Carpet Fitting Cost

Written by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focussing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
3rd December, 2025
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a Glance
  • The average carpet fitting cost is around £400.
  • Carpeting a room will usually take half a day to complete.
In this guide:
  • NEW! Use our carpet fitting cost calculator for quick estimates.
  • A breakdown of carpet prices in 2025, including what different types of carpet cost in the UK.
  • What will affect the cost of your carpet fitting, and additional costs to be aware of.
  • How to find and hire a local carpet fitter using MyJobQuote.
a person fitting carpet on a tiled floor

Average Carpet Fitting Cost:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: ½ day

£400

How Much Does Carpet Fitting Cost?

For a standard-sized room, the cost of carpet fitting can be anywhere between £250 and £2,500, with the average price for carpeting a room being around £400, which includes both materials and installation.

Carpet fitting costs can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the size of the room and the type of carpet that you want to lay.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know - including the average cost of carpet per square metre in the UK, the cost of laying carpet for different-sized rooms, what affects these costs, and how to keep carpet laying costs down!

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How Much Does It Cost to Carpet a Room?

The size of your room and the type of carpet you choose will be the two main factors that affect how much it costs to fit a new carpet.

As well as the price of your carpet, new underlay, gripper rods, and thresholds will be additional costs (more details later), but we've outlined the average total carpet fitting cost (including all materials and fitting) by room below.

closeup of the gripper rods (carpet grippers) during new carpet installation

The prices below are all based on laying a standard quality carpet, which you should expect to cost around £22 per m² supplied and fitted, but if you're on a budget, or fancy splashing out on a bit of luxury, the table below shows you how these different options might affect your carpet fitting costs by room.

Room Budget (£21/m²) Standard (£36/m²) Premium (£75/m²)
Stairs & Landing Carpet Cost (10m²) £210 £360 £750
Hall Carpet Cost (6m²) £126 £216 £450
Bedroom Carpet Cost (12m²) £252 £432 £900
Lounge/Living Room Carpet Cost (20m²) £420 £720 £1,500
Nursery Carpet Cost (9m²) £189 £324 £675
Home Office Carpet Cost (8m²) £168 £288 £600
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How Much to Carpet Stairs & Landing?

Stairs and landings are high-traffic areas in your house, so you want to choose a durable carpet that feels firm underfoot.

Because of the complexity of fitting carpet on stairs and landings, you'll typically need more than the actual square metreage to account for the necessary wastage.

Carpeting the average staircase and landing will require about 10m² of carpet, with a typical fitting cost of around £360 for standard quality carpet.

Stair runner vs carpet?

"It all depends on the width of your stairs. Runners are usually used as a statement/feature of the house to offer more of a designer touch."

How Much to Carpet a Hall?

Hallways also see a lot of traffic, so you will also want to consider something durable, and most people will choose the same carpet to match their stairs and landing.

A typical hallway will be around 6m², so the cost for laying a standard quality carpet will be around £220.

How Much to Carpet a Bedroom?

For bedrooms, most people opt for a softer, more comfortable carpet that feels nice to walk on with bare feet.

It can be worth paying a bit more for this comfort, but with the typical bedroom around 12m², fitting a standard quality carpet would cost around £430.

How Much to Carpet a Lounge/Living Room?

The average living room is usually the biggest room in the house, and with so much time spent here, it's worth investing in a better-quality carpet.

A standard option will work just as well, and with a typical living room of around 20m², your carpet laying costs would be about £720.

How Much to Carpet a Nursery?

Most people would choose a nursery carpet that's soft and comfortable, but easy to clean and maintain, so it could be worth spending a bit more for that balance of comfort and practicality.

With their usually small size of around 9m², fitting a standard carpet for your nursery should cost around £320.

How Much to Carpet a Home Office?

If you have a dedicated home office, rather than just a spare bedroom, you might want to opt for a carpet that can handle more foot traffic and the wear from office chairs.

With a typical size of around 8m², a standard carpet for your workspace should cost around £290.


Carpet Fitting Cost Calculator

Carpet Fitting Costs per M²

As well as the different colours and styles of carpet, there are different types of carpet, using a variety of materials. The carpet you choose to have fitted can have a big impact on how much your new carpet costs.

