Carpet Fitting Costs UK 2026: Current Prices & What Affects Your Bill

What You'll Pay for Carpet Fitting in 2026

If you're pricing up new carpet for your home, labour costs matter as much as the carpet itself. Most UK carpet fitters charge between £8 and £15 per square metre for basic installation on a flat, straightforward room. For a typical 20 square metre bedroom, that's £160 to £300 in fitting fees alone. Larger areas like lounges or open-plan spaces often attract slightly lower per-metre rates due to efficiency gains, but you'll pay more in total.

Regional variation is significant. London and the South East typically cost 20-30% more than northern England, Scotland, or Wales. A London fitter might charge £12-£15 per square metre while the same work costs £8-£11 in Manchester or Edinburgh. This reflects local market rates, property values, and travel costs rather than quality differences.

Additional charges stack up quickly. Removing old carpet costs £1.50-£3 per square metre. Underlay installation runs £2-£5 per square metre depending on type. If your subfloor needs levelling or repair, expect £150-£400 for that work before fitting even starts. Stairs add £30-£60 per flight, and fitting around complex room shapes or doorways typically costs an extra £50-£150 per room.

Breaking Down the Labour Cost Factors

Room complexity is the biggest variable affecting your quote. A rectangular lounge with minimal obstacles takes far less time than a kitchen with cabinets, multiple alcoves, and uneven flooring. Fitters charge extra for:

Rooms with alcoves, cupboards, or bay windows (add £30-£80)
Fitted kitchens or utility rooms requiring careful cutting around units (add £50-£150)
Uneven or damaged subfloors needing preparation (add £150-£500)
Carpet removal and disposal (add £1.50-£3 per square metre)
Stair fitting, including landings and twists (add £30-£60 per flight)
Securing carpet with grippers versus other methods (typically included)

Subfloor condition matters enormously. Concrete, timber, or existing vinyl each require different approaches. If your floor is uneven by more than 3mm, professional levelling becomes necessary, adding significant cost. Damp subfloors may need treatment before any carpet goes down, which can add hundreds to your bill.

Regional Price Breakdown Across the UK

Labour rates vary considerably by location, reflecting both market demand and living costs. Here's what fitters typically charge in major UK regions during 2026:

London and South East: £12-£15 per square metre. Major cities like Reading, Oxford, and Brighton sit at the higher end due to demand and travel distances from fitters' bases.
South West (Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth): £10-£12 per square metre. More affordable than London but still above northern rates.
Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester): £9-£11 per square metre. Mid-range pricing reflects balanced property values and fitter availability.
North West (Manchester, Liverpool, Chester): £8-£10 per square metre. Competitive rates and strong local fitter networks keep costs lower.
North East (Newcastle, Sunderland): £7.50-£9.50 per square metre. Among the UK's cheapest regions for carpet fitting.
Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow): £8.50-£11 per square metre. Urban centres command more than rural areas.
Wales (Cardiff, Swansea): £8-£10 per square metre. Prices vary significantly between urban and countryside locations.

These figures are 2026 rates based on current inflation trends and fitter availability. Prices in rural areas often sit 15-25% below nearby cities due to lower demand and longer travel times, which some fitters offset with call-out charges.

What's Included in Typical Carpet Fitting Quotes

A professional carpet fitter's quote should specify exactly what you're paying for. Standard fitting includes laying the carpet, cutting and seaming, securing with grippers or tackless strips, and basic waste removal. Most reputable fitters include their labour in one figure per square metre rather than itemising each part of the job.

What's NOT usually included:

Underlay (separate charge, £2-£5 per square metre)
Carpet removal and old material disposal (£1.50-£3 per square metre)
Subfloor preparation or levelling (£150-£500+)
Moving furniture (some charge £50-£150, others do it free)
Sealing or treating for stains (add £2-£4 per square metre)
Door threshold replacement (£20-£50 per threshold)

Always ask whether the quote covers gripper removal and replacement, as this protects your skirting boards and prevents gaps at room edges. Some older properties have hardwood floors or concrete that need different securing methods, and this should be discussed before work begins.

