I’ve always been a fan of finding quality at a good price, and when it came to upgrading my home’s flooring, Costco’s carpet installation service caught my eye. If you’re like me—someone who wants a cozy, durable carpet without breaking the bank—you should seriously consider giving Costco a shot.
With their reputation for value and a seamless process that takes the stress out of home upgrades, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to refresh their space. Let me take you through my journey, break down the good and the bad, and share why this might just be the flooring fix you’ve been searching for.
My Experience With Costco Carpet Installation
Let me paint you a picture of how this all went down for me. A couple of months ago, I decided my living room carpet—stained from years of dog zoomies and spilled coffee—had to go.
I’m a Costco member already, so when I heard they offered carpet installation, I thought, “Why not?” I started by calling their flooring hotline, and within a day, a friendly Shaw Flooring rep was at my door with a stack of samples.
I’ll admit, I was overwhelmed at first—there were so many colors and textures! But the guy was patient, walking me through options that’d hold up to my chaotic household.
We settled on a plush, medium-pile Shaw carpet in a warm taupe shade that didn’t scream “look at me” but still felt luxurious. The quote came in fast—about $1,200 for my 300-square-foot space, including installation. I liked that they didn’t nickel-and-dime me with hidden fees; it was all upfront.
A week later, the installers showed up—subcontractors, not Costco employees, which made me a tad nervous. But these guys were pros. They ripped out the old carpet, leveled the floor where my subfloor had settled unevenly, and laid the new stuff in about six hours.
The smell of fresh carpet hit me like a wave of optimism.
Now, it wasn’t all sunshine. The scheduling threw me off—they had to push my install date back three days because of a supply hiccup, and I had to shuffle some plans. And while the crew was efficient, they left a bit of dust behind that I had to sweep up.
But when I sank my toes into that soft, pristine carpet for the first time?
Worth it. My dogs, too, approved—they’ve been rolling around on it ever since. It’s been a couple of months now, and I’m still grinning every time I walk in the room. That’s my story—messy, real, and mostly awesome.
Pros of Costco Carpet Installation
Let’s talk about why I’m still raving about this carpet to anyone who’ll listen. There’s a lot to love here, and I’ve broken it down so you can see what might sway you too.
- Unbeatable Value for Your Money
I’m a sucker for a good deal, and Costco delivers on that front.
The price I paid—around $4 per square foot installed—felt like a steal compared to what I’d seen at specialty flooring stores quoting $6 or more.
You’re getting a solid product from Shaw, a name that’s been in the game forever, without the markup you’d find elsewhere.
Plus, if you’ve got a Costco Anywhere card, you rack up rewards points. I earned a chunk back on my purchase, which I’m saving for a future Costco haul. It’s like the carpet keeps on giving.
- Transparent Pricing That Doesn’t Sting
Nothing irks me more than surprise costs, and Costco kept things clear as day. The rep gave me a detailed quote right off the bat—carpet, padding, installation, the works.
No “oh, we forgot to mention” nonsense. They even offered options based on my budget, so I could’ve gone cheaper or splurged on extras like thicker padding. Knowing exactly what I was shelling out for gave me peace of mind, and that’s worth its weight in gold when you’re tackling a home project.
- A Wide Range of Choices
I wasn’t expecting Costco to roll out a red carpet of options, but they did. From shaggy piles to sleek berbers, there’s something for every vibe. I went with a medium-pile that’s soft but sturdy, perfect for my pets and clumsy self.
The Shaw rep brought samples to my house, so I could see how they’d look in my lighting—not just under some sterile showroom glow. It made picking the right one feel personal, not like I was guessing from a catalog.
- Membership Perks That Sweeten the Deal
Since I’m already a Costco member, this was icing on the cake. You get access to exclusive deals, and sometimes they throw in a Costco Shop Card rebate—mine was 15% back on the install, which I wasn’t even counting on.
It’s not just about the carpet; it’s the whole membership vibe that makes you feel like you’re in on something special. If you’re not a member yet, the $60 annual fee might be worth it just for this kind of perk alone.
Cons of Costco Carpet Installation
Okay, I won’t sugarcoat it—there were some bumps along the way. Here’s where Costco’s carpet game isn’t perfect, so you can weigh it all out.
- Subcontractor Roulette
Here’s the rub: Costco doesn’t install the carpet themselves.
They farm it out to local crews, and that’s a mixed bag.
My guys were great—fast, polite, knew their stuff.
But I’ve heard horror stories from friends who got sloppy teams that left seams showing or didn’t clean up.
