How Much Does It Cost to Install New Carpeting?

In this guide

Carpet Installation Cost Calculator

Carpet installation costs vary depending on your location, size of the area, and carpet type. For example, olefin and polyester are cheaper than cotton and wool. Get starting costs using our carpet cost estimator to estimate high and low price ranges for installing a new carpet, along with average costs.

Carpet Installation Cost Calculator

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NATIONAL COSTS

Average Cost

$1,217

Low Cost

$670

High Cost

$1,867

See Carpet Installation Cost Calculator Breakdown 

Average Cost Project Low-Cost Project High-Cost Project

Cost

Material

140 sq.ft. of minimum-quality olefin carpet

$534

Labor

Installation of 140 sq.ft. of olefin carpet

$136

Material

140 sq.ft. of good-quality nylon carpet

$1,063

Labor

Installation of 140 sq.ft. of nylon carpet

$154

Material

140 sq.ft. of high-quality wool carpet

$1,595

Labor

Installation of 140 sq.ft. of wool carpet

$272

Total

$670

$1,217

$1,867

Carpet Cost per Square Foot

Many factors determine your average carpeting costs, including the type and style. One of the biggest factors to consider is the room size you are installing it. The more you put down, the higher your costs:

Average Cost to Carpet 1,000 Sq.Ft.

If you have a large space or many adjoining rooms in your home, carpeting them in the same flooring gives continuity to your space. Carpeting 1,000 sq.ft. at once costs between $7,000 and $12,000 on average, depending on the type. Installing it in one single room of this size may be slightly less expensive than when installing it in several rooms that add up to this square footage because a single room takes less labor.

Average Cost to Carpet a House by Number of Bedrooms

If you plan on carpeting your whole house, you could price the job on your total square footage, minus areas that don’t require it like kitchens. The following costs are for carpeting the average sized homes based on the number of bathrooms in each.

Cost to Carpet a 2-Bedroom House

The average cost to carpet the entirety of a 2 bedroom home is between $5,600 and $9,600. While 2 bedroom homes can come in many sizes, the average size of living areas is around 1,000 sq.ft. Subtracting the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas not typically carpeted leaves around 800 sq.ft. of space to install it. These costs reflect carpeting living space of this size. If your 2 bedroom home is larger or smaller than this size, your costs can be higher or lower. Likewise, if you choose to carpet more or less of the space, your costs may vary as well.

Average Cost of Carpeting a 3-Bedroom House

The average cost to carpet a 3 bedroom house is between $10,500 and $18,000. The average size 3 bedroom home has a living area of 1,700 sq.ft. Subtracting the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas not typically carpeted leaves a total area of 1,500 sq.ft. These costs reflect the average range for install it in all of the living areas in a 3 bedroom home that would be typically carpeted. Installing it in a 3 bedroom home that is larger or smaller than this size would change the costs. Likewise, if you decide to install it in more or less of the living space, your costs would also change.

Cost to Carpet a 4-Bedroom House

The average cost to carpet a 4 bedroom house is between $14,000 and $24,000. The average 4 bedroom house measures between 2200 sq.ft. and 2500 sq.ft. of living space. Subtracting the average size kitchen and bathrooms for a home of this size, leaves roughly 2,000 sq.ft. of space to install it. These costs reflect the installation in 2,000 sq.ft. of living space within a 4 bedroom house. Larger 4 bedroom homes may have higher costs to install it in all living areas. If you were to carpet less of the home, your costs would be lower.

Cost to Carpet a Room

Carpeting can be installed in most rooms of the home. If you plan on installing it in areas prone to moisture, you need to change the material you are using to prevent mold and other moisture problems. This impacts the cost of your installation:

Bathroom Carpeting

Carpeting is one of the least recommended materials for use in the bathroom because most are absorbent and hard to dry. This is a trend that appears every few years, but rarely takes hold. If you choose to install it in the bathroom, you have two options. The first is olefin carpeting, which costs around $1 a square foot. It dries quickly and resists growing mold and mildew, so it can handle the wet area.

The second choice is an adhesive tile designed for bathroom use. This is a low-pile carpet that withstands moisture. It is installed without a pad, so there is no absorption. The material costs $1 a square foot. This makes the average cost of a bathroom carpet installation $280 to $525, based on the bathroom size.