How to Get Accurate Quotes and Avoid Hidden Costs

Getting three competitive quotes is essential for carpet fitting because variation between fitters can be substantial, even within the same town. Request detailed, itemised quotes that separate labour from materials. A good fitter will visit your home to measure properly and assess any subfloor issues before quoting.

When comparing quotes, check these details:

Is removal of old carpet included, or is that extra?
Does the price include underlay, or are you paying separately?
Are complex areas like stairs, alcoves, and bay windows specifically quoted?
Is subfloor preparation included if needed?
What's the warranty on fitting (typically 1-3 years)?
When can they start, and is there a deposit requirement?
Do they move furniture, or should you clear rooms beforehand?

Red flags include vague quotes with "from £" prices, refusal to visit and measure in person, or quotes significantly lower than local averages. These may indicate inexperience or hidden charges. Authorised and insured fitters usually cost slightly more but provide recourse if problems arise after installation.

Saving Money on Carpet Fitting Without Sacrificing Quality

You can reduce fitting costs while maintaining professional standards. Timing matters: many fitters offer discounts during slower months (November-February, excluding Christmas). Clearing rooms yourself before the fitter arrives can save £50-£100 in labour costs. Combining multiple rooms into one job often brings per-metre rates down by 10-15% as the fitter works more efficiently across a larger area.

Choosing simpler carpet types and underlay reduces material costs but doesn't affect labour significantly. However, selecting robust underlay (£4-£5 per square metre) instead of budget options (£2 per square metre) extends carpet life considerably, making it a worthwhile investment. Pattern matching on patterned carpets adds time and slight extra cost compared to plain colours, but this is usually modest.

Requesting a quote for fitting only, then sourcing carpet elsewhere, works for some, but many fitters prefer full contracts and may charge slightly more for labour-only work. Ask if they offer this option before deciding. Some independent fitters undercut high-street retailers' fitting costs because they have lower overheads.

Compare Quotes From 3 Providers Today

Carpet fitting costs in 2026 vary considerably based on location, room complexity, and subfloor condition. Rather than guessing, contact three local, insured fitters for detailed quotes. Most offer free in-home measurements and quotes within 24-48 hours. You'll quickly see where local rates sit and identify any additional costs specific to your property.

Use our comparison tool to collect quotes from authorised carpet fitters in your area, then review their itemised costs against this guide. You'll spot overpriced or underpriced quotes immediately and make an informed decision based on transparent pricing rather than assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does carpet fitting typically take?
A: A straightforward 20 square metre room usually takes 2-4 hours. Larger areas, complex layouts, or additional preparation work can extend this to a full day or longer.

Q: Do I need to move my furniture before the fitter arrives?
A: Some fitters include furniture moving in their service, while others ask you to clear the room. Always clarify this when requesting a quote, as it can save or cost you £50-£150.

Q: What's the difference between gripper and tackless fitting?
A: Both methods secure carpet to the floor. Gripper strips have tiny nails that hold the carpet, whilst tackless strips use friction. Tackless strips are more modern and don't damage floorboards underneath, but both are equally durable.

Q: Is it worth upgrading underlay?
A: Yes. Better underlay (£4-£5 per square metre) provides extra cushioning, insulation, and sound absorption whilst extending carpet life by several years. Budget underlay (£2 per square metre) saves money upfront but wears out faster.

Q: Can I fit carpet myself to save money?
A: DIY fitting is possible if you have experience, but carpet fitters have specialised tools and skills that ensure a professional finish. Poor fitting can result in wrinkles, gaps, or premature wear that cost far more to fix later.

Q: What happens if my subfloor is uneven?
A: Uneven floors (more than 3mm variation) need levelling before carpet goes down, typically costing £150-£500. This prevents lumps, wrinkles, and wear patterns that ruin the carpet.