Carpet Installation Guide

Thinking about installing new carpets?

Carpets are a great addition to many rooms and can instantly make your home seem much cosier and homely. There are several things to think about when it comes to fitting carpets, so we have created this guide to help you with the process.

In this guide, you will learn all about the different types of carpets, the average cost of fitting a carpet, the process of carpet fitting, and how to clean and maintain your carpets. If you are curious at all about fitting carpets in your home, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

What is a Carpet?

A carpet is a textile type of flooring that provides comfort and warmth to your home. It creates a soft surface for your feet, making walking through your home a very comforting and enjoyable experience.

Carpets can be made up of several different types of material and come in several different styles and patterns –each with its own unique properties. A good-quality carpet can last for many years, so it is usually a great investment.

Types of Carpet

When it comes to choosing the right carpet, it can be hard to find the best one to suit your needs. There are so many different types of carpet it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

We have created a list below of the different types of carpets along with the advantages and disadvantages of each type to help you make the right choice.

Berber Carpet

A berber carpet is a loop style of carpet where the loops are not cut and so are left as bouncy loops. This is a durable type of carpet and works very well in high-traffic areas such as the living room or your hallway.

One of the downsides of berber carpeting is that the loops can become damaged if things get caught in them. This can be a particularly bad issue for pet owners as their claws can get stuck in the loops and pull them out, creating imperfections in the carpet.

Pros:

✔ Durable

✔ Not too thick

✔ Cheaper than many other styles

Cons:

✖ Not as soft as some other carpet styles

✖ It can become damaged easily

Woven Carpet

Woven carpets tend to be more expensive than other carpet types as the manufacturing process is more complicated and takes much longer. The pile on this type of carpeting is woven into the backing and then cut to length.

This creates a very soft and velvety surface that is very comfortable to walk on. Woven carpets tend to be much less common than other carpet types due to their long manufacturing times and the fact that they tend to cost much more than other carpet types.

Pros:

✔ Comfortable

✔ Luxurious

✔ Unique

Cons:

✖ More expensive than other carpet types

✖ Long manufacturing times

Saxony Carpet

The Saxony style of carpet is a soft cut pile type of carpet with a very even surface. It is typically a densely woven design that feels soft under the feet.

One of the main disadvantages of Saxony carpeting is that it is quite thick and tends to show furniture marks and vacuum prints. This is an elegant style of carpet that suits most rooms.

Pros:

✔ Luxurious

✔ Comfortable

✔ Elegant

Cons:

✖ Shows furniture marks

✖ Shows vacuum marks

Level-Loop Carpet

A level loop carpet features loops that are all the same height. This gives this type of carpet a very level and even surface. It is a thin type of carpet that tends to be less comfortable under the feet than other carpet types.

This type of carpet tends to be found mostly in office settings and commercial buildings due to its flat texture.

However, it can also make a great low-maintenance carpet for many homes. It is one of the most durable types of carpet and works very well in high-traffic areas. It's also great for pet owners as it's very unlikely that a pet's claws will get caught in this type of carpet.

Pros:

✔ Good for high-traffic areas

✔ Very durable

✔ Good for pet owners

Cons:

✖ Not very soft

✖ Not cosy in appearance

Shag Carpet

Shag carpeting is a very thick and bulky type of carpeting with a much deeper pile than other carpet types. With this in mind, this type of carpet is extremely comfortable to walk on. The yarn on shag carpeting is twisted to give it a signature curly look.

One of the main downsides of shag carpeting is that it can be quite difficult to clean due to the deep pile. The long fibres on this carpeting also make it very difficult for wheelchair users to get around.

Pros:

✔ Very comfortable

✔ Easy to hide seams

✔ Durable

Cons:

✖ Sometimes difficult to clean

✖ Dust and stains can sink into the fibres

✖ Difficult for wheelchair users

Frieze Carpet

Frieze is a style of carpeting where the pile is cut to make it shorter. It is similar to shag carpeting but has a shorter pile due to the cuts. The yarn is twisted for a curly look, similar to shag carpeting.

This is a comfortable type of carpeting that is soft and durable. One of the main downsides of frieze carpeting is that it can sometimes be difficult to clean, and stains tend to sink into the backing.

Pros:

✔ Durable

✔ Soft

✔ Comfortable

✔ Easy to hide seams

Cons:

✖ Spills can sink into backing

✖ Sometimes difficult to clean

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Carpet?