There are a few maintenance tips you could do to prevent rot and mold or mildew growth, like frequent vacuuming, ensuring that your shower or tub is leak-free, or laying down a bathmat on top of the carpet, among other tips.

Cost to Carpet Stairs

It is common if the carpeting you are installing goes to the top or base of a run of stairs to continue onto the stairs. Carpeting for stairs is usually priced slightly differently due to the different installation types. The average cost to carpet a flight of stairs is around $432 to $780.

Home Office Carpet

The average cost to carpet a home office is between $1,176 and $2,016. While home offices can come in many sizes, the average size is 12’ x 14’. This means a total of 168 square feet. Choose office carpeting based on how much foot traffic the space will get, how many visitors you may have, and what kind of soundproofing you need below you. If you need soundproofing below or do a lot of work on your feet, a heavier, more durable material may be the best choice. Likewise, if you get a lot of visitors, you may want a type that can resist fraying and stains.

Cost to Carpet a Bedroom

One of the most common places to install carpeting is in the bedroom. It has a warm, cozy feel that complements bedrooms well. It also dampens sound, and has easy regular maintenance. Any type can be installed here because the area is not known for heavy foot traffic, food stains, or moisture. The average cost to install it in a bedroom is between $1,533 and $2,628.

Cost to Carpet a Living Room

Living rooms are the second most common place to install carpeting in the home. This is an area you might want to install a carpet with a decorative nap or pattern or something more plush and thick. Living rooms are typically formal living spaces, so nicer types are often installed here, but technically you can install any type. The average cost range to install it in a living room is $2,100 to $3,600.

Basement Carpeting Cost

Basements are another area prone to moisture problems. Like bathrooms, olefin and adhesive carpet tiles designed for wet areas are recommended. Other types can lead to mold and mildew growth and should be avoided. The average cost range to install it in the basement is between $4,900 and $7,000, based on the basement size.

Carpet Prices by Material

The material influences cost, longevity, stain resistance, and sustainability. There are many different materials to choose from, each with positive and negative attributes. Nylon and triexta are two of the most popular types. They are more affordable than wool but easier to clean and care for. If you are looking for a budget carpet, olefin is the least expensive but typically only in looped carpets. Polyester is a more popular option for budget carpets because it is softer and has more options but does not last as long as others. Wool is currently the only option available for those who like natural fibers. Cotton was once a popular option, but it can only be found in rugs because they stain easily. Below are the average costs for each type.

Olefin Carpet

Olefin costs $6.75 to $45 a square yard or $0.75 to $5 a square foot for the material. It is the generic name for polypropylene, a synthetic fiber. It is one of the most affordable types. It resists stains and dries quickly, making it a good choice for bathrooms and basements. It has a shorter nap and does not feel as nice underfoot, so it is not as popular in high traffic areas. It can fray easily over time. It is most commonly found in a looped carpet, such as Berber. Olefin is most commonly used in commercial applications.

Polyester Carpet

Polyester costs $13.50 to $54 a square yard or $1.50 to $6 a square foot. It is a good choice for those who want to include recycled plastics in their home. Polyester is a good sound absorber and comes in many colors, styles, and naps. It is soft to walk on but can fray over time. This is good for children’s playrooms and other areas where you may not want a long-lasting material. It is a poor choice for high-traffic areas because it does not hold up long-term in these areas.

Triexta Carpet Cost

Triexta costs $18 to $54 a square yard or $2 to $6 a square foot. Triexta is similar to polyester in terms of how it performs, but it is more durable, resilient, and softer. This is a good mid-range carpet that holds up to foot traffic and has an appearance similar to nylon. It requires steaming like nylon. It is also stain resistant and offers an eco-friendly option. Triexta is not made by as many brands as some other types. However, those that sell it often make entire lines available in this material because it is so resistant to staining and traffic.

Nylon Carpet Prices

Nylon costs $18 to $72 a square yard or $2 to $8 a square foot. Nylon is a strong, durable material that holds up to foot traffic without damage or fraying. It can get crushed and become stained. It is recommended that nylon be steam cleaned yearly to help it stay looking its best. Nylon is popular in bedrooms, living rooms, and other moderate-traffic areas. It comes in many colors and patterns and is one of the more readily available materials.

