Professional carpet fitting covers more than laying the carpet. A good fitter lifts the old floor, checks the subfloor, fits new gripper and underlay, stretches the carpet tight, hides the joins and finishes every doorway with a bar. Here is what happens at each stage, how long it takes, and what to ask before you book, from the team that fits carpets for our shop on Steeley Lane, Chorley, and across the surrounding towns.
What’s included in carpet fitting?
| Stage | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | Every room, stair and doorway is measured, and the join positions are planned | Avoids visible seams and running short |
| Uplift | The old carpet and underlay are lifted and taken away | New carpet needs a clean, flat base |
| Subfloor check | Boards are checked for loose or squeaky spots, and old staples and nails are removed | Bumps show through new carpet |
| Gripper | New gripper rods are fixed around the edge of the room | Holds the carpet tight |
| Underlay | Underlay is laid and taped at the joins | Comfort, warmth, sound and longer wear |
| Fitting | The carpet is stretched, trimmed and tucked at the skirting | Stops rippling later |
| Finishing | Door bars are fitted and the room is cleaned up | Neat, safe edges between floors |
Why free carpet measuring matters
Carpet comes in fixed roll widths, usually 4 m or 5 m. The fitter has to plan where the joins fall, which way the pile runs and how much extra is needed for pattern matching. A home measure also shows the things you can’t see from a tape measure alone: uneven boards, a concrete floor that may still be damp, or stairs with an unusual turn.
Our measure is free. We bring samples to your home so you can see them in your own light, and we give you an instant quote. If you’re still choosing where to buy, read how to choose a good carpet shop first.
How long does carpet fitting take?
Most single rooms are fitted in a day. Larger jobs and full-house refits are usually scheduled over 2 to 3 days. With us, most jobs are fitted within two working days of the measure, and we confirm the timings on your quote.
Stairs take longer than a room of the same size, because every step and nosing is fitted by hand. If you’re doing the stairs too, see our stair carpets and runners page.
How to prepare for fitting day
- Empty the furniture. We move standard furniture as part of the job, but wardrobes, drawers and bookcases need to be empty first.
- Tell us about anything fragile or wall-mounted, such as a TV, mirror or glass cabinet.
- Clear the way from the door to the room, so the carpet roll can be carried in.
- Someone over 18 needs to be home to let us in and check the work at the end. You don’t need to stay for the whole job.
- Plan for the doors. If the new carpet and underlay are thicker than the old floor, a door may catch. Ask about this at the measure.
What does carpet fitting cost?
The cost depends on the size of the room, the number of stairs, the underlay you choose, and whether the old floor needs lifting. That’s why a fair quote lists each item separately: carpet, underlay, gripper, door bars, fitting, and uplift and disposal. Our carpets start from £6.99 per square yard, and the measure and quote are free.
There are a few ways to pay less:
- Free fitting for NHS staff, teachers, police officers and charity workers. Ask about the terms when you book.
- Free uplift and removal of the old carpet for pensioners.
- 10% off when you bring us a written quote from another retailer.
- Landlords can use our £799 full-house deal, which covers carpet and fitting for up to 75 m².
How to spot a good carpet fitter
After a carpet fitter has finished, walk the room in socks. The carpet should feel tight, with no ripples or soft spots at the edges. Joins should be hard to find, and the pile should run the same way across the whole room. Look closely at the doorways and skirting: the edges should be tucked in neatly with no gaps or frayed ends. On the stairs, the carpet should be tight over every nosing, with no movement when you step on it.
Before you book, check recent Google reviews for comments about the fitters by name, timekeeping and how the house was left. A shop that uses its own carpet fitters can tell you exactly who is coming.
Frequently asked questions
Do carpet fitters move furniture?
We do. Moving standard furniture is included. Please empty wardrobes, drawers and bookcases first, and tell us about anything fragile or wall-mounted.
Do I need new underlay with new carpet?
In most cases, yes. Old underlay flattens over time and can leave the new carpet feeling hard and wearing faster. Ask at the measure whether your old underlay is in good enough condition to keep.
Can I buy carpet and fit it myself?
Yes. We supply carpet without fitting if you’d rather do it yourself. Ask about roll ends, which are often the best value in the shop.
Do I need to be at home on fitting day?
Someone over 18 needs to let the fitters in and check the work at the end. You don’t need to stay for the whole job.
Next steps
Meet our carpet fitters in Chorley, or book a free home measure and we’ll bring samples to you. You can also call us on 01257 228 582.
Book a Free Home Measure
We bring samples to your home, measure every room and give you an instant quote.