Below, we break down the different costs per square metre of having some of the most popular carpet types and materials fitted in the UK in 2025.

Carpet Fitting Costs per M² by Type

Type Estimated Fitted Cost Per m²
Twist £17-£64
Berber £19-£64
Level Loop £19-£64
Saxony £22-£44
Multi-Level Loop £22-£59
Cut and Loop Combination £32-£64
Velvet £32-£54
Frieze and Shag £32-£54
Flat Weave £39-£74
Wilton £54-£104
Axminster £64-£114
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How long can I expect loose fibres to keep coming out of my carpet? Should it have stopped after a few weeks?

"It depends on the material that is fitted and the initial wear. In general, after the first couple of hoovers, but wool carpets tend to shed for longer."

Carpet Fitting Costs per M² by Material

Type Estimated Fitted Cost Per m²
Polypropylene (Olefin) £17-£64
Polyester (PET) £24-£64
Nylon (Polyamide) £24-£64
Wool £29-£74
Sisal £54-£64
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How Much Do Carpet Fitters Charge?

How much a carpet fitter will charge depends on the size of the room, as well as the complexity of the layout. For a simple rectangular room, you can expect to pay £60 to £80, depending on the size.

The job will usually take 2 to 4 hours. If the room has a lot of alcoves or is an unusual shape, then the cost and the time will go up. Likewise, this may leave you with various offcuts of underlay and excess carpet. Unless you've made any prior arrangements, a fee of around £20 to £30 may apply to dispose of any waste.

If you need the old carpet taken up and disposed of, then expect an additional £1 to £3 per m².

What about carpeting staircases?

Staircases are tricky and will take more time, which means they can cost more. The more turns in the staircase, the higher the cost will be.

You can expect to pay £75 to £120. Fitting carpet to a staircase will usually take around half a day.

How long does it take to re-carpet a house? (5 rooms plus stairs and landing)

"It depends on how many carpet layers you get, but for a professional job using two carpet fitters, it would take around two days. Fit underlay and carpet and both to settle for 1 day and then make any adjustments on the second day."

How Much Do Carpet Fitters Cost By Region?

As you're probably starting to understand, there are a variety of factors that will affect how much it costs to lay your new carpet, which we look at in a bit more detail later on.

However, one factor that can have a significant impact on how much your carpet fitter charges is your location in the UK.

As with most jobs, you're likely to pay more for labour, and possibly materials, if you live in London, compared to living in the Midlands or the North.

But just how much could your location affect the cost of fitting your new carpet? We look at how much carpet fitters charge by region can affect the cost of typical carpet fitting projects below.

Region Stairs & Landing (10m²) Bedroom (12m²) Lounge/Living Room (20m²)
London £450 £540 £900
South East £400 £485 £805
Midlands £360 £432 £720
Scotland £378 £454 £756
North £315 £380 £635
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Factors That Impact Carpet Laying Costs

There are a lot of factors that can affect the final cost of laying carpets. Some are unavoidable, while for others, the choices you make will affect the final price.

  • Size and Shape of Area - Larger areas cost more to carpet, but any unconventional layouts may require unconventional cuts and mean more wastage, so you will need more carpet to make up for this.
  • Material and Style of Carpet - Thicker piles and mixed cut-and-loop styles tend to cost more, with natural materials, including wool and sisal, having a higher price than synthetic materials.
  • Width of the Roll - Carpet comes in 4m or 5m roll widths, and you pay for the full width, not just what you need. If your room is 4.1m wide and you don't want joins, the wastage could add 25% to the cost.
  • Pattern Matching - If your carpet has a pattern, you'll probably need extra carpet to make sure the pattern matches properly along joins and edges, which can increase the cost and carpet needed by 10%-20%.
  • Carpet Backing - While you might be more concerned with the topside of your carpet, the backing can affect its performance, and opting for more expensive felt or woven backings will increase the price.
  • Carpet Underlay - The type of underlay you choose can have a big impact on how good your new carpet feels, and it can also affect how much it costs, which is worth looking at in more detail.
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How Much Does Carpet Underlay Cost?

