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 focusing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
20th July, 2026
Edited 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 focusing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
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 cost to fit a carpet is around £400.
  • Most jobs take half a day to complete.
In this guide:
  • NEW! Use our carpet fitting cost calculators for quick estimates.
  • Carpet fitting cost breakdown by type.
  • How long the job takes and what's typically involved.
  • How to find 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 various factors, including the room size and the carpet type 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 and a whole house, what affects these costs, and how to keep carpet laying costs down!

Carpet Fitting Prices

Here's a quick overview of the average total cost of carpet fitting for some of the most common jobs, based on standard quality carpet supplied and fitted. You'll find a full room-by-room breakdown further down the page.

Room Typical Area Average Cost
Hallway 6m² £220
Stairs and landing 10m² £360
Bedroom 12m² £430
Living room 20m² £720
Whole house (3-bed) 70m² £2,520
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What's Included in a Carpet Fitting Quote?

A supply and fit quote usually covers:

  • Your chosen carpet
  • Underlay (if requested)
  • Fitting labour
  • Delivery

Calculate the Cost of Laying a Carpet

Looking for a quick estimate on carpet fitting prices?

Try our carpet fitting cost calculator or stair carpet cost calculator to get an estimated figure.

All you need to do is enter a few details about the area you want to carpet.

These calculators give you a useful starting point, but the best way to get an accurate price is to request quotes from local carpet fitters.

All quotes through MyJobQuote are free, with no obligation to go ahead.

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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.

Which room are you planning to fit your carpet in?

Living room
12 votes - 32%32% of votes
Bedroom
9 votes - 24%24% of votes
Home office
2 votes - 5%5% of votes
Stairs and landing
10 votes - 27%27% of votes
Hallway
4 votes - 11%11% of votes
37 votes See results Hide results

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 £36 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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Example Carpet Costs for Common Room Sizes and Homes

To help give a better idea of typical carpet fitting prices for your room or house, here are some common examples based on standard quality carpet supplied and fitted at around £36 per m².

Whole-property examples assume standard carpet in main living areas and bedrooms, excluding kitchens and bathrooms.

Example Approx. Size Typical Cost
13 stairs 10m² £360
12ft x 12ft room 13m² £470
4m x 4m room 16m² £575
5m x 5m room 25m² £900
2-bed flat or house 40m² £1,440
3-bed house 70m² £2,520
4-bed house 90m² £3,240
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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.

The average price to carpet stairs and landing in the UK is around £360, assuming 10m² of standard quality carpet is needed.

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 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 2026.

Carpet Fitting Costs per M² by Type

Type Supply Only Cost Per m² Supplied And Fitted Cost Per m²
Twist £3-£50 £17-£64
Berber £5-£50 £19-£64
Level Loop £5-£50 £19-£64
Saxony £8-£30 £22-£44
Multi-Level Loop £8-£45 £22-£59
Cut and Loop Combination £18-£50 £32-£64
Velvet £18-£40 £32-£54
Frieze and Shag £18-£40 £32-£54
Flat Weave £25-£60 £39-£74
Wilton £40-£90 £54-£104
Axminster £50-£100 £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?

Carpet fitters usually charge either by the hour or by the day, and for a simple room you can expect to pay £60 to £80 for fitting. The final labour cost depends on the room size and shape, how tricky the layout is, and where you are in the UK, and it forms part of the total cost of the job.

  • Hourly rate - around £20 to £35 per hour.
  • Day rate - around £150 to £250 per day.

A simple rectangular room usually takes 2 to 4 hours to fit. Staircases are more fiddly and take longer, so they cost more, with each extra turn in a staircase pushing the price up further.

The table below shows typical labour-only costs and timescales for the most common jobs.

Job Labour-Only Cost Typical Time
Standard room £60-£80 2-4 hours
Stairs and landing £75-£120 Around half a day
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A few things can push labour costs up:

  • A large room, or rooms with alcoves or an unusual shape, which need more cutting and take more time.
  • Staircases with several turns or winders.
  • Disposing of offcuts and excess carpet, which may add around £20 to £30 if not arranged in advance.
  • Working in higher-cost areas such as London.

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?

There are a variety of factors that will affect how much it costs to lay your new carpet, and one 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 elsewhere in the UK.

But just how much could your location affect the cost of fitting your new carpet? We look at how much average carpet fitting prices vary by region 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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Within each region, prices can also vary between cities. For example, carpet fitting in London and Brighton is often at the higher end of the range, while cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow are usually closer to the national average unless labour demand is particularly high.

Carpet fitting labour costs can rise during busy periods such as late summer and autumn, when many people book flooring work before winter or after home renovations. In larger cities, labour costs may also be higher where parking, access, or disposal are more difficult, while quieter periods and smaller towns can sometimes offer more competitive fitting rates.

City Typical Bedroom Carpet Cost (12m², fitted)
London £540
Birmingham £430
Manchester £395
Leeds £385
Cardiff £410
Glasgow £455
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Factors That Impact Carpet Laying Costs

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

  • Size and Shape of Area - A large room costs 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. The carpet type and quality you choose also affect the price, with natural options such as wool and sisal costing more 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 20% to 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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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.

Underlay

Underlay sits under your carpet to add comfort, warmth, and soundproofing, and to help it last longer. Costs vary by type.

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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The difference in price comes down to the quality and material, but not all underlay types suit all carpet types.

