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Carpet Fitting Cost

By Sam

Last updated 27th September 2024 - Reading time: 34 mins

At a Glance

The average cost of carpet fitting is around £400.
Carpeting a room will usually take half a day to complete.

In this article, you'll find out the following:

A breakdown of carpet prices in 2024, including what different types of carpet cost in the UK.
How long different sized jobs will take a carpet fitter, as well as an overview of what's involved.
How to find and hire a local carpet fitter.

How much does it cost to carpet a room in the UK?

In 2024, the cost of carpet fitting can be anywhere between £250 – £2,500.

The typical carpet fitting cost can be quite affordable. However, carpet fitting prices vary significantly depending on the size of the room and the type of carpet that you want to get.

So, how can this carpet cost guide help you?

In this guide, we breakdown everything you need to know — including the average cost of carpet per square metre in the UK, the cost of carpet fitting for different-sized rooms, the cost to carpet stairs, and much more!

Just need a quote from a carpet fitter near you?

We can connect you with local carpet fitters who can give you an accurate carpet installation cost. It's quick, easy, and FREE.

Want more carpet fitting cost information first? Read on!

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 To Fit A Carpet?
Supply Costs
Additional Carpet Fitting Costs
How Much Do Carpet Fitters Charge in the UK?
What Impacts the Carpet Replacement Cost?
What's Involved in Laying Carpet?
Can I Lay Carpet Myself?
Types of Carpet
Carpet Material
Carpet Alternatives
How Much Is Carpet Underlay?
Cost of Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance
Carpet Removal Cost
Hiring Someone to Lay Carpet Checklist
FAQs
Sources

How Much To Fit A Carpet?

Calculating new carpet cost can be challenging.

When you first look at carpet price per m², it can seem quite low.

However...

There are lots of ways that the carpet fitting cost can creep up.

So, what impacts the new carpet cost for your home?

You need to remember to include the carpet fitter cost, as well as carpet underlay prices. The type of carpet and the material it is made from can also have a significant impact on the carpet fitting prices you're quoted by tradespeople.

So, when you see a cheap carpet price, don't forget that it might not include everything that you need to pay for.

The cost of carpeting a small room with basic quality materials is around £210. This would include carpet prices (i.e., the materials) and the carpet laying cost (i.e., the labour).

But how much does it cost to carpet a room that's bigger and uses better quality materials?

In this case, the carpet fitting cost can be up to £3,360 when using high-quality specialist carpet materials in a mid-sized room.

What's the most popular carpet?

The most popular carpets are twist polypropylene carpets. They're reasonably priced, quite durable, and have a range of price points.

For this type of carpet, a mid-sized room would cost anything from as little as £250 up to as much as £1,760.

illustration showing carpet costs per room size

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 1st couple of hoovers, but wool carpets tend to shed for longer."

Flooring Scotland

Carpet Fitting Prices

There are a lot of variations that will affect the final cost of your carpet.

The following tables show the average cost of carpet when labour, underlay and fittings are all included in the price:

Cost of Carpet Types

For comparison purposes, these are prices of polypropylene carpet with a mid-range underlay for a mid-sized room:

Type	Cost – Basic Quality	Cost – Mid Range Quality	Cost – High Quality
Axminster	n/a	n/a	£1,760 – £3,360
Wilton	n/a	n/a	£1,440 – £3,040
Twist	£250 – £640	£640 – £800	£800 – £1,760
Saxony	£415 – £545	£545 – £800	£800 – £1,120
Velvet	£740 – £860	£860 – £1,050	£1,050 – £1,440
Frieze and Shag	£740 – £860	£860 – £1,050	£1,050 – £1,440
Berber	£320 – £640	£640 – £800	£800 – £1,760
Level Loop	£320 – £640	£640 – £800	£800 – £1,760
Multi-Level Loop	£420 – £640	£640 – £960	£960 – £1,600
Flat Weave	£960 – £1,280	£1,280 – £1,600	£1,600 – £2,080
Cut and Loop Combination	£740 – £860	£860 – £1,280	£1,280 – £1,760

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Cost of Carpet Materials

These are prices of twist carpet with a mid-range underlay for a mid-sized room:

Type	Cost – Basic Quality	Cost – Mid Range Quality	Cost – High Quality
Polypropylene (Olefin)	£250 – £640	£640 – £800	£800 – £1,760
Polyester (PET)	£480 – £800	£800 – £1,440	£1,440 – £1,760
Wool	£640 – £960	£960 – £1,440	£1,440 – £2,080
Sisal	n/a	n/a	£1,440 – £1,760
Nylon (Polyamide)	£480 – £800	£800 – £1,440	£1,440 – £1,760

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Cost of Carpeting a Room

Again, these are prices of polypropylene twist carpet with a mid-range underlay:

Type	Cost – Basic Quality	Cost – Mid Range Quality	Cost – High Quality
4.5m x 5.5m	£210 – £510	£510 – £635	£635 – £1,385
5m x 6m	£250 – £640	£640 – £800	£800 – £1,760
6.5m x 8.5m	£410 – £1,070	£1,070 – £1,345	£1,345 – £3,000
12 step flight of stairs	£136 – £208	£208 – £240	£240 – £420

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Carpet Underlay Prices

You might be tempted to save on the cost of carpet fitting by not getting underlay. However, it should not be skimped on as it will impact the feel and the lifespan of the carpet.

