Carpet Supply and Installation Guide

A professional fit ensures your carpet stays taut, wears evenly, and lasts for its intended lifespan. In the UK, where dampness and draughts can be an issue, choosing the right underlay and fitting method is essential for maintaining a warm, energy-efficient household.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Measuring the room accurately to minimise waste and determining if floorboards or screed need repair.
• Preparation: Removing existing flooring and ensuring the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
• Gripper & Underlay: Nailing or gluing carpet grippers around the perimeter and laying high-quality underlay to provide cushioning and thermal insulation.
• Laying & Stretching: Positioning the carpet and using a "knee kicker" or power stretcher to ensure it is tight and ripple-free.
• Finishing: Trimming the edges, tucking the carpet into the gully between the gripper and skirting, and installing door threshold bars.
• Waste Removal: Bagging up offcuts and, if agreed, disposing of the old carpet and underlay.

Typical Costs

Carpet pricing in the UK is usually quoted per square metre (m²). Remember to factor in the cost of underlay, grippers, and door bars, as these are often priced separately from the carpet and labour.

Prices vary based on your location in the UK, with London and the South East typically seeing higher labour rates. Intricate areas like winding staircases will also attract a premium due to the complexity of the cuts required.

How Long Does It Take?

• Single Bedroom: 1–2 hours including preparation.
• Through Lounge/Diner: 2–4 hours depending on furniture.
• Stairs and Landing: 3–5 hours (this is the most time-consuming area).
• Full 3-Bedroom House: 1–2 days for a two-person team.

DIY or Professional?

While laying a small, square room might seem achievable for a confident DIYer, professional fitting is highly recommended for larger areas and stairs. Professional fitters use specialist tools like power stretchers to prevent the carpet from "bagging" or rippling over time.

Incorrectly fitted carpet can void your manufacturer’s warranty and lead to premature wear in high-traffic areas.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Credentials: Look for members of the NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) or the Flooring Industry Training Association.
• Insurance: Ensure they have public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage to your property.
• Ask about "Door Trimming": New carpets and thick underlay often mean doors won't close; ask if they provide a door-shaving service or if you need a carpenter.
• Furniture: Clarify if they expect the room to be completely empty or if they will help move heavy items for a fee.

UK Regulations

• BS 5325: This is the British Standard code of practice for the installation of textile floor coverings. Professional fitters should adhere to these guidelines.
• Fire Safety: In certain types of dwellings (like high-rise flats), carpets and underlays may need to meet specific fire resistance ratings.
• VOCs: Modern carpets sold in the UK must comply with regulations regarding Volatile Organic Compounds to ensure indoor air quality.

Common Problems

• Rippling: Usually caused by poor stretching during installation or a failure to use a power stretcher in larger rooms.
• Visible Seams: While some seams are inevitable, they should be neatly butt-jointed and placed away from direct light sources where possible.
• Wrong Underlay: Using old underlay with a new carpet is a false economy; it will likely collapse within a year, leaving the carpet unsupported.
• Indentations: Choosing a carpet with a low recovery rate for a room with heavy furniture can lead to permanent crushing of the pile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse my old underlay?

It is rarely recommended. Underlay wears out just like carpet, losing its elasticity and thermal properties. New carpet laid on old underlay will wear out significantly faster.

Do I need to acclimatise the carpet before fitting?

Yes. It is best to leave the carpet in the room for 24 hours before fitting, especially in winter. This allows the backing to soften and reach room temperature, making it easier to stretch.

What is the best carpet for stairs?

A "wool twist" with at least 80% wool content is generally best for stairs. It is resilient, hides footprints, and resists the flattening that occurs on the "nose" of the step.

Will the fitter move my furniture?

Most fitters expect the room to be clear. Some will move large items like sofas for an extra charge, but they usually won't move electronics, breakables, or clear small items from shelves.

How do I get rid of the "new carpet" smell?

This is caused by VOCs off-gassing. Keeping the windows open and the room well-ventilated for 48 hours after installation will usually resolve the odour.