Underlay is an important part of your carpet, acting as a shock absorber as you walk. The higher the tog rating can also provide extra insulation to your property and prolong the overall lifespan of your carpet.

You might be tempted to save on the cost of carpet fitting by not replacing your existing underlay or choosing a cheap option. However, it should not be skimped on as it will impact the feel and the lifespan of the carpet.

If your underlay is past its best or you need new underlay, here's how the different types and quality of underlay could affect your carpet laying costs, and more information on the pros and cons of each type to help you decide which to fit.

Carpet Underlay Costs

Type Estimated Cost Per m²
Felt £1.50-£3
PU Foam £2-£5
Crumb Rubber £3-£5
Combination £4-£6
Sponge Rubber £4-£8
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PU Foam Underlay Cost

PU foam is a very popular choice for carpet underlay in the UK.

It gives a very soft feeling underfoot. It is made from recycled furniture foam, so it is an environmentally friendly choice. The average cost is £3 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Soft underfoot
  • ✔ High insulating effect
  • ✔ Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • ✖ Flattens over time
  • ✖ Susceptible to denting by heavy furniture

Crumb Rubber Underlay Cost

This underlay is made from recycled car tyres. It gives a firm feeling underfoot and is very supportive.

closeup of crumb rubber underlay

It can be a good choice for high-traffic areas like stairs. The average cost is £5 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent soundproofing
  • ✔ Resistant to denting by furniture
  • ✔ Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • ✖ Can feel hard underfoot

Sponge Rubber Underlay Cost

Sponge rubber can come in two forms — either waffle or flat. The waffle type has air pockets that will flatten out faster over time.

Waffle is better for low-traffic areas, while flat performs well in high-traffic areas. The average cost is £5 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Soft underfoot

Cons

  • ✖ Flattens over time

Felt Underlay Cost

Felt underlay is a very traditional choice. It works best with woven carpets. It has a high wool content, so it is a good insulator. The average cost is £4 per m²

Pros

  • ✔ High insulating effect
  • ✔ Resistant to denting by furniture

Cons

  • ✖ Feels firm underfoot

Combination Underlay Cost

Combination underlay has both layers of crumb rubber and felt. It combines the features of both types of underlay to create a good quality option.

The average cost is £5 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ High insulating effect
  • ✔ Excellent soundproofing
  • ✔ Resistant to denting by furniture

Cons

  • ✖ Feels firm underfoot

Additional Carpet Fitting Costs

The figures quoted above are typical of what you can expect to pay for the supply and fitting of new carpet in your home. But there are some additional costs you might want to consider, which we look at in more detail below.

Gripper Rods & Thresholds

When fitting a new or replacement carpet, you will most likely also need to budget for gripper rods to secure the carpet at the edges, and thresholds for the doorways between rooms.

Item Cost
Gripper rods £0.50 per metre
Carpet to Carpet Threshold Bar £5-£6
Carpet to Laminate Threshold Bar £7-£8
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Delivery Costs

Don't assume your new carpet will be delivered for free, even if you're spending quite a bit or having everything supplied and fitted by the same company.

Rolls of carpet are heavy and bulky, and many suppliers will use 3rd party delivery companies, all of which may mean an additional delivery charge, so this is something you definitely want to check when you place your order.

Removal & Disposal of Old Carpet

If you're having a room recarpeted, your fitter might include the lifting and disposal of your old carpet and underlay in their quote, but this might not always be the case.

With disposal fees at most trade waste and recycling facilities, not to mention the time taken to lift up the old carpet, remove broken gripper rods, etc., you should expect an additional cost if you're not prepared to remove your old carpet yourself.

Floor Repairs

There's no point spending hundreds or thousands of pounds on new carpet and underlay if the floor you're laying them on is substandard or damaged.

Getting broken or creaky floorboards fixed, repairing damaged chipboard panels, or dealing with any moisture issues, should all be sorted before your new carpet goes down.

Refitting Doors

If you've opted for a new deep and luxurious pile, or are carpeting a floor where there used to be laminate or vinyl, there's a good chance your doors will be too low for the new carpet.

