Carpet Vs Vinyl Plank In Bedroom? Prices, Installation Cost, Best Brands, Pros and Cons

Choosing the right flooring for your bedroom significantly impacts comfort, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Carpet and vinyl plank flooring represent two popular yet distinctly different options for bedroom spaces. While carpet offers warmth and sound absorption, vinyl plank provides durability and easier cleaning. This comprehensive comparison examines the cost factors, installation requirements, leading brands, and important advantages and disadvantages of each flooring type to help you make an informed decision for your bedroom renovation or new construction project.

Carpet flooring consists of woven fibers attached to a backing material. These fibers can be natural (wool) or synthetic (nylon, polyester, olefin). Carpet types vary in pile height, density, and construction method, offering options from plush, soft surfaces to more durable low-pile varieties. Bedrooms traditionally feature carpet for its warm, comfortable feel underfoot.

Vinyl plank flooring is a resilient material made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl with a printed design layer and protective wear layer on top. Modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) often features realistic wood or stone appearances, waterproof cores, and click-lock installation systems. Though historically less common in bedrooms, vinyl plank has gained popularity for its durability and maintenance benefits.

Price Comparison: Carpet vs Vinyl Plank

Carpet typically costs $2-$12 per square foot for materials, while vinyl plank ranges from $2-$7 per square foot. However, these prices vary significantly based on quality, brand, and specific features.

Quality Level	Carpet (per sq ft)	Vinyl Plank (per sq ft)
Economy	$1-$3	$1-$3
Mid-range	$3-$6	$3-$5
Premium	$6-$12+	$5-$7+
Luxury	$12-$20	$7-$12

For carpet, factors influencing cost include fiber type (wool being more expensive than synthetic), pile height, density, and stain-resistance treatments. High-quality nylon carpet with stain protection can outlast cheaper polyester options while maintaining appearance longer.

For vinyl plank, pricing varies based on wear layer thickness (measured in mils), core construction (SPC vs. WPC), and overall plank thickness. Premium vinyl planks with thicker wear layers (20+ mils) and enhanced acoustic underlayment offer better performance but at higher price points.

Installation Costs and Process

Carpet Installation

Professional carpet installation typically costs $1-$3 per square foot, not including padding which adds $0.50-$1 per square foot. Installation involves measuring, removing old flooring, installing padding, stretching carpet, and securing it to tack strips along room perimeters. A bedroom installation usually takes 1-2 days to complete.

DIY carpet installation is possible but challenging without specialized tools like power stretchers. Many retailers include basic installation in the carpet purchase price or offer promotions that significantly reduce installation costs.

Vinyl Plank Installation

Vinyl plank installation typically costs $1.50-$4 per square foot professionally, though floating click-lock systems are more DIY-friendly than carpet. The process includes surface preparation, acclimating the material, and installation using either click-lock mechanisms or glue-down methods.

Many homeowners successfully install floating vinyl plank systems themselves, potentially saving $500-$1,000 in a standard bedroom. However, professional installation ensures proper subfloor preparation and typically includes guarantees against installation defects.

Best Carpet Brands for Bedrooms

Several manufacturers stand out for quality, warranty coverage, and bedroom-appropriate options:

• Mohawk: Known for SmartStrand technology with built-in stain resistance and extensive style selection ($3-$10/sq ft)
• Shaw Floors: Offers R2X stain resistance and LifeGuard waterproof backing on select styles ($3-$12/sq ft)
• Stainmaster: Premium stain protection with PetProtect options ideal for pet owners ($4-$8/sq ft)
• Dream Weaver: PureColor fiber system prevents color fading and provides good value ($2-$5/sq ft)
• Karastan: Luxury wool and wool-blend carpets with exceptional durability ($8-$20/sq ft)

Shaw and Mohawk dominate the residential carpet market, offering the widest selection of bedroom-appropriate styles with strong warranties (typically 15-25 years). Both companies provide numerous options with enhanced softness technologies specifically designed for bedroom comfort.

