Carpet Fitting in London (12)

In most cases, yes. New carpet needs new underlay to perform at its best.

Here’s why:

• Comfort - Fresh underlay adds cushioning underfoot
• Longevity - It helps your carpet last longer by absorbing wear
• Insulation - Reduces heat loss and dampens sound
• Hygiene - Old underlay can harbour dust and allergens
• Warranties - Some carpet warranties require new underlay

That said, if your underlay is less than a year old and in excellent condition, it might be reusable.

Ask a carpet installer in London to assess it before making a decision.

While carpet fitting isn’t a regulated trade, many skilled fitters have training and accreditation.

Look out for:

• NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Floor Covering
• Membership of the NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers)
• CSCS card (for health and safety on construction sites)

At Checkatrade, we carry out up to 12 checks before tradespeople appear on our site. So whether you’re after carpets with installation, underlay fitting, or stair runners in London, you can feel more confident in who you hire.

Yes, some carpets can but it’s essential to choose carpets and underlay designed for use with underfloor heating. You’ll need to consider:

• Carpet type – Hessian-backed carpets tend to be more suitable as they allow heat to pass through more efficiently compared to felt-backed carpets, which can trap heat

• Underlay – You’ll want to go for a low-tog underlay to minimise unwanted insulation on top of your underfloor heating

• Thermostat settings – Avoid setting the temperature too high as this can damage the carpet

  For the best results, discuss carpet options with local carpet fitting experts in London who can advise on the best carpets for use with underfloor heating.

What happens if I fit the wrong carpet?

Fitting the wrong type of carpet over underfloor heating can cause several issues:

• Inefficient heating and higher energy bills caused by thick, dense carpets that trap heat and reduce the efficiency of your underfloor heating system

• Overheating – In some severe cases, trapped heat can cause the floor to overheat and damage the flooring and carpet

• Shorter lifespan of your carpet – Regular overheating can damage carpet fibres and cause premature wear and tear

  To avoid these issues, take time to research your options and speak to a carpet fitting expert to help you choose the right type of carpet for your underfloor heating system.

Yes. Most carpet fitters in London will offer a removal service for your old carpets, though some may charge extra.

If it’s not included in your quote, you have other options:

• Take it to a local recycling centre
• Hire a skip
• Donate (if it’s clean and reusable)

Important: Always check that your fitter holds a valid waste carrier licence if they’re disposing of carpet for you. It means they’re legally allowed to take away and dispose of waste materials.

Carpet fitting in the UK usually costs between £3 and £7 per m², not including the carpet itself.

If you’re buying fitted carpets with installation included, the price per square metre could rise to £15 or more, depending on the carpet quality, underlay, and fitting service.

In London, average costs for a full carpet installation including materials might look like this:

• Carpet only: £6 - £60 per m²
• Underlay and fitting: £8 - £12 per m²
• Total installed: £15 - £75 per m²

For an average UK bedroom (about 12m²), that works out at £180 - £900 all in.

A full house, or areas with stairs, will cost more due to added complexity.