Summary: How much does it cost to carpet a house, average carpet labour installation costs, average carpet prices and average cost to carpet a room.
On moving into a home the first thing many people do is replace the carpets. This can give a whole new feel to the house and make it seem brand new. It is always a good idea to get this job done before moving furniture in if possible. However if you already live in the house and have decided that you need a completely new look, then the best way to do it is to get a few rooms done at a time. Furniture can then be moved around from room to room. Although having a whole house carpeted is quite a disruptive job, the end result is well worth it.
Average Cost
| Job | Average Cost | Updated | Quote |
| Carpet (m²) | £10 – £60 (m²) | 2019 | n/a |
| Carpet underlay (m²) | £3.50 – £6.00 (m²) | 2019 | n/a |
| Gripper rods (Per metre) | £1.00 – £2.10 (Per metre) | 2019 | n/a |
Factors to consider
Many people prefer the same carpet throughout a house. This gives an uncluttered clean look and the flow of the house is enhanced. It is not vital to do this, however, as the quality of a carpet in a bedroom need not be the same quality as in a hallway where traffic is heavy. If you are carpeting on a budget then bedroom carpet can be the cheapest option for a bedroom where there is little foot traffic. You might also like to use paler colours as it is less likely that anyone will go in there with dirty shoes on.
You might see rolls of carpet in the shop. These are often leftovers from a bigger job and can work out cheaper so these are well worth a look, particularly when it comes to a bedroom as there may be a carpet there in just the right size. This way you could end up with a good quality carpet at a low price.
You could probably carpet an average sized detached house for around £2,500 with average quality carpet. This would include the underlay and the fitting. The sky is the limit really when it comes to carpet and you could spend ten times more if you wanted to. The best place to start is at your local carpet shop or factory outlet. There will be dozens of samples for you to look at and it can be overwhelming. However the staff will be trained to know all there is to know about carpets, the way they are made, the way the pile sits and what carpets are suitable for what rooms. So ask plenty of questions and you will end up with what is right for you.
Costs to consider
If you decide on a particular carpet then look at the price per square metre. Measure all the rooms in which you want the carpet to be fitted and don’t forget the stairs. Take the measurements to your chosen company and they will calculate the final price for you. Some companies offer free installation on the more expensive carpets. However it is likely that the cost to fit will have been factored in to the cost of the carpet. Don’t be afraid to bargain if you are carpeting a whole house. This is a big job for any company who will be delighted to take your order. You might be able to get something off the price of fitting or perhaps some money off the price per square metre. It is definitely worth a try.
Carpet underlay is almost always vital to the feel of a carpet. It will also add to the life of a carpet. There are various grades of underlay and a heavier duty underlay will be suitable for a hallway or lounge where a cheaper one will suffice for a bedroom. If you have a home office then tell the carpet company. They will provide you with a special underlay that will be glued to the carpet above it. This is so that when you are using furniture such as office chairs which are often on castors the carpet will not become lumpy over time through movement.
Axminster carpet, made in the UK, is arguably the best carpet on the market. This carpet almost never wears out so if you can afford it, this is the carpet to go for. However, there are many other makes of outstanding carpet on the market too. Pure wool or wool / polyester mixes are among the best and will clean well too. If you have small children or pets, you might consider purchasing a carpet coated with Scotchgard to help protect against any spills. Alternatively you could buy a cheap carpet and replace it in a few years time rather than have to worry what your children or cats and dogs are doing to it. Options are endless in the world of carpets so don’t rush into a decision as this is one thing that you will have to live with for some time.