Once your new carpet has been laid, you might need your doors refitting or shortening so they open and close properly. Most carpet fitters will include this in their quote, but it's always a good idea to check.

What's Involved in Getting a Carpet Fitted?

Getting a new carpet fitted can transform the look and feel of any room, but only if it's done right.

While laying a carpet in a standard room might not sound difficult, professional carpet fitters have the skills, experience, and equipment to make sure it fits well, looks good, and will last for many years to come.

Finding skilled carpet fitters and the best prices is easy with MyJobQuote. Get free, no-obligation quotes from local carpet fitters in your area.

Here's what to expect when you get your carpets fitted by professionals:

Before the Job Starts

  • Measuring the Area — Your fitter or carpet supplier will accurately measure the area to be carpeted, to calculate how much carpet you need and minimise any waste.
  • Preparing the Space — Any furniture is removed, and the fitters make sure they have enough space to bring in the materials and tools to fit the carpet.
  • Preparing the Subfloor — Any old carpet, underlay, and grippers are removed, and loose boards, nails, and any other issues are fixed so the floor is ready for carpeting.
  • Carpet Delivery — If your fitter isn't also delivering your carpet, you'll need to make sure all the above is complete before your new carpet is delivered.

During the Job

  • Fitting the Grippers — If needed, new gripper rods are fitted all around the room to hold the new carpet securely in place.
  • Laying the Underlay — Any new underlay is cut to size and stapled or glued to the grippers, with joints taped to create a smooth, cushioned base for the carpet.
  • Positioning & Cutting the Carpet — The carpet is unrolled, smoothed out to cover the entire floor, and cut to size, with a small allowance at the edges for trimming.
  • Creating Carpet Joins — If required, the fitter will join pieces of carpet to cover the entire floor, and the edges are trimmed and joined using heat-seam tape and a seaming iron to create a strong, virtually invisible join.
  • Stretching the Carpet — The carpet is then stretched tightly across the room to prevent any sagging or bumps, and hooked onto the gripper rods to secure it in place.
  • Trimming & Finishing — The edges are trimmed and tucked into the gap between the gripper rods and the skirting to give a professional finish.
  • Doorway Finishing — The carpet is trimmed to fit under the threshold bars in the doorway, and any adjustment to the fitting or length of the door is carried out so it opens and closes properly.

After the Job

  • Final Checks — The fitter carries out his final checks to make sure the carpet is securely fitted and looks good across the whole room and around the edges.
  • Replacing Furniture — If you've asked your fitter to remove and replace your furniture, they'll return your room to how it was laid out before.
  • Final Cleaning & Paperwork — The fitter will clean away all excess materials and waste, provide you with any relevant paperwork and guarantees, and then leave you to enjoy your newly carpeted room.

Checklist: Hiring a Carpet Fitter in the UK

When you are choosing a carpet fitter to lay your new carpet, here's a checklist of what you need to consider:

  • Can your carpet supplier recommend a fitter? Most carpet retailers will be able to recommend a carpet fitter. However, you'll probably get a better carpet fitting quote if you find someone in your local area yourself.
  • Are you getting the best price? Even if a fitter is recommended, you should get quotes from at least three fitters to make sure you get the best price and service possible.
  • Are they an industry-approved carpet fitter? It is a good sign if your chosen fitter is approved or endorsed by a trustworthy organisation - for example, the National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers (NICF).
  • What's their previous work like? Industry associations are a positive, but don't guarantee the quality of their work, so ask for references or check online for reviews of their most recent jobs.
  • Is waste removal included in the quote? If you're recarpeting a room, there will be old carpet and possibly underlay and other materials to get rid of, so check if your fitter includes this in their price.
  • What else is included? Check who will be responsible for removing and replacing the furniture, or adjusting the doors, if required, and what the additional costs of these jobs might be.
  • How will they lay the carpet? Check that they will lay the carpet exactly how you want it, paying particular attention to where any joins will be.

MyJobQuote can help you find local carpet fitters (free, no obligation). Try to get at least 3 quotes from tradespeople, as how much a carpet fitter charges can vary significantly.