Acrylic Carpet Price

Acrylic costs $24 to $63 a square yard or $3 to $7 a square foot. If you like the look and feel of wool but want something more affordable, consider acrylic carpet. This is a less common material made from acrylonitrile, but it performs like wool and feels very similar. It holds color well and is relatively low maintenance. It is not available in as many options as other materials, including real wool. However, it is often a good choice for those who want wool but may have allergies or other concerns.

Wool Carpet Cost

Wool costs $45 to $234 a square yard or $5 to $26 a square foot. Wool is a natural fiber that makes an incredibly soft, dense, and lush carpet. Wool is a great insulator and one of the most durable fibers, resisting crushing and fraying. It is quite easy to maintain and should be kept dry. Wool is one of the longest-lasting carpet fibers. You can find it in dyed and undyed carpets and those with no added chemicals for those with sensitivities.

My go to will always be a wool rug. Although they may be more costly, wool rugs are beautiful in appearance because of the fibers ability to hold color. In addition, they are low maintenance, as they are 30% more stain resistant that synthetic rugs. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.

Michelle Cortizo, interior designer.

Wall-to-Wall Carpet Costs by Type

In addition to UV and stain-resistance, there are several types grouped by fiber presentation. Each has a different look and different wear levels. The type or fiber presentation can also be considered its texture. Each type has its own appearance, which may influence how and where you use it:

Berber Carpet Prices

Traditionally, Berber carpets were handwoven and knotted, giving them a distinctive texture. Today, they can be machine-made but have the same uncut, knotted loops. They typically have a slightly flecked color pattern and a tight, low loop pile. They cost around $15 - $22 a square yard or $1.67 - $2.44 a square foot.

Saxony

Saxony carpet is made of twisted carpet fibers in a cut-loop pattern. The best-quality saxony carpets are usually made of nylon. It is a plush, soft carpet with a straight nap roughly ½ inch in depth total. Saxony costs around $15 - $24 a square yard or $1.67 - $2.67 a square foot.

Plush Carpet Prices

Plush carpet has an incredibly soft, dense nap. The loops are sheared, rather than cut during manufacture. This makes the nap very flat, giving it that distinctive texture. It costs around $15 - $24 a square yard or $1.67 - $2.67 a square foot.

Textured Saxony Carpet

Textured saxony is known as trackless saxony. It has a twisted fiber made to stand up straight so that it does not get crushed underfoot or show tracks when people walk. It is a newer version of the saxony carpet and has a similar appearance. It costs $15 - $24 a square yard or $1.67 - $2.67 a square foot.

Multi-Level Loop

Multi-level loop or high low loop carpet is a way of creating decorative designs using the loops’ height rather than colors or textures. The loops are grouped according to height to make designs on it. It can be made of many different materials and comes in many patterns and colors. It costs $15 - $24 a square yard or $1.67 - $2.67 a square foot.

Firenze

Firenze carpeting is influenced by the art and architecture of Tuscany. It is a striated pattern made of cuts and loops that form distinctive lines. It can be made of many different materials and has a unique, instantly recognizable appearance. It costs around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot on average.

Shag Carpet Cost

A shag carpet is a rug or carpet that has an incredibly deep pile, with long fibers. The fibers may be twisted or untwisted and are typically meant to fall where they like, rather than sitting in a pattern. It costs around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot.

Cable

Cable carpet is similar in length of fiber to the shag style. They have long, uncut yarn fibers meant to fall naturally, rather than being cut or grouped into patterns. They are best installed in low-traffic areas because they tend to be high maintenance. They cost around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot on average.

Level Loop

Level loop carpet is made from thousands of yarn loops sewn into the carpet. The loops are uncut and leveled to the same length as one another for a uniform appearance. The loops can be longer, but they are easier to care for than the unlooped strands of cable or shag. It costs around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot on average.

Velvet

A velvet carpet is considered a high-end style made from uniform, cut loops that are so densely packed that it feels incredibly soft underfoot. It is usually made of nylon, acrylic, or wool for softness. It costs around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot.

