Advice
Carpet and vinyl buying guides.
Straight answers to the questions we get asked at the counter, from what carpet costs per square metre to what to do before the fitters arrive. No jargon and no sales pitch.
Cost and buying
How much does new carpet cost per square metre in 2026?
Carpet is sold by the square metre, and the fitted cost is made up of four separate things: the carpet, the underlay, the gripper ...
Carpet cost by room size, with a worked example
Multiply the room length by the width to get the floor area, then add for roll width. Carpet comes in fixed widths, usually 4m and...
What is a roll end, and why is it cheaper?
A roll end is what is left of a full roll once most of it has been sold. The carpet is identical to the rest of that roll. It cost...
Buying carpet from a warehouse versus a high street showroom
A showroom sells from sample books and orders your carpet in, usually with a wait. A warehouse sells the rolls it is standing on, ...
How to measure a room for carpet
Measure the length and the width at the widest points of the room, including any door recess or alcove, and round up to the neares...
What should a carpet quote include?
A complete quote names the carpet, the metreage, the underlay, the gripper and trims, the fitting labour, any uplift and disposal,...
Underlay explained, and whether it is worth upgrading
Underlay absorbs the impact that would otherwise wear out your carpet, adds warmth and quiet, and makes a mid priced carpet feel f...
Choosing
Twist versus loop pile versus saxony, and where each suits
Twist is a hard wearing cut pile for stairs, halls and busy rooms. Loop pile is textured and durable but not ideal with pets that ...
Wool versus synthetic carpet
Wool feels better, recovers better from furniture marks and is naturally warm, but costs more and is less forgiving with spills. S...
Carpet versus LVT versus vinyl, room by room
Use sheet vinyl or LVT where water and mud arrive, meaning kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and entrance halls. Use carpet where...
Best carpet for stairs and landings
Choose a dense, tightly constructed twist pile with a firm underlay. Stairs take more concentrated wear than any other part of a h...
Best carpet for a rental property
Pick a mid grade, bleach cleanable synthetic twist in a mid tone neutral, with a standard underlay. The cheapest carpet on the mar...
Stain resistant carpet, what it actually does
Stain resistant carpet buys you time. The fibre is made or treated so liquid sits on the surface instead of soaking in, which mean...
Carpet for pets and children
Choose a solution dyed, bleach cleanable synthetic in a cut pile rather than a loop, in a mid tone that hides everyday mess. Keep ...
Sheet vinyl versus LVT
Sheet vinyl is one continuous piece, cheaper and completely seamless in a small room, which makes it the best choice for bathrooms...
Practical
What to do before your carpet is fitted
Clear the room, deal with the old flooring, check the subfloor is sound and dry, and sort out access and parking. An hour of prepa...
How long does carpet fitting take?
A single bedroom typically takes about an hour, a straight staircase one to two hours, and a three bedroom upstairs with stairs an...
Can you fit carpet yourself?
Yes for a small, square, low traffic room, and for most sheet vinyl in a bathroom or cloakroom. No for stairs, and usually not for...
Caring for a new carpet
Vacuum regularly from the first week, deal with spills by blotting straight away, expect some shedding for the first few weeks, an...
Carpet tiles for offices and commercial spaces
Carpet tiles are the standard commercial choice because a damaged or stained tile can be swapped individually, they lift for cable...
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About these guides
- Are the prices in these guides what I will pay?
- No. The guides explain how flooring is priced and what drives the cost. For a real figure, send your room sizes and get a free no-obligation quote.
- Which guide should I read first?
- If you are early on, start with the cost and fibre guides. If you have already chosen, go to the measuring and preparation guides.
- Can the team answer a question the guides do not cover?
- Yes. Over 40 years of trading means most questions have come up before, so call either warehouse.
- Do I still need a fitter if I follow the guides?
- For stairs and large rooms, usually yes. We work with trusted, fully vetted local fitters across Kent, or you can use your own.