Type	Cost – Basic Quality	Cost – Mid Range Quality	Cost – High Quality
PU Foam	£850 – £890	£890 – £920	£920 – £950
Sponge Rubber	£920 – £950	£950 – £1,015	£1,015 – £1,050
Crumb Rubber	£890 – £920	£920 – £950	n/a
Felt	£840 – £855	£850 – £890	n/a
Combination	£920 – £950	£950 – £980	n/a

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Supply Costs

When you are looking to get a carpet, there are a lot of factors to consider that will affect the price.

The following table should help you get an idea of cost based on a range of factors:

Carpet Type

Type	Cost Per m² – Basic Quality	Cost Per m² – Mid Range Quality	Cost Per m² – High Quality
Axminster	n/a	n/a	£50 - £100
Wilton	n/a	n/a	£40 – £90
Twist	£3 – £15	£15 – £20	£20 – £50
Saxony	£8 – £12	£12 – £20	£20 – £30
Velvet	£18 – £22	£22 – £28	£28 – £40
Frieze and Shag	£18 – £22	£22 – £28	£28 – £40
Berber	£5 – £15	£15 – £20	£20 – £50
Level Loop	£5 – £15	£15 – £20	£20 – £50
Multi-Level Loop	£8 – £15	£15 – £25	£25 – £45
Flat Weave	£25 – £35	£35 – £45	£45 – £60
Cut and Loop Combination	£18 – £22	£22 – £35	£35 – £50

Want a custom price?

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Carpet Material

Type	Cost Per m² – Basic Quality	Cost Per m² – Mid Range Quality	Cost Per m² – High Quality
Polypropylene (Olefin)	£3 – £15	£15 – £20	£20 – £50
Polyester (PET)	£10 – £20	£20 – £40	£40 – £50
Wool	£15 – £25	£25 – £40	£40 – £60
Sisal	n/a	n/a	£40 – £50
Nylon (Polyamide)	£10 – £20	£20 – £40	£40 – £50

Room Size

Room Size	Cost – Basic Quality	Cost – Mid Range Quality	Cost – High Quality
4.5m x 5.5m	£75 – £375	£375 – £500	£500 – £1,250
5m x 6m	£96 – £480	£480 – £640	£640 – £1,600
6.5m x 8.5m	£165 – £825	£825 – £1,100	£1,100 – £2,750
12 step flight of stairs	£20 – £90	£90 – £120	£120 – £300

Underlay

Type	Cost Per m² – Basic Quality	Cost Per m² – Mid Range Quality	Cost Per m² – High Quality
PU Foam	£2 – £3	£3 – £4	£4 – £5
Sponge Rubber	£4 – £5	£5 – £7	£7 – £8
Crumb Rubber	£3 – £4	£4 – £5	n/a
Felt	£1.50 – £2	£2 – £3	n/a
Combination	£4 – £5	£5 – £6	n/a

Other Carpet Fitting Materials Costs

Item	Cost
Gripper rods	£0.50 per meter
Carpet to Carpet Threshold Bar	£5 – £6
Carpet to Laminate Threshold Bar	£7 – £8

Additional Carpet Fitting Costs

When you are getting carpets laid there some additional costs to consider, some of these can arise as part of the work.

There are als some jobs you might want to consider as part of getting your carpets laid.

What are some of the additional costs you can expect?

Moving Furniture

If you're not able to move all of the furniture out of the room yourself, then you may need to arrange with the carpet fitter to do this for you.

They'll usually ask for around £20 to cover the extra work of moving the furniture.

Adjusting Doors

When a carpet is added to a room, it can affect the door shutting. Some carpet fitters might be happy to adjust this for you if required, but others won't.

You may need to find a local handyman or carpenter to help you.

The cost to adjust a door is usually around £10 – £15 per door.

Removing and Disposing of Old Carpet

If you already have carpet down, it needs to be taken up and disposed of before the work begins. Most carpet fitters will do this if you arrange it in advance.

You should expect to pay £1 – £3 per m²

Disposing of Off-Cuts

Unless you make arrangements with the carpet fitter, you may be left with all the offcuts of underlay and carpet.