Cut and Loop

Cut and loop carpet creates patterns in the surface by grouping cut fibers with looped ones. This creates a dynamic design with a lot of texture to the surface. It can be combined with different colors for decorative styles. This style costs around $25 - $45 a square yard or $2.78 - $5 a square foot on average.

Cost of Carpet Padding

Except for carpeting made for wet areas, you need to have a pad ¹ installed beneath it. Carpet pads add softness to your floor and absorb sounds. They can add some resilience, making it more comfortable to stand on. Some pads are recommended for specific areas or carpets, while others are a personal preference. These pads can be made of several different materials, which have different uses and attributes:

Urethane Foam Pad

Urethane foam or a frothed foam pad is the cheapest, most basic form of padding. It is good for light traffic areas but does not hold up well to heavy use. This is a good basic pad for small spaces where you may want to save money. It costs around $0.75 a square foot or $6.75 a square yard.

Bonded Urethane Pad

Bonded urethane or a rebond pad is the most common type of padding used in homes. It is comfortable and resilient underfoot and does not break down after extended use. It is highly durable, so no matter how long it is installed, you will not find compressed areas. It costs around $0.90 a square foot or $8.10 a square yard.

Waffle Rubber Padding

Waffle rubber padding is a rarely used material because it is not as cushiony underfoot as others and does not feel nice. It is very lightweight and can sometimes make a difference if you want a thin padding, such as when you are carpeting over existing flooring and worry about clearances. It costs around $1 a square foot or $9 a square yard.

Fiber Cushion Pad

For those who want a green option for their padding, rather than relying on synthetics that contain rubber or urethane, fiber cushion padding is an option. This uses a blend of natural fibers to create the pad, so it has fewer VOCs. It helps prevent the carpet from moving or slipping, which is beneficial for some long-wearing rugs. It costs around $1.25 a square foot or $11.25 a square yard.

Flat Rubber Pad

Flat rubber padding is used in commercial applications or very high traffic areas of the home, such as hallways or stairs. It is the most durable and long-wearing pad. It does not compress or wear out, but it is also not as soft or comfortable underfoot, so it is not common in bedrooms or other living areas. It costs around $2 a square foot or $18 a square yard.

Labor Costs to Install Carpet

Carpet installation is done by a flooring professional. This usually consists of removing the current one, preparing the subfloor ², laying the pad, and then the new carpet is unrolled, stretched, and stapled into place.

Carpet installation costs vary depending on the quality, its material, your subfloor quality, and the area where the material is installed. Stairs and irregularly shaped rooms have higher labor costs than square or rectangular rooms. Thicker types may be more unwieldy and difficult to move and install, so a thicker quality carpet may cost more to install than something thinner. The more cuts and jogs in the room, the higher the costs. Steps and stairs are priced differently than the carpet used to cover the floor. This is from the different installation styles needed on stairs.

The cost of installation ranges from $0.75 a square foot ($6.75 a square yard) for basic thin carpets in square rooms to $2 a square foot ($18 a square yard) for thicker plush carpeting or carpeting in rooms that have irregularities. 140 square feet of carpeting translates to a labor cost of $105 to $280.

Carpet Installation Process

Before putting down new carpeting, a lot of prep work needs to occur. If your subfloor is old or unstable, it may need to be replaced by a carpenter. Typically, this costs around $70 an hour and requires 2-3 hours’ work for a total of $140 - $210 for a new subfloor.

The first step is to measure the room and then your installer puts down a carpet pad over the subfloor, and once the pad is down, the new one is unrolled and stretched over the floor. Carpet tacks or thin strips with nails are glued or nailed down along the room’s edges, and it is stretched and attached to these nail strips. Whenever possible, it is stretched to cover the complete section of the room. Occasionally, two seams need to meet, and the installer tacks them down together to ensure the most seamless appearance when complete.