  • Felt - Traditional choice with a high wool content, so it insulates well and suits woven carpets.
  • PU Foam - Soft and popular, made from recycled foam, and good value.
  • Crumb Rubber - Firm and hard-wearing, made from recycled tyres, and good for stairs and high-traffic areas.
  • Combination - Layers of crumb rubber and felt for a good all-round option.
  • Sponge Rubber - Soft underfoot and available in waffle or flat versions.

Gripper Rods & Thresholds

Typical cost - £10 to £15 for an average 12m² room

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 (door bars) 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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Removal & Disposal of Old Carpet

Typical cost - £20

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. Carpet fitters 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 choose to charge a flat rate of around £20 to dispose of your old carpet.

If you're replacing old carpet with new carpet rather than changing the flooring type, the total carpet replacement cost usually includes lifting and disposing of the existing carpet, new underlay, gripper rods, and fitting. For an average bedroom, this typically costs £430 to £500, depending on the carpet chosen and whether any floor repairs are needed first.

How much should it cost to remove old carpet?

"Usually around £25 to £50 per room, depending on the size of the room or area being removed."

Floor Repairs

Typical cost - £100 to £400+

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

An uneven or sloping subfloor may also need levelling with a self-levelling compound before the carpet is fitted.

Furniture Clearance

Typical cost - £50 to £100

Fitters will usually move light furniture aside, but a full clear-out of a heavily furnished room is not always included. You may need a handyman to shift heavy items, or short-term storage while the work is done.

Refitting Doors

Typical cost - £20 to £50 per door

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.

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. The average price of carpet per m² varies widely depending on the material:

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."

What's Involved in Getting a Carpet Fitted?

Getting a carpet fitted involves measuring the room, preparing the subfloor, laying the underlay, then fitting, stretching, and trimming the carpet for a neat finish. If you'd rather leave it to a pro, you can get free quotes from local carpet fitters.

Before the Job Starts

  • Measuring Up – Your fitter or supplier measures the area to work out how much carpet you need.
  • Prepping the Room – Furniture is moved aside and any old carpet, underlay, and grippers are lifted, with loose boards or nails fixed so the subfloor is ready before your new carpet arrives.

During the Job

  • Grippers and Underlay – New carpet grippers are fitted around the room and fresh underlay is cut to size and fixed down to create a smooth, cushioned base.
  • Laying the Carpet – The carpet is cut to size, positioned, and any joins are made, then it is stretched tightly onto the grippers to prevent sagging or bumps.
  • Trimming and Finishing – The edges are trimmed and tucked in, door bars are fitted, and the door is adjusted if needed so it opens and closes properly.

After the Job

  • Replacing Furniture – If you asked the fitter to move your furniture, they will put the room back as it was.
  • Cleaning Up – The fitter clears away all offcuts and waste and hands over any paperwork or guarantees.

Carpet Alternatives

laminate flooring being measured during an installation job

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 how much these alternatives cost:

Flooring Type Average Cost per m²
Laminate Flooring £5 - £15
Wood Flooring £20 - £75
Tile Flooring £20 - £100
Vinyl Flooring £7 - £30
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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).
  • Are they insured? Carpet installers should have public liability insurance to cover injuries to themselves, or damage to your property during installation.
  • 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.

FAQs

Do I Need to Remove Skirting Boards Before Having New Carpet Fitted?

No, you don't usually need to remove skirting boards to have a carpet fitted, as fitters leave a small gap and tuck the trimmed carpet edges into it for a neat finish. If you're replacing your skirting boards at the same time, it's easier to fit them after the carpet is laid.

Can Carpet Be Fitted Over Existing Flooring?

Carpet can sometimes be laid over hard flooring like laminate or vinyl, but it's not always recommended. The subfloor needs to be level and stable, and any existing carpet should always be removed first.

How Often Should I Clean My New Carpet?

Vacuum your carpet once or twice a week to stop dirt grinding into the pile, and daily for the first week or so while a new carpet finishes shedding. It's also worth a deep clean every 12 to 18 months, with professional carpet cleaning costs around £200. Use our carpet cleaning cost calculator for an estimate.

Should I Use the Same Supplier for Carpet and Fitting?

Using the same company for supply and fitting is often the simplest option, as you get one point of contact if anything goes wrong rather than the fitter and supplier blaming each other. That said, sourcing the carpet separately and hiring an independent fitter can sometimes work out cheaper.

What Time of Year Is Carpet the Cheapest?

It is often cheaper to buy carpet during major retail sale periods such as after Christmas, late summer, and Black Friday promotions, when many flooring retailers reduce stock and offer fitting discounts. You may also find better deals at quieter times of year when carpet fitters have fewer bookings, which can make labour rates more flexible.

What to Avoid When Buying Carpet?

Avoid picking a carpet on looks or lowest price alone, as cheaper options often wear out quickly in busy areas and need replacing sooner. Check the pile, backing, and durability rating too, especially for stairs, hallways, and family homes, since a cheap carpet can cost more once you add better underlay, extra fitting, or wastage from pattern matching.

What Style of Carpet Lasts the Longest?

For durability, twist pile carpets usually last the longest and are often the best value for high-traffic areas such as stairs, hallways, and living rooms. While some premium wool carpets also last for many years, twist carpets usually offer the best balance between durability and cost.

Can I Lay Carpet Myself?

You can lay carpet yourself in a simple square or rectangular room with the right tools and accurate measurements, but awkward shapes and stairs are much harder to get right. Poor fitting can cause faster wear or trip hazards, so trickier jobs are usually best left to a professional. If you'd like to try it, see our guide on how to lay carpet.
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