Carpet Costs per M² by Type (Supply Only)

You might prefer to negotiate the cost of your carpet and its fitting separately to try and get the best price, or perhaps you know a carpet fitter, or are confident that you can do a good job of fitting the carpet yourself.

If you just want to understand how much carpet costs without including fitting and any extra materials, the price of carpet for your project will depend on which material and type you choose.

The design, material, and how the fibres are attached to the backing all impact how much carpet costs. With a number of different types and materials to choose from, we look at what this means for the cost of carpet per m²

Type Estimated Cost Per m²
Twist £3-£50
Berber £5-£50
Level Loop £5-£50
Saxony £8-£30
Multi-Level Loop £8-£45
Cut and Loop Combination £18-£50
Velvet £18-£40
Frieze and Shag £18-£40
Flat Weave £25-£60
Wilton £40-£90
Axminster £50-£100
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Woven Carpet Cost

These carpets are the most expensive option.

closeup of a woven carpet

They are made using traditional loomed methods. This means they are labour-intensive to make, but the finish is of high quality.

Axminster Carpet Cost

These carpets are made using a technique very similar to the one used to make oriental rugs. They are named after the machine that is used to create them.

They are renowned for being grand and intricate. The average cost per m² is £50 to £100.

Pros

  • ✔ Ornate finish
  • ✔ Luxury feel

Cons

  • ✖ Very expensive
  • ✖ Velvet finish will fade over time

Wilton Carpet Cost

These carpets are made using a loom and a continuous strand of yarn. The final feel of these carpets is smooth and velvety.

The average cost per m² is between £40 and £90.

Pros

  • ✔ Wide range of patterns options

Cons

  • ✖ Very Expensive

Tufted Carpet Cost

The majority of carpets in the UK are made using the tufted method.

This involves using rows of needles to punch the pile through the backing material. As the material is pulled back through, a loop is created.

closeup of a tufted carpet

These loops can be shaped or cut to give different finishes. This method is much quicker and can be automated, so it is much cheaper.

Twist Carpet Cost

In a twist pile carpet, the cut tufts of fabric are twisted. This creates a durable and hardwearing carpet. These can be made with two tones to create a 'heather' look that hides the presence of dirt or animal hair.

These are a good choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs. The average cost per m² is between £4 and £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Hard-wearing
  • ✔ Can hide dirt well

Cons

  • ✖ Can be hard to keep clean

Saxony Carpet Cost

Saxony carpets are made from very densely packed fibres. The fibres are cut to about an inch in length and stand straight up.

They are very soft but show wear and footprints easily. The average cost per m² is £8 to £30.

Pros

  • ✔ Extremely soft underfoot
  • ✔ Luxurious finish

Cons

  • ✖ Needs replacing more often
  • ✖ Does not hide dirt

Velvet Carpet Cost

Velvet or plush carpets are cut quite short. The fibres have a slight twist to them. These carpets are best suited to low-traffic spaces as they can show footprints easily.

The average cost per m² is £20 to £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Soft and even finish
  • ✔ Look smart and formal

Cons

  • ✖ Shows tracks from feet and vacuuming

Frieze and Shag Carpet Cost

Both Frieze and shag carpets are made in the same way. The only difference is the length of the fibres. The longest fibre options tend to be called Shag carpet. In both types, the threads are cut long.

The threads are a mix of thicknesses, and they all lie in different directions. It's a good choice for high-traffic areas. The average cost per m² is £20 to £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Durable
  • ✔ Luxurious feel underfoot

Cons

  • ✖ Informal appearance

Berber Carpet Cost

When it comes to carpeting, the term 'berber' can be used in two ways. Some people may use berber to refer to all types of loop carpets. However, it can also be used to describe a particular type of loop carpet.

These are carpets that are usually brown with a second fleck of colour in the fabric. The loops are short, which makes for a hardwearing carpet. The average cost per m² is £5 to £30.

Pros

  • ✔ Pattern hides dirt well
  • ✔ Hard-wearing

Cons

  • ✖ Not suitable for pets or small children
  • ✖ Firm feel underfoot

Level Loop Carpet Cost

Level loop is essentially the same as a berber carpet. However, they come in any colour or design that you want.

