Find a local carpet fitter

What can a carpet fitter help with?

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.

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• 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.

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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.

Other carpet fitter FAQs

Is it a false economy to buy a cheap carpet?

Yes, cheaper carpets wear out much faster because their materials are less resistant to stains and daily foot traffic. To get the best value, ask your carpet fitter for material advice, test samples, and check if they can secure you a trade discount with suppliers.

What qualifications should a carpet fitter have?

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).

Do I need planning permission to fit new carpets?

You don’t need planning permission to change your carpets, but you must check your lease or tenancy agreement if you live in a flat. Switching from carpet to hard flooring like wood or laminate often requires approval to comply with building regulations regarding noise.

Should a carpet fitter have insurance?

Yes, every reputable carpet fitter should carry valid public liability insurance before starting a job. This guarantees that both your property and the installer are fully covered against any accidental damage or injuries that could happen during the installation.

Questions you should ask your tradesperson

Before hiring, ask if they have public liability insurance, an active portfolio of past work, and positive online reviews. You should also ask if they belong to any trade associations (like FITA or NICF) and what specific underlay and maintenance services they recommend.