Old carpet can trap dust, allergens, pet odors, and moisture—especially in Southwest Florida’s humid climate. Whether you’re upgrading to tile, vinyl plank, or preparing a property for sale, one question always comes first: How much does carpet removal cost in Fort Myers—and is it cheaper to do it yourself or hire a professional?
The short answer: DIY carpet removal can cost less upfront, but professional carpet removal often saves time, labor, and disposal headaches, especially when haul-away and local disposal rules are factored in.
This guide breaks down real Fort Myers carpet removal costs, compares DIY vs professional pricing, and helps you decide which option actually makes sense for your project.
What Affects Carpet Removal Costs in Fort Myers?
Before comparing DIY and professional removal, it’s important to understand why carpet removal prices vary so widely.
Carpet removal costs are typically based on:
- Square footage
- Carpet installation type (stapled vs glued)
- Location (rooms vs stairs)
- Disposal and hauling requirements
- Labor intensity
In Fort Myers, most carpet removal projects range from $120 to $720, depending on size and complexity.
Average Carpet Removal Cost in Fort Myers (Quick Overview)
Here’s a realistic snapshot of local pricing:
| Removal Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY (disposal only) | $0.50–$0.60 per sq. ft. |
| Professional (basic) | $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft. |
| Glued-down carpet | $3–$5+ per sq. ft. |
| Stair carpet | $2–$20 per step |
| Junk hauler pickup | Starting ~$90–$160 |
A standard 12Ă—12 room (144 sq. ft.):
- DIY disposal only: ~$70–$90
- Professional removal: ~$140–$290+
DIY Carpet Removal in Fort Myers: Cost Breakdown
DIY carpet removal appeals to homeowners looking to save on labor—but it’s not “free.”
DIY Costs to Expect
If you remove carpet yourself, you’ll still pay for:
- Disposal fees: ~$0.50–$0.60 per sq. ft.
- Dump or junk hauling fees
- Truck rental or fuel costs
- Tools (utility knife, pry bar, gloves, respirator)
Example: 12Ă—12 Room DIY Cost
- 144 sq. ft. × $0.50–$0.60
- Estimated total: $70–$86 (disposal only)
Pros of DIY Carpet Removal
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexible timeline
- Good for small, simple rooms
Cons of DIY Carpet Removal
- Extremely labor-intensive
- Heavy hauling (rolled carpet is bulky and awkward)
- Risk of injury, especially on stairs
- You must follow local disposal rules
- Time lost to trips to disposal facilities
DIY works best only if you have:
- A small area
- Stapled (not glued) carpet
- A vehicle for hauling
- Time and physical ability
Professional Carpet Removal in Fort Myers: Cost Breakdown
Professional carpet removal costs more—but it includes labor, tools, hauling, and proper disposal.
Average Professional Pricing
- Stapled carpet: $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.
- Glued-down carpet: $3–$5+ per sq. ft.
- Stairs: $2–$20 per step (high variability)
For a 12Ă—12 room:
- Professional removal: ~$140–$290+
Where Junk Removal Companies Fit In
Many homeowners don’t realize that junk removal companies handle carpet removal and disposal efficiently, often at a lower total cost than traditional contractors.
At Pure Disposal, carpet removal is handled as part of our full-service junk removal model:
- We remove the carpet
- Roll and load it
- Haul it away
- Dispose of it properly
This is often ideal when:
- You’re removing carpet from multiple rooms
- Carpet is already torn up
- You want it gone same day
- You don’t want to deal with disposal
DIY vs Professional Carpet Removal: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DIY Removal | Professional Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Labor | You do everything | Crew handles all lifting |
| Disposal | You manage | Included |
| Speed | Slow | Fast (often same day) |
| Safety | Risk of injury | Trained professionals |
| Best for | Small areas | Medium to large jobs |
Cost Per Square Foot for Carpet Removal
A common question is how much carpet removal costs per square foot.
Here’s a Fort Myers–specific breakdown:
- DIY (disposal only): $0.50–$0.60/sq. ft.