It’s a gamble, and you don’t know who’s showing up until they’re at your door.
That lack of control gave me some jitters, even if my roll of the dice paid off.
- Membership Gatekeeping
If you’re not a Costco member, this whole deal’s off the table unless you fork over the fee. I get it—it’s their model—but if you’re just after carpet and don’t care about bulk toilet paper or giant jars of mayo, it’s a hassle.
I was already in the club, so it didn’t faze me, but I can see how it’d annoy someone who’s not. You’re basically paying an entry price to even get in the game.
- Scheduling Hiccups
My install got delayed, and it threw a wrench in my week. I’d cleared my schedule, moved furniture, and then—bam—three-day postponement.
The rep blamed a supply issue, and while they were apologetic, it still stung. If you’re on a tight timeline, this could be a dealbreaker. I managed, but it’s something to brace for—things don’t always go like clockwork.
- Limited Accountability
When something goes wrong, it’s a bit of a blame game. Costco points at the subcontractor, the subcontractor shrugs, and you’re left holding the phone. My install was smooth, but if it hadn’t been, I’d have been stuck chasing down the local crew instead of calling Costco directly.
That distance between the brand and the boots on the ground can feel like a dodge, and it’s not ideal if you’re troubleshooting.
Maintenance Tips For Your Costco Carpet
Now that I’ve got this gorgeous carpet underfoot, I’m all about keeping it that way. Here’s how I’m making sure it stays fresh and fluffy for years—tips you can steal too.
- Vacuum Like It’s Your Job: I’ve got two dogs and a coffee habit, so my vacuum’s my best friend. I hit the carpet at least twice a week—more if the pups are shedding like crazy. It sucks up dirt and pet hair before they settle in deep, and I swear it keeps the pile looking perky. Get yourself a decent vacuum with a beater bar; it’ll lift the fibers and stop that matted-down look. Trust me, a quick pass makes a world of difference.
- Tackle Spills Pronto: The first time I dropped a blob of salsa on my new carpet, I panicked—but it came right up. The trick? Blot, don’t rub. I grab a damp cloth and dab at it fast, working from the outside in so it doesn’t spread. Shaw’s stain resistance is legit, but you’ve got to act quick. If it’s a tough one—like red wine—I mix a little dish soap with water and go at it gently. No lingering stains yet, knock on wood.
- Rotate Your Furniture: I noticed my armchair was starting to leave a dent where I plop down every night. So, I’ve started shuffling things around every few months. It’s a pain to move the couch, but it spreads out the wear so no one spot gets flattened. Plus, it forces me to clean under there—bonus points for finding lost dog toys. Keep that traffic even, and your carpet will thank you.
- Invest in a Good Pad: I went with the thicker padding Costco offered, and it’s a game-changer. It’s not just about comfort—though it feels like walking on clouds—it protects the carpet from below. A solid pad cushions the fibers, so they don’t crush under heavy feet or furniture. If you’re installing, don’t skimp here; it’s the secret sauce for longevity.
Comparison Costco Carpet Installation With Other Brands
When I decided to go with Costco for my carpet installation, I didn’t just jump in blind—I scoped out the competition to make sure I wasn’t missing out. Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards are heavy hitters in the flooring world, and each one’s got its own flavor.
I’ve poked around their offerings, talked to folks who’ve been there, and sized them up against my Costco experience. Let’s unpack how they compare, so you can see where Costco stands in the lineup—and why I’m still grinning about my choice.
- Costco Vs. Lowe’s Carpet Installation
Lowe’s was a contender I took seriously—my buddy had them redo his basement, and I got the full scoop. They’ve got a robust selection, with brands like Mohawk and carpets running $3 to $6 per square foot installed. I popped into a Lowe’s once to check it out, and I’ll say this: being able to walk in, touch the samples, and see how they catch the light is a big draw.
No appointments, no fuss—just you and a sea of options. My friend’s install went smooth as butter, with a crew that tackled his tricky stairs like champs. But he did warn me about the quote creeping up—extras like stair nosing and padding tacked on a few hundred bucks he wasn’t expecting.
With Costco, I locked in at $4 per square foot for my 300-square-foot living room, and that was it—no surprises, no upselling. The Shaw rep came to me, samples in hand, and the price included everything from rip-out to cleanup.
Lowe’s gives you that tactile, in-store freedom, but Costco’s all-in transparency and membership perks (hello, 15% Shop Card rebate) made it feel like I was getting more bang for my buck. If you love browsing and don’t mind a little negotiation, Lowe’s could be your jam—but I’m all about Costco’s simplicity.