The final job is replacing any baseboards that were removed and to remove any cut pieces of carpeting. It may need to be vacuumed to remove stray fibers.​

Carpet Replacement Cost

If you have existing carpeting that you want to replace, it needs to be removed before the new one can be put down. This costs around $1 - $2 a square yard or $0.11 to $0.22 a square foot. The new one can be put down in the same way as it would be in a new installation, making your total replacement costs between $64 to $110 a square yard or $7.11 to $12.22 a square foot for most rooms:

Cost to Replace 500 Sq. Ft. of Carpet

The average cost to replace 500 sq.ft. of carpet is between $3,555 and $6,100. This range includes the removal and disposal of existing carpet. It also includes the padding, new carpet, and installation. Costs may be higher or lower depending on factors such as how hard the old one is to remove. Costs may also vary depending on the type of padding and style you choose. If it is being replaced due to issues such as water damage, there may also be additional costs for treating the area below. Likewise, you can lower costs by removing the old one yourself.

Cost to Replace 700 Sq. Ft. of Carpet

The average cost to replace 700 sq.ft. of old carpet is between $4,977 and $8,554. These costs include the complete removal and disposal of the old one. Costs may be lower if you do the tearout yourself. These costs also include the new carpet, padding, and installation. Costs can be higher or lower depending on the type you choose. Likewise, the condition of the subfloor below the old carpeting, and how easy the old one is to access can influence total costs.

Cost to Replace 1,000 Sq. Ft. of Carpet

The average cost to replace 1,000 sq.ft. of carpet is between $7,110 and $12,220. These costs include the complete removal and disposal of the old one. Removing some of the old carpeting yourself may lower costs. Installation of this size often encompasses many rooms. This may raise costs if some of those rooms are difficult to access, or if work needs to stop to move furniture around. Completely empty houses may therefore be less expensive to replace carpeting in.

Cost to Replace Carpet 1,200 Square Feet

The average cost to replace the carpeting in 1,200 sq.ft. is between $8,532 and $14,664. This includes the complete removal and disposal of the old carpeting. Replacing this much carpet at one time does often include working in many rooms of a home. This can cause delays and complications depending on the job. If there is furniture that must be moved from room to room, this can raise costs. If some of the rooms have different types, or if the subfloors vary, this can cause costs to vary as well.

Cost to Replace 1,500 Sq. Ft. of Carpet

The average cost to replace 1,500 sq.ft. of carpet is between $10,665 and $18,330. These costs include the removal and disposal of the old one. Projects of this size often include multiple rooms, and areas such as hallways or stairs. The more individual areas, the more chances for variation there are in the project. This can cause costs to vary throughout the job. If there is furniture in any of the rooms that must be moved, this can slow down the job or increase costs.

Cost to Replace 2,000 Sq. Ft. of Carpet

The average cost to replace 2,000 sq.ft. of carpet is between $14,220 and $24,440. This includes the cost of removal and disposal of the old one. Areas of this size will frequently involve multiple rooms and thresholds. They may also include spaces that include hallways and stairs. This can mean a lot of variation in types and areas. This can lead to variation in costs from room to room. Likewise, if any of the spaces have furniture that must be moved to facilitate the process, this may impact costs as well.

Maintenance

Your carpet’s maintenance is influenced by many factors. These include the installation area, whether it is high or low maintenance, material, type, and the pile height. Some areas and types are higher maintenance than others.

For most cut, cut and loop, plush, and other deep pile carpets, expect to vacuum it two to three times a week. For low pile and looped carpets, run a carpet sweeper two to three times a week. For all carpets, blot spills as soon as they are noticed to prevent staining.

For natural fibers and carpets that have not been treated against stains, detergent and shampoos may be used as needed to remove stains and treat heavily-soiled areas. Always choose a detergent recommended for your material and type.

The Carpet and Rug Institute states that professional carpet cleaning is recommended every 12-18 months for most types, at a rate of around $50 - $75. They also recommend taking the shoes off when entering a house and changing the air filters to reduce airbone dust particles.

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Pros and Cons

Like all materials, carpeting has its attributes and drawbacks, so it may not be right for every project. It is warm and soft underfoot and has insulating properties that may make the room feel warmer. It is also stylish and available in various colors, patterns, and textures and a range of materials, both natural and synthetic. Some may muffle sounds and protect you from injury in the event of a fall.

Some types are difficult to keep clean and may stain. They may also harbor allergens, such as mold or dust mites. While it is often less expensive than other types of flooring, it does not last as long. Some types may not be sustainable or eco-friendly, especially when compared to other flooring types.