The average cost per m² is £5 to £30.

Pros

  • ✔ Hard-wearing
  • ✔ Choice of colours

Cons

  • ✖ Not suitable for pets or small children
  • ✖ Firm feel underfoot

Multi-Level Loop Carpet Cost

Here, the finish is created by using loops of different heights. This can be used to create a pattern on the carpet as well as a textured feel. The average cost per m² is £8 to £45

Pros

  • ✔ Hard-wearing

Cons

  • ✖ Not suitable for pets or small children
  • ✖ Firm feel underfoot

Flat Weave Carpet Cost

Flatweave carpets have a mixture of interlocking vertical and horizontal loops. This creates a very flat and firm feel underfoot.

They are ideal for use as stair runners. The average cost per m² is £30 to £60.

Pros

  • ✔ Durable
  • ✔ Provide secure footing for stairs

Cons

  • ✖ Firm underfoot

Level Cut and Loop Carpet Cost

In this style, the cut sections of the carpet are all at the same length as the loops. The average cost per m² is £20 to £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Patterns can make a space look larger

Cons

  • ✖ Carpet may wear at different rates

Textured Cut and Loop Carpet Cost

Textured cut and loop carpets have different heights for the cut and loop sections. This creates a different look and feel than with a level cut and loop.

The average cost per m² is £20 to £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Patterns can make a space look larger
  • ✔ Finish is more highly textured

Cons

  • ✖ Carpet may wear at different rates

Carpet Costs per M² by Material (Supply Only)

Once you have chosen the type of carpet that you want, you then need to decide what material you want it to be made from.

Type Estimated Cost Per m²
Polypropylene (Olefin) £3-£50
Polyester (PET) £10-£50
Nylon (Polyamide) £10-£50
Wool £15-£60
Sisal £40-£50
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Most materials can be used for most types of carpets.

Polypropylene Carpet Cost (Olefin)

This is one of the most common materials for carpets.

It's cheap to make and very durable. It is easy to clean and does not tend to produce static. The average cost per m² is £3 to £50.

Pros

  • ✔ Low cost and maintenance
  • ✔ A cheap option

Cons

  • ✖ The pile flattens more quickly than other options

Polyester Carpet Cost (PET)

Polyester is a more environmentally friendly alternative to polypropylene, and it has a very similar feel. It resists staining well but can wear out in high-traffic areas.

The average cost per m² is around £30.

Pros

  • ✔ Soft feel
  • ✔ Stain-resistant

Cons

  • ✖ Low durability

Wool Carpet Cost

Wool is a natural fibre. It does feel very soft and luxurious and is quite durable.

However, cleaning it requires specialist knowledge.

lounge that has had a wool carpet installed

The average cost per m² is between £15 and £60.

Pros

  • ✔ Soft and luxurious
  • ✔ Strong

Cons

  • ✖ Difficult to clean and maintain

Sisal Carpet Cost

example of sisal carpet

Sisal is another natural material. It is very durable and hardwearing. It's an environmentally friendly option that will last a long time. It is made from the fibres of the sisal plant.

The average cost per m² is around £45.

Pros

  • ✔ Very hard-wearing
  • ✔ Natural material

Cons

  • ✖ Rough feel underfoot
  • ✖ Requires regular vacuuming

Nylon Carpet Cost (Polyamide)

This is a very popular choice.

Nylon is very long-lasting and easy to maintain. In terms of price, it is a mid-range option and offers good value for money.

The average cost per m² is around £30.

Pros

  • ✔ Long-lasting
  • ✔ Easy to clean

Cons

  • ✖ Can produce more static when walked on

Is nylon the best type of carpet for a family home?

"Nylon and polyester are both good for a family home. Polyester is most like wool, looking and feeling soft and durable."

Can I Lay Carpet Myself?

Laying a carpet is a job that you can DIY. It's fairly easy to lay carpet in a simple square room, but once the room shape becomes more complicated, it can be a good idea to hire a professional.