Best Vinyl Plank Brands for Bedrooms

Top vinyl plank manufacturers for bedroom applications include:

• COREtec: Pioneer of WPC vinyl plank with excellent acoustic properties and comfort underfoot ($4-$7/sq ft)
• Shaw Floorté: Features Armourbead wear layer for enhanced durability with realistic wood visuals ($3-$7/sq ft)
• Mohawk SolidTech: Rigid core construction with UniClic locking system for easy installation ($3.50-$6/sq ft)
• Armstrong Luxe: Diamond-infused wear layer for superior scratch resistance ($4-$7/sq ft)
• NuCore: Floor & Decor’s house brand offering good value with waterproof properties ($2.50-$4/sq ft)
• Pergo Extreme: Highly durable with 70% stone composition and superior dent resistance ($4-$6/sq ft)

COREtec and Shaw lead the premium vinyl plank segment with their combination of realistic appearance, acoustic properties, and durability features that perform well in bedroom settings. Most quality brands offer lifetime residential warranties on wear layer performance.

Pros and Cons of Carpet in Bedrooms

Advantages of Carpet

Carpet creates a warm, cozy atmosphere that naturally insulates the room and provides comfortable walking surfaces, especially important for bedrooms. The soft texture makes carpet ideal for bedrooms where comfort is paramount.

• Superior sound absorption (reduces footfall noise by up to 70%)
• Natural insulation (can improve energy efficiency by 10-15%)
• Soft, warm surface underfoot
• Available in thousands of colors and patterns
• Provides cushioning for falls (important for children’s rooms)
• Generally more affordable initial installation

Disadvantages of Carpet

Carpet requires regular maintenance and can trap allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen, potentially affecting sleep quality for allergy sufferers. Its porous nature makes stain removal more challenging than with hard surfaces.

• Traps allergens and requires regular vacuuming
• More difficult to clean thoroughly
• Shorter lifespan (typically 5-15 years) than hard flooring
• Can absorb odors over time
• Stains may become permanent if not treated quickly
• Not ideal for those with severe allergies or asthma

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank in Bedrooms

Advantages of Vinyl Plank

Vinyl plank offers exceptional durability and moisture resistance while requiring minimal maintenance, making it ideal for busy households or those with allergies. Modern technology has significantly improved its aesthetic appeal and comfort features.

• Waterproof and highly stain-resistant
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Hypoallergenic (doesn’t harbor allergens)
• Durable (typically 15-25+ year lifespan)
• Available in realistic wood and stone visuals
• Compatible with radiant heating systems
• Resistant to scratches and dents with quality wear layers

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank

Vinyl plank feels colder and harder underfoot compared to carpet, potentially making bedroom floors less comfortable during colder months. Though improved, some people still find vinyl less aesthetically premium than natural materials.

• Harder surface underfoot
• Less effective sound insulation without underlayment
• Can feel cold without radiant heating
• May reduce resale value compared to hardwood
• Premium looks require premium products
• Potential for VOC emissions with lower-quality products

Making the Right Choice for Your Bedroom

Consider these factors when deciding between carpet and vinyl plank for your bedroom:

Choose Carpet If:

• Comfort and warmth are top priorities
• Sound dampening is important (especially in second-story bedrooms)
• You prefer a softer walking surface
• You don’t have severe allergies or asthma
• Budget is a significant consideration

Carpet remains the popular choice for master bedrooms and children’s rooms where a soft, warm surface contributes significantly to comfort and safety. Modern stain-resistant technologies have addressed many traditional carpet maintenance concerns.

Choose Vinyl Plank If:

• You have allergies or asthma concerns
• Ease of cleaning is important
• Durability is a priority
• You prefer the look of wood without maintenance concerns
• The bedroom has moisture concerns or is at risk for spills

Vinyl plank offers practical advantages for bedrooms in high-humidity areas, homes with pets, or where minimal maintenance is preferred. Adding area rugs can provide comfort zones while maintaining the practical benefits of vinyl flooring.