Find a local carpet fitter

As far as home improvements go, changing your carpet is a relatively easy option that makes a big impact. A new carpet not only feels warm and soft, but is also a quick way to update the look of your home by adding new colour and texture.

An expert carpet fitter can help you get this done, whether you’re replacing a carpet that’s worn or rippling, or if you simply want a new look.

Your carpet fitter will be able to give you advice on the most economical way for you to achieve what you want – perhaps you need improved sound or heat insulation as well as a carpet that looks great – or maybe you want laminate replaced with carpet but are unsure of whether you need to get rid of the laminate first.

You’ll also need to have underlay and grippers for your carpet to be installed successfully, and again, this is where an expert carpet fitter can help you, to ensure the best fit.

• Underlay

Underlay is a thin cushioning layer that’s installed under carpets. It can be made from rubber, foam or felt. Underlays come in different togs (much like duvets), and having the highest tog isn’t always necessary for the area you want to have carpeted.

• Grippers

Grippers are tack strips that are essential to tightly hold the carpet in place against the wall of the room. It’s not a case of one type suits every scenario, and on areas such as the stairs, your carpet fitter must make sure that the carpet is adequately gripped for your safety, not just for the overall aesthetics.

For example, there are so many different types of carpet – with a variety of pile, textures and weaves – that the choice can become overwhelming. Here’s what you need to look out for:

• Pile

The pile of a carpet is the density of the fibres that make it, and affect the appearance and performance of the carpet. High pile carpets are shaggier and can feel more cosy and luxurious, while short pile carpets are more hard-wearing and resilient. You need to think about which room the carpet is for as to which pile is most suitable.

• Texture and weave

The pile of the carpet dictates its texture. The most commonly-used weave is the twist, which is made from cut-twisted pile. This is hard-wearing and provides a coarse finish and texture that is easy to keep clean and maintain. Loop carpets such as Berber are made from uncut loops of pile, are comfortable underfoot and retain their bounce (although it’s not recommended for homes with pets as the loops can get pulled by claws). A Saxony carpet has a long pile and oozes luxury – this is the carpet where you’ll see your footprints as you walk across it. However, it’s tricky to keep clean and flattens easily, so isn’t ideal for areas that are used heavily.

Skilled carpet fitters can suggest the right texture and consistency, depending on the area – a busy spot such as the stairs will need a more robust option than somewhere with minimal usage such as a guest bedroom. 

Your new carpet will most likely be thicker than the one it’s replacing, and may cause issues with your ability to open and close doors in the newly fitted room. A professional carpet fitter will be able to include door easing in their quote. This is when a small measurement is shaved from the doors to allow them to open and shut with ease.

Cost of carpet fitting work

The cost of carpet fitting depends upon the size of the room, and in the case of stairs, the complexity of the stair, i.e. if it has several turns and requires numerous changes in pile direction, the cost will increase. Expect to pay around £100 for labour on a 30m2 room, and budget approximately £4-£10 per m2 for the carpet itself.

There are other influencing factors in prices of quotes, and ways that you can reduce the cost: 

• Lifting old flooring. Your carpet fitter will do this for a price, but you can do this quite simply by removing the carpet and underlay yourself. It’ll also give you an opportunity to inspect the flooring underneath and repair any floorboards that need attention before the fitters arrive. Check that the floorboards are still level – it can be as simple as replacing nails that may have come loose. If you’re planning to have carpet fitted onto a concrete floor, you may need to have additional floor screeding to level the surface.
• Removing old carpets and underlay. Carpet fitters will charge for this, so you can reduce the quote by doing this yourself. Although carpets can be extremely heavy, and you will need to consider how you’re going to transport them to the local tip.
• Emptying the rooms. Carpet fitters will charge for having to remove the furniture from the rooms, so if you’re able to do it yourself, you’ll save money.
• Door easing. If your new carpet is thicker, you might need a few millimetres shaved off the bottom of the door to the room.

Do I really need underlay?

The cost of underlay can be an unexpected shock when you come to replace your carpets, and you may be considering not using any to avoid the financial hit. However, underlay is essential for maintaining the durability and function of your carpet. The underlay acts as a cushion between the flooring and the carpet, and maintains the pile of the carpet, preserving its aesthetic. It also acts as a very necessary insulation particularly on ground floors; plus, it acts as a welcome noise inhibitor and shock absorber, and prolongs the life of your carpet by making the pile more receptive to cleaning and maintenance.

Is it a false economy to buy a cheap carpet?

In a word, yes. Cheaper carpets, while more budget-friendly, typically wear out faster than higher quality ones, as the materials used are less able to resist stains and general use, so will need replacing sooner. There are lots of options for buying carpets and underlay, so it’s worth your time doing your homework. Get carpet samples, listen to advice from your carpet fitter, and narrow down your choices of materials, colours and pile. Your carpet fitter will have contacts who may be able to give you a good deal, but go online and speak to suppliers for their best price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

The qualifications your tradesperson needs

There are no formal qualifications that your carpet fitter is required to have by current UK law, although look out for whether your fitter is affiliated with The Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) or are accredited by the National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers (NICF).

Planning permission for carpet fitting jobs

You won’t need planning permission for changing your carpets, but if you live in flats or buildings with multiple occupancy, you need to make sure you comply with building regulations if you’re going from carpet to another material such as wood or laminate. This is due to the potential increase in noise. If you’re renting your property, take time to read your tenancy agreement to make sure there isn’t a clause that refers to your obligations regarding carpets and flooring. For more information on certain planning permission, make sure to visit the planning portal.

Insurance for carpet fitting work

Every reputable tradesperson will have public liability insurance as standard, and carpet fitting is no exception. Accidents can happen, and your professional carpet fitter must be insured to cover all eventualities.

Questions you should ask your tradesperson

• Do they have public liability insurance?
• Do they have a portfolio of their work?
• Do they have previous customers you can contact, or online reviews you can access?
• Are they members of any trade associations or accreditation schemes?
• What products do they recommend, and why?
• What follow-up service do they provide?