Whether you're renovating a property or looking for an easy way to give a room a fresh new look, we look at the costs involved in fitting new carpet in the UK.
Replacing your carpet can be a surprisingly affordable way to transform a room, but how much does carpet fitting cost in 2026? In this guide, we look at how much carpet fitters charge in the UK and the various costs associated with a carpet fitting job.
How much does carpet fitting cost in 2026?
The cost of carpet fitting depends on several key factors, including the size of your room, the quality of the carpet you choose, and the complexity of the layout. Below are the typical average costs you can expect for carpet layers in the UK:
- Carpet fitter day rate: Carpet fitters typically charge between £150 and £250 per day for general labor.
- Cost per square metre: If they charge by area, expect to pay £4 to £8 per m² for fitting alone.
- Carpet material cost: Standard carpet ranges from £6 to £60 per m² depending on whether it is synthetic, wool, or a blend.
- Underlay cost: High-quality underlay usually costs between £5 and £15 per m².
Carpet fitting cost: Job estimator tool
To help you calculate your budget, let's look at typical room sizes in the UK and their average total cost (including basic carpet materials, underlay, grippers, and professional labor):
- Small Bedroom (approx. 9 m²): Expect to pay around £180 to £350 in total.
- Medium Living Room (approx. 16 m²): Expect to pay around £320 to £680 in total.
- Double Bedroom (approx. 12 m²): Expect to pay around £240 to £500 in total.
- Stairs and Landing: Stairs are more complex and require extra pinning. Budget around £200 to £400 for a standard staircase.
How much do carpet fitters charge per hour?
While most professional carpet fitters prefer to quote a flat rate per room or a daily rate, some smaller repairs are priced by the hour. On average, a carpet fitter charges £30 to £45 per hour in the UK. Keep in mind that many tradespeople have a minimum call-out fee of £40 to £60 to cover their travel time and fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of carpet installation
When budgeting for your project, there are several variables that can push the price up or down:
- Room shape: Square or rectangular rooms are easiest and quickest. Rooms with bay windows, alcoves, or L-shapes require complex cuts and take longer.
- Moving furniture: Most carpet fitters expect rooms to be completely clear of furniture. If they need to move heavy wardrobes or sofas, they may charge an extra £20 to £50.
- Uplift and disposal: Removing your old carpet and disposing of it responsibly takes time. Fitters charge around **£1.50 to £3.00 per m² for this service, or you can dispose of it yourself to save money.
- Subfloor preparation: If your floorboards are uneven or concrete needs screeding, this must be solved first to ensure your new carpet lies flat and doesn't wear out prematurely.
How to choose the right tradesperson for the job
Finding a reliable carpet layer is essential for a professional finish. Follow these tips to find the right tradesperson:
- Check reviews: Look for tradespeople with verified reviews and check their previous work photos.
- Get multiple quotes: Ask for at least three quotes to compare rates and understand what is included (e.g. grippers, door bars, uplift).
- Use GetBuilder: Post your job details for free on GetBuilder to connect with verified local carpet fitters. You can check ratings, read reviews, and hire securely.
