Guide · Plan and finance
How much does a mosque carpet cost? These factors determine the price
There is no flat price. Here you can read what determines the price per square metre and the total price, and how to compare quotes properly.
There is no fixed price for a mosque carpet. The price per square metre depends mainly on material and quality; the total price also depends on area, waste, underlay, installation and delivery. Once measurements, material and design are fixed, you can ask for a detailed written quote. That is why you will not find figures here, but the factors that help you understand and compare quotes.
What determines the price per square metre?
The price per square metre covers only the carpet itself. Three things determine it above all.
Material
Wool is usually the most expensive fibre. Polyamide and acrylic are mostly in the middle, and polypropylene is usually the cheapest. This is only a rule of thumb, because the qualities overlap: a high-quality carpet made of a cheaper fibre can cost more than a simple one made of a more expensive fibre. Which fibre suits which use is shown in our materials comparison for mosque carpets.
Quality
For the same material, carpets differ in pile weight (how much fibre is in the pile), density (how closely the fibres sit), pile height (how long the fibres are) and production method, e.g. woven or tufted. More fibre and denser construction cost more, but usually also last longer.
Design and colours
A plain carpet is usually simpler to produce than one with an elaborate pattern. Special colours can mean surcharges or minimum quantities, depending on production. A medallion (Göbek) has to be planned centrally in the room, which requires more planning and often more waste.
What determines the total price?
The total price is what your mosque pays in the end. Besides the carpet, further costs may arise. Check which of them are included in the quote.
Area and waste
You pay not only for the area of your room, but also for the material left over when cutting – the waste. Carpet is produced in fixed roll widths. Columns, niches, projections and a qibla at an angle to the wall increase waste, because strips have to be adjusted. So always ask which area is actually being charged.
Underlay, old carpet and subfloor
Depending on the type, an underlay provides comfort and sound insulation. The old carpet has to be removed and disposed of properly. In older buildings, old floor coverings or adhesives may contain harmful substances that require special disposal. Afterwards, the subfloor must be level, dry and clean. If it needs filling or levelling, there is additional work. With underfloor heating, the covering must be suitable for it.
Installation and delivery
The installation effort depends on area, installation method and the condition of the room. Clarify whether delivery into the prayer hall and unloading are included in the quote. Also ask how prayers can continue during the work.
Customs and import VAT
If a carpet is produced abroad, import formalities are added. Within the EU, industrial goods from Türkiye are exempt from customs duty under the EU–Türkiye customs union with an A.TR movement certificate. Import VAT is still due. “Duty-free” alone is therefore not enough information: ask whether import VAT and clearance are included in the quote and who acts as importer. Outside the EU, for example in the UK, Norway or Switzerland, other duties and taxes may apply.
Fire safety certificate
If your room requires a particular fire class, you need the test report for exactly this carpet. Ask whether the certificate is included in the quote or charged separately.
Comparing quotes properly
Two quotes are only comparable if they include the same services. Put them side by side and go through these items:
| Item | What to look out for |
|---|---|
| Carpet | Data sheet for exactly this carpet with material, pile weight, density, pile height and production method |
| Area and waste | Which area is charged, and is the waste shown? |
| Underlay | Type of underlay and whether it is included |
| Old carpet | Removal, transport and disposal as a separate item |
| Subfloor | Filling, levelling, cleaning: included or charged by effort? |
| Installation | Who installs, how, and are seams and edges included? |
| Delivery | Delivery to the mosque, unloading, transport into the prayer hall |
| Customs and import VAT | Are they included, and who is the importer? |
| Fire safety certificate | Test report for exactly this carpet included? |
| VAT | Gross or net, and is the VAT rate shown? |
| Payment plan and validity | Deposit, final payment after inspection, validity period of the quote |
Gross or net?
Prices in construction and trades are often quoted net, i.e. without VAT. Many mosque associations are not entitled to deduct input VAT for their charitable work and therefore cannot reclaim it. For them, the gross price including VAT is what counts. Whether this applies to your association is best clarified with your tax adviser.
Never compare a net price with a gross price. On mosque-carpet.com we state the price and the applicable VAT in your quote.
Cheap or long-lasting?
The carpet with the lowest purchase price is not necessarily the cheapest choice over its whole period of use. Think in cost per year of use: price divided by the years the carpet is meant to stay in the prayer hall. A carpet that costs a little more to buy but lasts considerably longer is often cheaper per year.
Take into account use at Friday and Eid prayers, during Ramadan, for classes and in everyday life. A carpet that is too light has to be replaced sooner – and then you pay for removal, disposal and installation a second time.
Sharing the costs
Many mosques do not pay for the carpet from the association’s funds alone. With a carpet sponsorship, members and families contribute to the costs with donations. How to plan such a campaign is explained in our guide to carpet sponsorship and fundraising.
For planning donations you need a reliable figure. A non-binding quote based on your measurements provides it.