If you want the fitters to take them away, you should arrange this in advance and expect a fee of around £20 – £30.

Painting A Room

A good job to get done while the carpet is up is painting the room.

It's quicker and easier to do when there are no concerns about getting paint on the carpet.

The cost to paint a room is usually around £400.

Plastering

Plastering is a messy job. If your plaster needs touching up, you should consider doing it before you lay your new carpet.

The cost of plastering an indoor wall is typically around £200.

Underfloor Heating

If you intend to get underfloor heating, it's a good idea to get this fitted before you lay a new carpet. This is because taking the carpet up and down can shorten its lifespan.

On average, underfloor heating costs around £800 to get fitted in the UK.

How Much Do Carpet Fitters Charge in the UK?

What can the cost of labour depend on?

The cost of the labour will depend on where the carpet is being laid. For a simple rectangular room, you can expect to pay £60 - £80 depending on the size.

The job will usually take 2 – 4 hours. If the room has a lot of alcoves or is an unusual shape, then the cost and the time will go up.

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 – £120. Fitting carpet to a staircase will usually take around ½ a day.

How long does it take to recarpet 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."

Davis Lumsden

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What Impacts the Carpet Replacement Cost?

There are a lot of factors that can affect the final cost of laying carpet. Some are unavoidable. Others you can make choices that will affect the final price.

Let's have a look at the following cost factors:

Size and Shape of Area

The larger the area in need of carpeting, the higher the cost will be.

However...

The shape of the room can also affect the amount of carpet you need. Carpet usually comes in rolls of 4m or 5m width. The way these can be laid in the room can cause you to need to buy more carpet.

If you are trying to reduce costs...

You may choose to have more joins in the carpet to make use of the excess. You can discuss this with your fitter before you buy the carpet.

Type of Carpet

The type of carpet you choose will have an impact on the final cost of carpet. The thicker pile options tend to be more expensive, as are mixed cut and loop piles.

Material of Carpet

The material is one of the factors that have the biggest effect on the cost of your carpet. Natural materials like wool and sisal are more expensive. Synthetic materials tend to be much cheaper.

Location of Property

The location of your property can affect the cost of carpet fitting. You should expect to pay a premium price if you live in London or a very rural area.

Ease of Access

If you're unable to remove all of the furniture from the room, then it can be harder for your fitter to do their work. If they can't access the entire floor while they work, they may take longer or charge you a fee for moving the furniture around.

Underlay

If you are replacing old carpet, then you may be able to reuse the underlay if it is still in good condition.

This can save some money.

The quality of the underlay you choose will affect the final price of your carpet. It'll also affect the feel and life span of the carpet. It is important to consider the carpet underlay cost when you are working out your total carpet price.

How Much to Carpet a Room?

The cost of carpeting a room can vary depending on what type of room you're looking to lay carpet in.

Here are the different types of rooms and their costs:

Bedroom Carpet Cost

For an average-sized bedroom, it’ll cost between £180 – £250 for a bedroom carpet, depending on what carpet you choose and how large the bedroom is.

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

Stairs Carpet Cost

On average, it should cost around £80 – £120 to fit a carpet on an average set of straight stairs. This cost can increase if you have a different type of staircase or if you need underlay.

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."

Trade Carpet

Lounge Carpet Cost

A medium sized lounge carpet can cost between £200 – £250. The price of a lounge carpet can vary due to the lounge floor size, the type of carpet chosen, and if underlay and grippers are needed.

Kitchen Carpet Cost

A kitchen carpet needs to be hardwearing and stain proof and is usually priced between £3 – £17 per m².

What's Involved in Laying Carpet?

There are several steps involved in fitting a carpet. The outline gives the steps for a simple rectangular room.

For more complicated shapes and stairs, the same principle is used. The stretching steps just take a lot longer and are done with more care:

Measuring - Before you begin, you will need to measure up the area for your carpet. You should measure the largest width and length of the room, including any alcoves.

Then, add a minimum of 10cm to the measurements to ensure you have enough carpet. For a patterned carpet, you should add 20cm to give enough play to align the pattern with the room.
Preparation - The floor surface needs to be prepared before the carpet can be laid. This may involve taking up the old flooring. Any screws, holes or defects need to be addressed before the carpet can be laid. The floor needs to be flat and clean before you begin. Ideally, remove all of the furniture so it is easier to lay the carpet.
Fit Grippers - The grippers need to be fitted around the edge of the room. The angled side should face the skirting board. Position the gripper, so there is a gap of 7-8 mm between the angled edge of the gripper and the skirting board. Then, hammer the fixing nails in to fix the gripper.
Underlay - Roll out the underlay and put it up against the gripper bar. It can be fixed in place with staples or adhesive. Adjacent pieces of underlay are usually joined with gaffer tape. The offcuts can be used to fill small gaps for efficient coverage and reduce wastage.
Cut Carpet - Start by positioning the carpet in the room. You need to make sure that the carpet is placed so that there is enough carpet to cover the whole area. Flatten out the carpet starting from the middle so that any bumps and ruffles are moved to the edges.