If opting for DIY is in a bid to save money, you can trim your costs down by taking up your old carpet yourself, and making sure the room being re-carpeted is clear of all furniture. These tasks will save your carpet fitter from doing them for you, saving you money on labour fees.

For simple-shaped rooms, such as squares and rectangles, a DIY approach can be attempted with the right tools and attitude. But, if you want to get the job done efficiently and with a professional finish, it's best to hire external help.

Can You Carpet Stairs DIY?

Stairs are very tricky, and it can be easy to make a mistake that can be very costly and hard to fix. So, for these jobs, it's best to leave it to a professional.

Carpeting stairs will need additional tools - especially if you're thinking of installing a carpet runner or other decorative feature. The risk of making a mistake is high, especially when cutting and stretching the carpet for stairs, and there is a large window of error.

Failing to fit the carpet properly can result in the carpet wearing out more quickly than it should, and on stairs in particular can cause trip hazards if edges aren't sealed properly.

It's best to hire a professional carpet fitter to carpet your stairs to ensure the job is completed properly and without error, helping your carpet last longer.

Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

Staying on top of the regular cleaning and maintenance that your carpet needs can help it to last a lot longer. Here are the key things to keep in mind in terms of cleaning and maintenance:

Everyday Cleaning

It's a good idea to vacuum your carpet once a week. This stops dirt from getting ground into the threads.

If you have a cut pile carpet, a beater bar on your vacuum is a good idea. Loop carpets are better vacuumed without a beater bar.

carpet with a large stain

Furniture cups can prevent heavy furniture from leaving permanent indentations in the carpet and the underlay. Another way to prevent this is to regularly rotate your furniture a little to prevent it from wearing permanent marks into the carpet.

Try and avoid direct sunlight on sections of the carpet. It will cause the colour to fade in the places where the sunshine falls.

If a fibre is standing out above the rest, you should trim it to the height of the rest. Don't pull it out. This can damage the backing of the carpet and cause more fibres to come loose.

Deep Cleaning/Steam Cleaning

It is a good idea to give your carpets a deep clean every 12 to 18 months. Steam cleaning is a good way to do this. Otherwise, you can use a carpet cleaner.

It is a good idea to hire a carpet cleaner to do this for you, especially if you have a natural fibre carpet. If the carpet gets too wet, it can be damaged or develop mildew.

Typically, carpet cleaning costs around £200 to get someone to clean your carpet thoroughly.

Dealing with Spills and Stains

If you spill something on your carpet or notice a stain, there are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do deal with the stain straight away.
  • Don't rub the stain - this makes it worse.
  • Do blot the stain with a kitchen towel, and work from the outside in to prevent it from spreading.
  • Don't apply cleaning products directly to the carpet. Instead, put them on your cloth.
  • Do completely dry out the carpet as quickly as possible.

Wool Carpet Care

Wool carpets require special care and maintenance. They can be vacuumed the same as other carpets, but any deep cleaning must be done with care.

It's very easy to permanently damage a wool carpet, so when you use a professional carpet cleaner, you should take time to ensure they know how to deal with a wool carpet, as not all of them do.

Carpet Alternatives

Carpet is the traditional choice for many rooms, but it is not the only option. There are several other options which can be more practical or aesthetically pleasing.

Let's take a look at those now:

Laminate Flooring Cost

laminate flooring being measured during an installation job

Laminate is a very versatile option. It is quick and easy to fit and is quite durable. It is easy to maintain and clean.

The average cost of laminate flooring is between £5 and £15 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Easy to install
  • ✔ Durable
  • ✔ Low maintenance

Cons

  • ✖ Not suitable in wet areas
  • ✖ Can get scratched

Wood Flooring Cost

installed wood flooring in a UK home

Wood flooring is an attractive feature. It gives a real wow factor in a room, and it can even increase the value of your home.

The downside? Wood flooring costs can be quite a lot higher than carpet prices.

The average cost of wooden flooring is between £20 and £75 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Long-lasting
  • ✔ Durable
  • ✔ Appealing and can increase home value

Cons

  • ✖ Expensive option

Tile Flooring Cost

tiled flooring being installed by a tradesperson

Tile floors are an excellent choice in kitchens and bathrooms.