- Costco Vs. Home Depot Carpet Installation
Home Depot’s a giant, and I’ve spent enough time roaming their aisles to know they don’t mess around. Their carpet game is stacked—Stainmaster, Lifeproof, and a slew of others, with installed prices hovering between $4 and $7 per square foot.
What I like?
No membership gatekeeping. Anyone can waltz in and get started, which is a relief if you’re not into Costco’s club vibe. A neighbor went with them for her family room, and the carpet itself is a stunner—deep blue, plush, pet-proof.
But her install?
A mess. The crew left visible seams and didn’t tack the edges right; she’s still mad about it. My Costco job cost me $1,200 total—carpet, padding, install—and the subcontractors nailed it, no sloppy shortcuts. Home Depot quoted her $1,500 for a similar space, and she felt nickeled-and-dimed with add-ons like haul-away fees. I’ll give Home Depot props for variety; their showrooms are a playground for indecision.
But Costco’s tighter pricing and reliable execution (at least in my case) edged it out. If you’re after endless options and don’t mind rolling the dice on installers, Home Depot’s worth a look—but I’d rather stick with Costco’s value and peace of mind.
- Costco Vs. Menards Carpet Installation
Menards was a wild card for me—I don’t have one close by, but I dug into it since it’s a go-to for Midwest folks. They’ve got brands like Tarkett and keep things budget-friendly, with installed costs from $3.50 to $6 per square foot.
A coworker who’s a Menards diehard raved about their 11% rebate—you pay upfront, mail in a form, and get a chunk back as store credit. He redid his den for about $1,300 and pocketed $140 later, which isn’t bad. Costco’s rebate was sweeter for me—15% back via a Shop Card, no paperwork, instant gratification.
Menards does free in-home estimates like Costco, and their carpets are solid—my coworker’s held up to his kids’ chaos for two years. But I snooped online, and their install reviews are a rollercoaster: some folks got flawless jobs, others waited weeks past schedule or dealt with uneven cuts.
My Costco install hit a three-day delay, sure, but the crew showed up ready, and the Shaw carpet’s been a tank against my dogs’ antics. Menards might save you a few bucks upfront, and that rebate’s tempting if you’re a regular there.
Still, Costco’s quality and smoother process (delay aside) felt like a surer bet—I didn’t have to cross my fingers and hope.
These three bring their own strengths, no doubt. Lowe’s offers that hands-on shopping thrill, Home Depot’s got variety for days, and Menards tempts with rebates and low entry prices. But Costco? It’s the whole package for me—competitive cost, a trusted name in Shaw, and a process that didn’t leave me sweating the details.
I’m not saying the others can’t work; they’ve got fans for a reason. But after living with my Costco carpet, feeling its softness, and knowing I didn’t overpay, I’d pick it again in a heartbeat. Your mileage might vary—depends on what you value—but I’m betting Costco’s in your wheelhouse too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers—here’s what I’ve learned about Costco’s carpet world.
Yup, they sure do. It’s not them wielding the tools, though—they partner with Shaw Flooring and local subcontractors to get it done. You call, set up a consult, pick your carpet, and they handle the rest. It’s all part of their custom flooring program, and it’s been smooth sailing for me.
Costco teams up with Shaw Flooring, a giant in the carpet biz with over 50 years of cred. Shaw supplies the goods, and then local crews—picked by region—do the install. My experience with Shaw’s product was top-notch, and their name carries weight for a reason.
Oh, I’ve heard some doozies. Think visible seams where the carpet pieces don’t line up, edges that pull up because they weren’t stretched right, or uneven cuts leaving gaps near walls. My friend had a crew that didn’t level the floor first—her carpet ripples like a funhouse now. Mine dodged those bullets, but it’s why the subcontractor thing can be dicey.
Shaw’s the real deal. My carpet’s held up to muddy paws and daily wear without a hitch—it’s soft, stain-resistant, and still looks newish after months. They’ve got a rep for durability and style, and I’d say it’s earned. Sure, warranties can be picky (dents don’t count), but the quality’s there if the install’s done right.
Final Thoughts on Costco Carpet Installation
After living with my Costco carpet for a while, I’m sold—you should totally check it out if you’re in the market. It’s not flawless, but the value, variety, and straightforward process make it a winner in my book.
Whether you’re a member already or thinking of joining, this could be the cozy upgrade your home’s begging for. I’m thrilled with mine, and I bet you’ll find something to love too. Go for it—your feet will thank you!