If you're thinking about installing carpeting in your home, you may want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. With this in mind, we have created a list of the pros and cons of installing carpet in your home to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

PROS

Inexpensive

When compared to other flooring types, carpeting can be a very inexpensive option. This is especially great for those who need new flooring in large areas.

Quieter

Carpeting is the best option of flooring if you are looking to reduce noise in the home. Compared to hardwood floors, carpeting is much quieter. It absorbs noise which can be very helpful in busy homes.

Easy to Install

Carpets are very easy to install, and the installation process doesn't take very long. If you're looking for a quick and easy new flooring, carpeting is a great option.

Versatile

There are thousands of different styles and types of carpet. This allows you to add a lot of personality to your home and makes it extremely easy to find beautiful flooring that suits every room in the home.

Comfier

Carpets tend to be very soft and cosy, especially in comparison to other flooring types such as wood, tile, or laminate flooring.

CONS

Wear and Tear

Over time, carpets can start to show wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas such as the living room and hallway. This means that carpets may need to be replaced more often than other flooring types.

Maintenance

Carpets should be regularly vacuumed for maintenance and may also occasionally need to be professionally cleaned. Although carpets don't require much maintenance, there is still some that you will need to keep on top of to keep it in a good state.

Not Great for All Rooms

Carpeting is great for most rooms, however, it doesn't work well in rooms where moisture levels can get high. This means that carpets aren't ideal for spaces such as kitchens or bathrooms.

How Much Does Carpet Cost?

Calculating the cost of installing carpet can be a challenge as there are several factors that go into the overall cost. These factors can include the type of carpet, the size of the room, and your location.

When you consider all of the materials needed to install carpeting, such as the carpet itself, carpet underlay, and the cost of hiring the carpet fitter, you can expect a small, basic carpet to cost around £200-£300. If you are carpeting a large room with a high-quality carpet, you can expect the costs to be £3000+.

When getting a new carpet fitted, you may also want to consider some other jobs that can be completed at the same time. Underfloor heating is one example of this. The cost to install underfloor heating will depend mostly on the room's size and the type of underfloor heating. You can expect to pay around £1000-£3000 on average for underfloor heating.

How to Lay Carpet

It is possible to install a carpet as a DIY job. However, there are several steps involved, so if you're not confident, it may be better to leave laying a carpet to the professionals. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install a carpet:

1. Cut your tack strips to size and fit them around the perimeter of the room. Be sure to leave around 2/3 of the thickness of the carpet between the strips and the wall and avoid placing them across any openings.
2. Lay your underlay, ensuring that any seams are at right angles to the direction that the carpet seams will go.
3. Use masking tape to secure neighbouring underlay pieces together and attach all pieces to the tack strips to secure them in place. Trim the underlay around the perimeter of the room.
4. Measure and cut your carpet using a carpet knife. Always leave a little extra at the edges as you can trim these later. You should also make relief cuts in each corner so that the carpet sits flat.
5. Use a knee kicker to push the carpet into the gap between the floor and the wall and secure it to the tack strip.
6. You can then trim off any excess carpet. Repeat this process on all sides of the room.
7. Use a power stretcher in each corner of the room to stretch the carpet into the corners.
8. You should aim to get your carpet as stretched and close to the edges as possible. Continue to use your knee kicker and power stretcher to ensure the carpet sits tightly on the tack strips.
9. Once all of the carpet is on the tack strips, tuck all the edges into the gap between the tack strip and the wall.
10. To finish it off, use a carpet transition to create a neat finish in the doorway.

How Long Does It Take to Install Carpet?

It can be difficult to predict exactly how long it will take to install a carpet. Most average-sized carpets can be installed within a day as long as the job goes smoothly.

If you have a carpet installed in a large room, multiple rooms, or any difficulties arise with the job, it may take 2-3 days to complete.

For an idea of how long your particular carpeting job will take, you can contact a local tradesperson for a quote, and they will be able to provide you with the average timescales that you can expect for the work.

Building Regulations or Planning Permission Approval for Carpet Installation

When it comes to replacing your flooring with a new carpet, you won't usually need to worry about planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building, you should contact your local planning authority just to be sure.

You also won't need to worry about any building regulations when replacing your flooring with a new carpet.