Work the carpet into the corners, then make a vertical cut at the corner to make it easier to work the carpet into position. Then, fold the carpet over and cut off the excess carpet — leaving a 100mm excess.
Stretch the Carpet - Starting in the corner opposite the doorway, stretch the carpet to the edge of the room and onto the gripper for about 1m in each direction. Then, from this corner, walk along the longest wall to the next corner. Stretch the carpet to this corner and hook it to the gripper.

Then, attach the longest side of the carpet to the gripper. Next, do the same with the shorter side, again starting from the first corner. After this, repeat for the other long wall and finally the last short wall. If there are any ripples in the carpet, then it can be unhooked and adjusted.
Trimming the Carpet - To trim the carpet to size, fold it back and cut on the underside. It should be cut about 8mm back from the skirting board, leaving a small excess. This small excess is tucked into the gap between the skirting board and the gripper to give a neat finish.
Doorway - The last step is to cut the carpet in the doorway. It should be cut around the architrave on the door and at a length so that it reaches the midpoint of the threshold bar. The type of bar will depend on the flooring in the other room. Once cut, the carpet is tucked into the threshold bar.

Can I Lay Carpet Myself?

Laying a carpet is a job that you can DIY.

It is fairly easy to lay carpet in a simple square room. Once the room shape becomes more complicated, it can be a good idea to hire a professional.

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.

Types of Carpet

There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to the type of carpet you choose. This is before you even get to the material and colour. When you are deciding between types of carpet, you are usually talking about the pile.

So, what does that mean?

This is the way that the fibres have been attached to the backing and how they have been treated. The pile largely determines how the carpet will feel underfoot and how it will wear.

The two main methods of attaching the fibres to the backing are either using a woven or tufted method:

Woven Carpet Cost

These carpets are the most expensive option.

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 - £100 per m².

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 - £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.

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 - £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 - £30 per m²

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 - £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 - £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 - £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 - £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 - £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 - £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 - £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 - £50.

Pros

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

Cons

✖ Carpet may wear at different rates

Carpet Material

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.

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."

Rana Flooring

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 - £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 - £60.

Pros

✔ Soft and luxurious
✔ Strong

Cons

✖ Difficult to clean and maintain

Sisal Carpet Cost

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
✖ Require 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

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 - £15 per m².

Pros

✔ Easy to install
✔ Durable
✔ Low maintenance

Cons

✖ Not suitable in wet areas
✖ Can get scratched

Wood Flooring Cost

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

There are a lot of options to choose from.

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

The average cost of wooden flooring is between £20 - £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 - £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 - £30 per m².

Pros

✔ Easy to install
✔ Low maintenance

Cons

✖ Can look cheap

How Much Is Carpet Underlay?

Underlay is an important part of your carpet.

The quality of the underlay you use can have a large impact on the final feel of your carpet. It acts as a shock absorber, quieting and softening your footsteps.

It provides insulation to keep heat in your home. When you are planning your budget for your carpet, make sure that the underlay isn't an afterthought. Getting higher-quality underlay will help your carpet to last longer.

Do keep an eye on the tog rating; this is the measure of how effective it is as an insulator. If you have underfloor heating, you won't want tog rating of more than 2.5.

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."

MC Enterprises + Flooring Specialists

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.

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

Cost of Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance

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 regularly. This stops dirt from getting ground into the threads.

Once a week is a good amount.

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.

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 – 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 cleanercarpet 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 do's 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 Carpets 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.

When you use a professional, you should take time to ensure they know how to deal with a wool carpet, as not all of them do.

Carpet Removal Cost

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 it 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 are 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 m²to take it up.

And around another £2 – £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.

Hiring Someone to Lay Carpet Checklist

Most carpet retailers will be able to recommend a carpet fitter. However, you'll likely be able to get better carpet fitting prices if you find someone in your local area yourself.

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.

Check if they're an approved carpet fitter. It is a good sign if they're approved or endorsed by a trustworthy organisation. For example, the National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers (NICF).

The associations don't guarantee the quality, but it is a positive indication of a tradesperson you can trust. There are also complaint resolution mechanisms within these organisations.

Ask for references or check online for reviews of their services. MyJobQuote have pages for every tradesperson where you can find out more about a carpet fitter and check what other homeowners' experiences with them have been.

You'll also want to clarify:

Where will the joins in the carpet be?
Who will be responsible for moving the furniture?
Who is responsible for removing and disposing of the old flooring?
Will they adjust the doors if it's required?

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 treat 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.