrand vs SmartStrand comparison.
How Much Does Mohawk Carpet Installation Cost?
Professional carpet installation typically adds around $1 to $3 per square foot depending on room complexity and local labor rates.
Some carpet retailers advertise “free installation,” but the labor cost is often built into the carpet pricing or requires upgraded padding purchases.
Additional installation-related costs may include:
- Old carpet removal
- Subfloor repairs
- Furniture moving
- Premium padding upgrades
- Stair installation charges
- Moisture barriers
Is Mohawk Carpet Worth the Cost?
For many homeowners, yes. Mohawk offers a broad range of carpet quality levels, and their premium SmartStrand collections remain among the strongest long-term performers for active households.
Lower-end Mohawk polyester carpets are competitive with builder-grade alternatives, while their premium collections compete directly with brands like Shaw, Anderson Tuftex, and Karastan.
If durability matters most, higher-end Mohawk carpet is usually worth the extra cost compared to cheaper low-density alternatives that flatten more quickly.
For broader comparisons across manufacturers, see our guide to the best carpet brands.
Mohawk Carpet Cost by Room Size
| Room Size | Estimated Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| 10×10 bedroom | $700–$1,500 |
| 12×12 bedroom | $900–$1,900 |
| Living room | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Whole-home carpet replacement | $5,000–$15,000+ |
Luxury SmartStrand Silk or Karastan installations can exceed these ranges significantly depending on carpet selection and layout complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mohawk carpet cost per square foot?
Mohawk carpet typically costs between $2 and $8 per square foot for materials alone, while installed pricing usually ranges between $3 and $15+ per square foot depending on the carpet collection.
Is Mohawk carpet expensive?
Mohawk offers both affordable and premium carpet options. Builder-grade polyester carpets are competitively priced, while SmartStrand Silk and Karastan collections fall into the luxury category.
How long does Mohawk carpet last?
Higher-end Mohawk carpet can realistically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, especially dense nylon and SmartStrand collections.
Is Mohawk SmartStrand worth the extra cost?
For active households with pets or kids, yes. SmartStrand typically performs better long-term than cheaper polyester carpet because of its strong stain resistance and durability.
What is the cheapest Mohawk carpet option?
Mohawk EverStrand polyester collections are usually among the company’s most affordable carpet options and work best in bedrooms and moderate-traffic spaces.
Final Verdict
Mohawk carpet pricing ranges from affordable builder-grade polyester to premium luxury SmartStrand and Karastan collections.
For most homeowners, the sweet spot is usually mid-range nylon or SmartStrand carpet because it balances long-term durability, stain resistance, and comfort better than cheaper low-density polyester alternatives.
If you want carpet that still looks good after years of pets, kids, stairs, and heavy foot traffic, premium Mohawk carpet is often worth the higher upfront investment.