How to Clean and Maintain Carpet

Carpet cleaning and maintenance is important if you want your carpet to last. There are several things that you can do to maintain your carpet and keep it clean. Below is a list of things that you should do to look after your carpet:

Avoid Bringing in Dirt

The easiest way to keep your carpet clean and help it last much longer is to avoid getting dirt and grime on it. Think about some things you can do, such as putting door matt's down inside external doors and asking guests to remove their shoes at the door.

Dirt and bacteria can easily transfer from your shoes to your carpet, so removing shoes as soon as possible when you enter the home is a good idea.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming regularly can increase your carpets' life span and keep your home feeling clean and fresh. You should aim to vacuum at least once a week. High-traffic areas may need to be vacuumed more than once each week.

Clean Up Stains

You should aim to clean up stains as quickly as possible to avoid letting them set. The longer you leave a stain, the harder it will be to remove. There are many stain sprays that you can buy that can help remove stains easily.

Professionally Clean

While vacuuming can provide a good carpet clean, it doesn't provide a complete carpet clean. Over time, your carpets can collect dust and bacteria that your vacuum may not be able to pick up. With this in mind, you should aim to get your carpets professionally cleaned every year or so.

Carpet Repairs

Ripples

If your carpet starts to ripple, this is usually due to a bad installation. The best way to rectify this is to use a power stretcher to re-stretch your carpet, attach it to the tack strips again, and trim it. It is best to hire a professional to do this work for you as they will have all of the tools necessary to do the job right.

Fading

As time goes on, your carpet may start to fade. Sunlight exposure is usually the main cause of this, however, heavy wear can also cause fading. If your carpet starts to fade, you can help bring some of the colour back by applying a saltwater solution to your carpet.

Start by vacuuming your carpet and then add some salt to hot water and apply a small amount of it to the carpet. Once it's dried, you can then simply vacuum up the salt. This can restore some of the colour and brightness to your faded carpet.

Tears

If your carpet tears, this can be extremely frustrating. There are many carpet repair companies out there that can rectify this problem. They will usually repair the tear with an old piece of carpeting, or they may be able to bring the tear together and repair it without needing any extra carpet.

Fraying

If part of your carpet frays, you should aim to fix it right away to avoid letting it get any worse. With a small fray, you can simply snip the snag off so that it matches the height of the rest of the carpet. If it is a large, frayed area, you may need to hire a professional company to fix this problem.

Alternatives to Carpet

If you don't think carpets are for you, there are many other flooring types that may be more suitable for your needs and taste. Below is a list of the different types of flooring you can get:

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring types in the UK. It allows you to create the luxurious look of hardwood flooring without the high costs of using real wood. With this in mind, laminate is great if you're on a tight budget.

This flooring type is best for low-traffic areas and for homeowners who don't have pets as the surface of laminate flooring can easily become scratched.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom areas. The materials used to create tiles tend to vary and include porcelain, ceramic, stone, or other materials. Tiles come in a wide range of colours and styles, making it incredibly easy for you to find tile flooring that suits you.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is becoming increasingly popular, especially in a faux wood-style pattern. This type of flooring is water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. It does well in most rooms but is especially popular for use in bathrooms and kitchens.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a luxury type of flooring that looks great in many rooms. Some popular types of hardwood flooring include oak, maple, and pine. There are several different patterns that you can choose from when it comes to wood flooring, so you can easily find a style that suits your home.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Carpet Specialist

You may need to consider several things when finding the right contractor to install your carpet for you. Below is a list of common questions that you should ask when looking for the right contractor for the job:

• Does the contractor have any qualifications that relate directly to installing carpeting?
• What equipment will the contractor be using to complete the job? Will they be using the correct type of equipment? Do you need to provide any equipment?
• Does the contractor possess any form of insurance for the work? You should look for contractors who have insurance that covers property damage, personal injuries, and a work guarantee.
• How much experience does the contractor have in installing carpeting? Can they provide any testimonials or evidence of previous work? Can they provide photos of previous work?
• Does the contractor offer any guarantees with their work? How long does the guarantee last? What issues are covered under guarantee? Will the contractor fix any issues that arise?
• How long will the work take to complete?
• How many contractors will be working on the job?
• Is there anything you need to do to prepare for the installation?

FAQs

Sources

https://www.tapi.co.uk/carpet/what-is-carpet
https://heritagecb.com/carpeting-pros-and-cons
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/8/ceilings_and_floors
https://www.rugdoctor.com/6-simple-ways-to-keep-your-carpets-clean
https://allroundcleaningcompany.com/blog/common-carpet-issues-how-to-repair-your-carpet