They can be made from a wide variety of materials, giving endless options for the final look. A tile floor can last as long as the house, so it is a good investment.

The average cost of tile flooring is between £20 and £100 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Long-lasting
  • ✔ Many options to choose from

Cons

  • ✖ Expensive option

Vinyl Flooring Cost

vinyl flooring being installed in a bathroom

Vinyl flooring can be laid either as a roll or as planks. It is a good all-purpose option that can come in a range of designs.

The average cost of vinyl flooring is between £7 and £30 per m².

Pros

  • ✔ Easy to install
  • ✔ Low maintenance

Cons

  • ✖ Can look cheap

Does underlay increase carpet durability?

"Yes, the underlay does increase the lifespan of a carpet. It also adds comfort, heat retention, and soundproofing. No point putting down a decent carpet on cheap underlay - or no underlay at all."

Carpet Removal Costs

It's quite easy to remove the old carpet:

  • You simply need to pull it up. It's a good idea to start in a corner and work your way around the room from there. The carpet will only be attached at the edges of the room, so all you have to do is pull it away from the gripper rods.
  • If you can't easily get started, you can try cutting a hole in the carpet at the corner and use this as a grip to get you started.
  • Underneath the carpet is the underlay. This will have been stapled in place. You can easily pull it up, but it is a good idea to wear gloves when you do so to avoid injuries from the staples.
  • Once you have the old carpet up, you need to dispose of it. Most tips and recycling centres will accept it for free, but you will need to check yours. The other option is to pay for someone to take it away for you.

If you're getting a new carpet to replace the old one, you can ask your fitter to take up and dispose of the old carpet. They will usually charge around £1 per m² to take it up.

And around another £2 to £3 per m² to take it away.

Some fitters just choose to charge a flat rate of £20 to dispose of your old carpet, no matter how much there is.

FAQs

What Is the Most Durable Type of Carpet?

Nylon and wool materials are the most durable materials that you can use in a carpet. Frieze carpets are the most durable style you can get. When exploring your options, you want to prioritise high-density carpets that have a high number of twists in the fabric (as this is what makes them tougher).

What Is the Best Carpet for Stairs That Have High Traffic?

High-traffic areas are best served by densely packed carpets. If you don't have pets, then a polyester carpet in a loop or berber style can be a good choice. But if you have pets, then polyester material in a twist style may be a better alternative to consider.

How Do You Measure Stairs for Carpet?

When measuring the stairs, you need to make a note of how many stairs you have. Then, measure from the back of the top riser (where it meets the step before it), over the edge, and then down the back of the following tread where it meets the next step. Then, measure the width. Jot both of these measurements down.

You will then need to multiply the measurement by the number of stairs you have. Once you have your figures, be sure to add some additional length and width just in case your measurements are wrong or in case some of the carpet becomes damaged during the fitting process.

How Often Should I Clean My New Carpet?

When the carpet is first laid, it sheds for a while. This is where the loose fibres come away. This is normal, and you may need to vacuum on a daily basis for the first week or so once the carpet has finished shedding. It's a good idea to vacuum around once or twice a week after this, as this will prevent dirt from becoming ground into the carpet.

What Is the Best Carpet Cleaner?

According to various online reviews, one of the top-rated carpet cleaners in recent years is the ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner. This cleaner is a full-size machine that can deep clean your carpets, upholstery, and stairs — and can even take on pet hairs.

It features a targeted spray nozzle for stubborn stains. It's an all-around cleaner with various controls and functions that can remove even the toughest of stains. Plus, it’s very lightweight, so it's easier to manoeuvre around than alternatives.

Are There Regulations Carpet Installers in the UK Must Adhere To?

There aren't any specific regulations for carpet fitters, but professional fitters should adhere to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to ensure their work is completed with "reasonable care and skill". If they're handling any hazardous substances - like adhesives - they must make sure they're handled properly, as per the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

Should Carpet Installers Have Insurance?

Yes, carpet installers should have public liability insurance to cover injuries to themselves, or damage to your property during installation. If the company has employees, they should also have employers' liability insurance to cover any employee accidents.
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