Nylon vs Polyester Carpet

Nylon and polyester carpet are synthetic fiber floor coverings that come in many colors and styles. However, these are two very different materials that act and perform differently.

Nylon is made from petroleum products. It is stain-resistant and fairly durable. It requires regular steam cleaning, but it can hold up well in high-traffic areas. It is soft underfoot and comes in a range of styles and pile lengths.

Polyester is made from plastic. Newer polyester carpets are made from recycled plastic products, making this a more eco-friendly carpet than nylon. However, polyester can crush and fray even though it is stain-resistant. This means it does not hold up as well in high-traffic areas as nylon does. Of the two, nylon lasts longer, but it is slightly higher-maintenance and more costly.

Below is the average cost for 200 sq.ft. of each material fully installed.

Carpet vs Hardwood

Carpeting and hardwood are two of the most popular types of floor covering for whole-house installation. They have many positive and negative attributes influencing the final choice.

Hardwood is easier to maintain and more durable, lasting 50 - 100 years, while carpet lasts roughly 10 to 15. But while carpet is soft and warm underfoot, hardwood can be cold and hard. It can also echo and make a room sound louder, while carpeting muffles sounds, acting as a soundproofing material.

Hardwood is the more popular option in value and appeal. This is particularly true for resale and installation in all home areas. Carpeting is more popular in bedrooms and children’s playrooms. Because carpeting does not last as long, it is often not seen as a good investment. Hardwood is generally much more expensive than carpeting but lasts considerably longer.

Below are the average costs for 200 sq.ft. of carpeting and hardwood fully installed.

Carpet vs Laminate

Another choice is laminate. Laminate is a synthetic material designed to look like hardwood. It is made of multiple layers that have been laminated together with a long-wearing topcoat over a printed layer.

Like hardwood, laminate can be cold and hard underfoot. However, laminate is not as long-lasting as hardwood. Some types last longer than carpet, while others have average lifespans similar to carpeting. Laminate cannot be used in damp areas because it can swell and warp. While not all carpet can be used in damp areas, some types can, which can be a benefit if you wish to use the same material.

Laminate and carpeting come in a range of colors and styles. Neither significantly impacts your home’s value. However, laminate may be easier to maintain because it only needs to be swept and mopped. Of the two, laminate is more expensive.

Below are the average costs to install 200 sq.ft. of laminate and carpeting.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Stain-resistant Treatments

There are stain-resistant treatments available for some carpets, and others may already be stain-resistant. Adding resistant treatment typically costs around $80 per gallon, which can treat up to 1,000 sq.ft.

Carpet Removal Cost​

When replacing old carpet with new, you may need to pay for removal. This is also the case if you choose to install a different floor in place of the existing carpet. Removal is fairly simple, involving cutting the existing carpet, rolling it up, and pulling up the carpet tack strips. The average cost to remove and dispose of carpeting is around $115.

Subfloor Replacement Cost

Your subfloor is what your carpet is installed on. It is unfinished material and may be made of plywood, OSB, or concrete. If your current subfloor is damaged, either due to moisture or age, then you need to have a new subfloor installed before you have carpeting put down. The most common type of subfloor in a home is basic plywood.

The old plywood is generally pulled up and removed by breaking the sheets apart, then new sheets of plywood are installed by nailing them to your floor joists. Proper installation creates a smooth, level floor for your carpet with no bounce or squeaking when you walk. The average cost of installing a new plywood subfloor is between $900 and $2,000 for most jobs.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating can be used with carpeting. This includes electric radiant heating, which costs between $16 and $20. It is installed directly beneath the carpet on the subfloor.

Thresholds

Transition pieces or thresholds may be necessary between rooms, particularly if you use two different flooring pieces. These cost between $2 and $20, depending on the type, material, and style.

Antimicrobial Carpet

Antimicrobial carpet has been treated to resist the growth of mold and mildew, even in wet and damp areas. This treatment can be applied to several materials and types and costs around $40 a square yard or $4.44 a square foot.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Pad: A cushion placed under a carpet to absorb impact, thus extending the life of the carpet

² Subfloor: The bottom-most layer of a floor, supported by joists, over which finished flooring material is laid