- Professional basic: $0.50–$1.50/sq. ft.
- Glued carpet: $3–$5+/sq. ft.
The more complex the installation, the faster professional pricing makes sense.
Why Fort Myers Homeowners Choose Professional Removal
In Southwest Florida, many homeowners choose professionals because:
- Humidity makes old carpet heavier and harder to remove
- HOA timelines demand fast turnaround
- Disposal facilities have rules for bulk materials
- Time savings outweigh labor savings
Hiring a local junk removal company in Fort Myers means:
- No guessing on disposal rules
- Faster project completion
- Upfront pricing without surprises
👉 See pricing transparency here: Guide to Junk Removal Pricing in Fort Myers
People Also Ask (Answered Clearly)
Is it cheaper to remove carpet yourself?
In some cases, DIY carpet removal can cost less upfront, but it’s not always the better value once you factor in labor, hauling, and disposal. When you remove carpet yourself, you’re mainly saving on labor—but you still have to pay for dump or disposal fees, tools, and transportation.
DIY carpet removal makes the most sense if:
- You’re removing carpet from a small room
- The carpet is stapled, not glued
- You have the time, tools, and physical ability
- You can legally haul and dispose of the carpet yourself
For larger rooms, multiple rooms, stairs, or glued-down carpet, many Fort Myers homeowners find that professional carpet removal is more efficient and less stressful, especially when disposal is included.
For an exact comparison, we recommend contacting us for a free, no-obligation quote based on your specific space.
How much do contractors charge to remove carpet?
Contractors typically charge by the square foot, and pricing can vary widely depending on how the carpet was installed and where it’s located. In the Fort Myers area, rates often increase for glued-down carpet, stairs, or difficult subfloors.
That said, square-foot pricing doesn’t always tell the full story. Some jobs take longer, create more debris, or require additional disposal handling—costs that may not be obvious upfront.
At Pure Disposal, we focus on clear, upfront pricing based on volume and scope, not confusing line items.
How much to remove 1,000 sq ft of carpet?
Removing 1,000 square feet of carpet can vary significantly depending on:
- Stapled vs. glued installation
- Whether padding and tack strips need removal
- Presence of stairs
- Disposal requirements
DIY removal may still involve substantial disposal costs and multiple trips, while professional removal includes labor, hauling, and cleanup.
Because large carpet removal projects can fall into different pricing categories, there is no one-size-fits-all price. At Pure Disposal, we assess:
- Total volume of carpet and padding
- Access and labor complexity
- Disposal and recycling needs
For 1,000 sq ft or more, we strongly recommend requesting a quote so we can give you an exact, upfront price with no surprises.
How much does it cost to carpet a 2,000 sq ft home?
Carpeting a 2,000 sq ft home involves installation costs, which are separate from removal. Total pricing depends on:
- Carpet material and quality
- Padding choice
- Installation labor
- Removal of old carpet
- Stairs and layout complexity
Removal alone is just one part of the overall project. Many homeowners overlook removal and disposal costs when budgeting for new flooring.
If you’re preparing for new flooring and need the old carpet removed and hauled away, Pure Disposal can handle that portion efficiently so your installer can start on a clean surface.
For accurate removal pricing, contact us for a free estimate based on your home’s layout.
Final Verdict: DIY or Professional Carpet Removal in Fort Myers?
Here’s the honest takeaway:
- Small room, light carpet, time available → DIY
- Multiple rooms, glued carpet, fast timeline → Professional
- Want removal + disposal handled → Junk removal is ideal
Every carpet removal job is different. Factors like square footage, carpet type, access, and disposal rules in Fort Myers all affect pricing. That’s why we don’t guess—and we don’t use vague estimates.
âś” Local Fort Myers service
âś” Upfront, transparent pricing
âś” Removal + haul-away handled for you
âś” No hidden disposal or labor fees
For many Fort Myers homeowners, professional carpet removal through a junk removal company offers the best balance of cost, speed, and convenience.
To get your exact carpet removal cost, contact Pure Disposal for a fast, no-obligation quote.